The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to achieve positive results in the tourism sector, ranking seventh globally in terms of international tourist spending in 2022, surpassing regional and global spending averages.
The local tourist spending on tourism last year amounted to AED 46.9 billion, and it is expected to increase to AED 48.6 billion this year, with a growth of 3.7%. Furthermore, it is anticipated to reach AED 63 billion in 2033 with an annual growth rate of 2.6%. The local spending on tourism accounted for 28.5% of the total spending within the country. In contrast, the spending by international tourists on tourism in the UAE accounted for 71.5%.
The volume of international tourist spending in the UAE increased from AED 47.5 billion in 2020 to AED 71.2 billion in 2021, reaching AED 117.6 billion last year. Expectations are that it will reach AED 133.6 billion this year.
A report from the World Travel and Tourism Council projected a 13.6% increase in the volume of spending by international tourists on tourism in the UAE by the end of this year, reaching AED 133.6 billion compared to about AED 117.6 billion in the previous year.
According to a detailed report on tourism indicators for the UAE, it is expected that the number of international tourists arriving in the UAE by 2033 will be around 45.5 million tourists, with an expected spending volume of AED 195 billion, with an annual growth of 3.9%.
The contribution of travel and tourism to the UAE’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to reach AED 180.6 billion (USD 49.2 billion) this year, contributing 9.9% to the total GDP in the country. This is equivalent to about 98.5% of its contribution in 2019, which was AED 183.4 billion.
Regarding local spending on tourism, it increased from AED 27.8 billion in 2020 to AED 34.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach AED 46.9 billion in 2022. Expectations are that it will reach AED 48.6 billion this year.
During the past year, the contribution of the tourism and travel sector to the GDP increased by 60.2%, reaching AED 166.7 billion, representing 9% of the total GDP.
The positive trends in tourism indicate the UAE’s continued success in attracting both international and domestic tourists, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth and diversification efforts.