UAE 7th in world for international tourist spending

The UAE ranked seventh worldwide for tourism spending in 2024, according to a report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

 

International visitor spending reached AED217.3 billion (US$59.2 billion) in 2024, with projections indicating a further increase of 5.2% in 2025.

 

Since 2019, international tourism spending in the UAE has grown by 30.4%, a rate about five times higher than the global average increase of 6% over the same period.

 

This growth has contributed to the UAE’s tourism sector generating AED257.3 billion (US$70.1 billion) for the country’s GDP in 2024, representing 13% of the national economy, according to the WTTC report.

 

“The UAE ranks among the world’s top seven destinations for international tourist spending, surpassing countries that have been in this industry for centuries,” said HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

 

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“We welcome tourists, delight in attracting investors, embrace talent and build the best environment for living, tourism and visitation," he added.

 

Key source markets for international visitors were India (14%), UK (8%), Russia (8%), China (5%) Saudi Arabia (5%) and the rest of the world (60%).

 

​​Saudi Arabia is also experiencing strong momentum in its tourism sector, with the kingdom attracting a record 116 million tourists, up 6%, with inbound tourism alone accounting for SAR 168.5 billion (US$44.9 billion), marking a 19% rise from 2023. 

 

Across the Middle East, tourism spending is projected to climb nearly 50% by 2030, reaching close to US$350 billion, according to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025. 

 

The report highlights robust growth in business travel, luxury tourism and sporting events, with regional travel spending expected to exceed 2019 levels by 54% in 2025 and maintain an annual growth rate of more than 7% through 2030. 

 

Improved air connectivity, national tourism strategies and major development projects are all contributing to the region’s rapid expansion as a global travel hub. 

 

For more information, visit wttc.org

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