UAE Hotel Revenues Surpass $7 Billion in First Half of 2025

Dubai, UAE – September 10, 2025 - The UAE’s hospitality sector achieved impressive growth in the first half of 2025, with hotel establishment revenues exceeding $7.07 billion (AED 26 billion). This marks a 6.3% increase compared to the same period last year, according to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council.

Hotel occupancy rates reached 80.5% during the first six months of the year, reflecting sustained momentum in one of the country’s most vital economic sectors. The strong performance highlights the success of public-private partnerships and aligns with the objectives of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to raise the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy to AED 450 billion (approximately $122.5 billion) by the next decade.

Third Emirates Tourism Council Meeting

The announcement was made during the third meeting of the Emirates Tourism Council in 2025, attended by the chairpersons and directors general of tourism authorities from across the UAE.

During the meeting, Bin Touq emphasized the government’s focus on tourism as a strategic driver of non-oil GDP growth and a cornerstone of the UAE’s transition to a diversified, future-ready economy.

“Through the Emirates Tourism Council, we continue our efforts to promote sustainable tourism development in the country by fostering effective partnerships between the public and private sectors and launching innovative initiatives and projects,” Bin Touq said. “These efforts not only drive tourism growth but also create exceptional travel experiences, offer unique opportunities to Emirati talents, and strengthen our national tourism identity on the global stage.”

Key Topics and Initiatives Reviewed

The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including tourism initiatives and projects designed to enhance the sector’s competitiveness in the coming years. Discussions focused on:

• Mechanisms for implementation of new initiatives
• Coordination between tourism authorities and the private sector
• Progress updates on recommendations from previous meetings

The Council reviewed tourism achievements from the first nine months of the year and examined plans for 2026 development projects, aimed at further cementing the UAE’s position as a leading regional and global tourism hub.

Upcoming UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit

A key highlight of the meeting was the UAE’s preparations to host the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit on October 27, part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World). The event will bring together tourism ministers and senior officials from 53 African countries.

The summit will serve as a strategic platform to:

• Strengthen partnerships between the UAE and African nations
• Explore joint investment opportunities in tourism infrastructure
• Promote sustainable hospitality and specialized tourism products
• Position the UAE as a trusted partner in tourism investment and a gateway connecting African and global markets

Sustained Growth and Strategic Vision

The continued rise in hotel revenues and occupancy rates reflects the UAE’s long-term vision to diversify its economy and develop tourism as a central pillar of growth. With robust infrastructure, world-class attractions, and strong government support, the UAE is well on its way to achieving its 2031 tourism strategy goals.

The Council’s efforts, combined with landmark events like the UAE-Africa Summit, will ensure the sector’s steady growth while reinforcing the UAE’s reputation as a premier international tourism and investment destination.