The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is proving to be a top contender in the global tourism industry, with its two most prominent cities, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, reporting impressive visitor numbers and setting ambitious targets for the future.
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has set a goal of attracting over 24 million visitors to the Emirate by the end of 2023. This comes after a successful 2022, which saw hotel occupancy rates exceeding the Middle East average at 70% and 18 million visitors, representing a 13% increase from the previous year. Visitors from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UK, and USA contributed to Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry, which aims to build on its success by providing unique experiences for visitors throughout the year.
In Dubai, the most populous city in the UAE, the Department of Economy and Tourism reports that the city welcomed 3.1 million visitors in the first two months of 2023. This is a significant increase from the previous year, with January alone seeing a 50% year-on-year increase in visitor numbers. Dubai is on track to surpass its pre-pandemic record of 16.73 million tourists in 2019, with 14.36 million international visitors in 2021.
Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are investing heavily in their tourism industries, with new attractions and events being developed to entice visitors. Abu Dhabi is focusing on providing unique experiences for visitors through initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi Culture Summit and the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Meanwhile, Dubai is home to iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah, as well as new attractions like Dubai Parks and Resorts.
Annual events and festivals are also key drivers of tourism in the UAE. Abu Dhabi’s Formula One race, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, is held every November and draws visitors from around the world. In Dubai, the Dubai Shopping Festival is a month-long celebration of shopping and entertainment held every January.
The UAE’s tourism industry is becoming increasingly important to its economy, and both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are positioning themselves as premier destinations for visitors from around the world. With ambitious targets set by both emirates and increasing visitor numbers, it is clear that the region’s tourism industry is set for continued growth in the years to come.
