UAE Captures 36% of Gulf Region's International Visitors, Solidifying Its Tourism Dominance

The UAE captured 36% of all international tourists visiting Gulf Cooperation Council countries last year, welcoming 26 million visitors out of the region's total 72.2 million. This dominance positions the Emirates as the Gulf's tourism powerhouse, with spending from international visitors reaching $59 billion and contributing 13% to the country's GDP.

The numbers show just how far the UAE has come in building its tourism industry. While other Gulf states have oil as their main economic driver, the Emirates has successfully created a diverse tourism ecosystem that now rivals established global destinations.

The Gulf region as a whole saw remarkable growth, with international tourist arrivals jumping 51.5% compared to 2019 levels. Total tourism revenue across GCC countries hit $119.6 billion, representing 7.5% of global tourism earnings. But the UAE stands out even within this success story.

International tourist spending in the Emirates reached 217.3 billion dirhams ($59 billion) last year, making it one of the world's top seven destinations for international visitor expenditure. The tourism and travel sector's contribution to UAE's GDP grew to 257.3 billion dirhams ($70.1 billion), up 3.2% from 2023 and 26% higher than pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

The growth trajectory looks set to continue. The World Travel and Tourism Council expects the UAE to welcome 29 million international tourists this year, an 11.5% increase. International visitor spending could reach a record 228.5 billion dirhams in 2025, growing 37.1% compared to 2019 levels.

For investors and policymakers, these figures highlight how the UAE's tourism strategy is paying off. The country has invested heavily in infrastructure, from world-class airports to luxury hotels and entertainment complexes. Events like Expo 2020 Dubai and major sporting tournaments have raised the UAE's global profile.

The broader Gulf tourism market is worth watching too. The travel and tourism sector's added value across GCC countries reached $247.1 billion by end-2024, up 31.9% from 2019. The UAE accounts for 28.4% of the Gulf's total tourism GDP contribution.

Looking ahead, projections suggest the tourism sector could contribute 13.3% to the Gulf's combined GDP by 2034, equivalent to $371.2 billion. This growth reflects how Gulf states are using tourism as a key tool for economic diversification, reducing their dependence on oil revenues while creating jobs and attracting foreign investment.

The UAE's success offers lessons for other emerging tourism markets. Building world-class infrastructure, hosting major events, and creating diverse attractions can transform a country's tourism prospects relatively quickly. But it requires sustained investment and strategic planning to compete with established destinations.