Dubai: The UAE is positioning itself for major advancements in the hospitality and tourism sectors, aiming to significantly increase its contribution to the country’s GDP. By 2031, the UAE is targeting an impressive 16 percent GDP contribution from these sectors, compared to the current 11.7 percent in 2023. To achieve this ambitious goal, the UAE plans to secure an additional AED 220 billion in economic growth.
A key part of this plan is a substantial investment of AED 450 billion in the hotel industry over the next seven years. The UAE is also focused on promoting tourism in the Northern Emirates, such as Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, with a strong emphasis on wellness and medical tourism. This strategic initiative was presented at the Future Hospitality Summit held in Dubai, with UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, leading the announcement.
The hospitality sector has already seen significant growth, with over 73 million visitors arriving at UAE airports in the first half of 2024. The country boasts more than 1,200 hotels, making it one of the leading destinations in terms of visitor accommodation. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the UAE’s tourism sector grew by 26% last year, contributing AED 220 billion to the national GDP.
As the UAE continues to expand its tourism infrastructure, this growth will create a wealth of job opportunities. Currently, around 800,000 people are employed in the UAE’s tourism industry, accounting for 12% of the workforce. Through collaborations with the Nafis program, the UAE aims to attract more UAE nationals to the tourism sector, while also opening up opportunities for youth from other countries. These projects are set to significantly boost employment and drive the UAE’s economic success in the coming years.
