Dubai, UAE – As the glittering skyscrapers of the United Arab Emirates continue to pierce the Arabian sky, the nation’s travel and tourism industry is poised for its most dazzling performance yet. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the sector will pump a staggering $72.2 billion into the UAE economy in 2025—nearly 13 percent of national GDP—outpacing the economic contribution of entire industries in some neighboring states.
From Skyscrapers to Sand Dunes: A Record-Breaking Spend
International visitors are set to splurge an eye-watering $61.7 billion this year—a 37 percent jump over 2019—enough to purchase over 150,000 brand-new luxury cars. Meanwhile, domestic adventurers aren’t holding back: Emirati and resident travelers will contribute another $16.2 billion, up 47 percent from pre-pandemic levels, reveling in staycations at heritage-style desert camps and five-star resorts by the Persian Gulf.
Jobs on the Rise: Tourism as the New Employer of Choice
With more than 925,000 roles supported by the end of 2025—up from 898,600 in 2024—tourism has become a magnet for jobseekers, from hospitality graduates to drone-pilot tour guides. By 2035, WTTC forecasts suggest over 1 million UAE jobs will be linked to travel and tourism, a testament to the sector’s power to shape career landscapes.
Vision 2031: The Grand Design
These gains aren’t accidental. The UAE’s Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter have prioritized sustainability—aiming for a 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions per visitor—and cutting-edge connectivity. Dubai’s Expo 2020 legacy alone welcomed 24 million visitors, boosting the hotel scene from 34,000 rooms in 2023 to a projected 52,000 by 2030. Abu Dhabi’s $10 billion push will elevate annual arrivals from 24 million to 39.3 million in the same span.
Art, Tech, and Tomorrow’s Thrills
Culture vultures can wander the serene galleries of Louvre Abu Dhabi or join the immersive TeamLab Phenomena, a 17,000 m² sensory playground that reacts to every flutter and footprint. Looking ahead, Yas Island will host Disney’s most technologically advanced park “early in the 2030s,” featuring autonomous rides and augmented-reality spectacles.
“From dune-bashing safaris that have become Instagram sensations to themed underwater hotels,” says WTTC President Julia Simpson, “the UAE exemplifies how vision translates into visitor delight and economic dynamism.” The Emirates, with their soaring statistics and constantly evolving attractions, are redefining how travel drives prosperity and excitement worldwide.
