UAE Captures 40% of Gulf's International Tourist Spending Pie

The UAE captures 40% of all international tourist spending across Gulf Cooperation Council countries this year, cementing its position as the region's tourism powerhouse. With $62.2 billion in expected tourist spending, the Emirates significantly outpaces its neighbors in attracting global visitors and their wallets.

According to World Travel and Tourism Council data, total international tourist spending across GCC countries is projected to reach $157.2 billion in 2025. The UAE's $62.2 billion share represents a slight dip from last year's 42% ($59.2 billion out of $140.8 billion total), but still maintains its dominant position in the regional market.

The numbers tell a compelling story about the UAE's tourism strategy. While the country expects to welcome 29 million international tourists in 2025 - about 32% of the GCC's total 90 million visitors - these tourists spend significantly more per capita than visitors to neighboring countries. This higher spending pattern reflects the UAE's focus on attracting affluent travelers and positioning itself as a premium destination.

Tourism employment shows the sector's growing importance to the UAE economy. The country accounts for 22% of direct tourism jobs across the GCC this year, with 479,200 positions. When including indirect employment, the UAE's tourism sector supports 925,000 jobs - 21% of the region's total tourism-related employment of 4.4 million.

The UAE's tourism sector contributed 257.3 billion dirhams ($70.1 billion) to the national GDP in 2024, representing 13% of the economy. This marks a 3.2% increase from 2023 and a substantial 26% jump compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. These figures place the UAE among the world's top destinations where tourism plays a major economic role.

International visitor spending within the UAE has shown consistent growth since 2021, rising from 107 billion dirhams that year to 217.3 billion dirhams in 2024. The trajectory reflects the country's successful recovery from pandemic impacts and its ability to attract high-spending visitors.

Looking ahead, projections suggest another record year in 2025. International visitor spending is expected to reach 228.5 billion dirhams, representing a 5% increase from 2024 and 37% above the previous 2019 peak. The tourism sector's total economic contribution is forecast to grow 4% to 267.5 billion dirhams, maintaining its 13% share of national GDP.

For investors and policymakers, these figures highlight the UAE's successful diversification strategy. The country has built a tourism economy that doesn't just compete on volume but on value, attracting visitors who spend more and stay longer. This approach provides economic stability and positions the UAE as the Gulf's undisputed tourism leader, even as regional competition intensifies with Saudi Arabia's ambitious tourism projects and Qatar's growing hospitality sector.