Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi begins implementing a new strategy to transform the emirate into a regional and global tourism destination.
The strategy will generate an estimated 178,000 new jobs by 2030 as the entire tourism infrastructure develops to meet this demand. It intends to almost double international overnight visitors from 3.8 million in 2023 approximately to 7.2 million in 2030, expand hotel room availability from 34,000 in 2023 to 52,000 by 2030, and further enhance the holiday home segment to diversify accommodation options.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved the new Tourism Strategy 2030 for the emirate.
Partnerships
The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi announced that, in cooperation with strategic partners, it will begin implementing the emirate’s tourism strategy 2030, with the aim of developing the sustainable tourism sector in Abu Dhabi and increasing the number of its visitors to approximately 39 million. This will help raise the tourism sector’s contribution to the state’s gross domestic product to Dh90 billion in 2030.
Millions of visitors
According to the new tourism strategic plan, Abu Dhabi aims to receive about 39.3 million tourists by the year 2030, with the aim of significantly raising the contribution of the tourism and travel sector to the gross domestic product of the United Arab Emirates, as it will rise from about Dh49 billion in 2023 to Dh90 billion dirhams annually by 2030.
The strategy will also help increase visitor numbers from approximately 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030, with a growth of 7 percent year-on-year.
Led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the ambitious blueprint signals a new era of expansion and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector.
Pivotal moment
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "The Tourism Strategy 2030 marks a pivotal moment in Abu Dhabi’s transformative journey, representing a vital lever in our ongoing evolution. Delivered alongside our key partners, the strategy underscores our steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable growth and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector. Through carefully crafted initiatives that will unlock economic opportunities, amplify our distinctive culture and enhance the emirate’s value proposition, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant and prosperous future that transcends generations."
26 key initiatives
To achieve the strategy’s goals, 26 key initiatives have been identified across four strategic pillars: Offering and City Activation; Promotion & Marketing; Infrastructure & Mobility; and Visa, Licensing, and Regulations.
These pillars form the foundation of Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive approach to realising its ambitious tourism targets and fostering sustainable growth in the sector.
Collective vision
The initiatives will be unlocked through the collective vision of DCT Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), and other key government and private stakeholders, who play a strategic role in bringing Abu Dhabi’s tourism vision to life.
First pillar
The first pillar, Offering and City Activation, looks to further enhance the overall guest experience by unveiling additional cultural sites, theme parks, retails offerings and new hotel chains. Overall boosting the emirate’s events calendar of year-round concerts, festivals, and family events. The dining landscape will diversify significantly, offering expanded options including the introduction of culinary schools and training programmes.
Promotions
DCT Abu Dhabi will also more than double its Promotion and Marketing efforts, expanding its international reach from 11 to 26 markets and enhancing synergy within Abu Dhabi's tourism ecosystem.
It will also establish strategic global partnerships with media outlets and well-known brands for high-profile collaborations, creating compelling, market-specific content across various touchpoints.
Mobility pillar
The strategy’s Infrastructure and Mobility pillar will increase hotel room availability across various categories, including accessible and luxury options, glamping, and farm stays. Through valued collaborations, the emirate is set to enhance roads, public transport, and infrastructure, simplifying travel within and boosting visitor inflow through increased flight seat capacity with both local and international airlines.
Easy visa procedure
Lastly, both visitor experience and tourism business operations will be greatly enhanced with streamlined Visa, Licensing and Regulation processes. In collaboration with relevant government agencies, enhanced platforms and processes will reduce time frames for all applications and permits, to improve the ease of doing business and attract investment.
Massive tourist influx
In 2023, Abu Dhabi's tourism sector saw a remarkable surge, welcoming nearly 24 million visitors. The 27 per cent rise in hotel guests and 54 per cent increase in international guests bolstered the economy with an approximate Dh49 billion contribution to the UAE’s GDP.
Tourists from around the world
Arrivals from key international markets like India, Russia, the UK, China and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia played a pivotal role in 2023.
The tourists were attracted by the emirate’s vibrant array of over 150 events, its pristine beaches and natural landscapes, as well as its cultural sites such as Qasr Al Hosn, Qasr al Watan and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which attracted more than 8.7 million visitors.
Offerings across museums, cultural festivals and art exhibitions saw record-setting attendance at Louvre Abu Dhabi and the inaugural Manar Abu Dhabi public art exhibition, underscoring the emirate’s diverse appeal.
Major factors
Visitor numbers were further boosted by a 44 per cent increase in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. With 960,000 delegates across 2,477 events exploring Abu Dhabi’s attractions and dining options, the food and beverage sector saw a resultant 21 per cent revenue increase. In addition, flagship entertainment events like the MOTN Festival and the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, along with cultural milestones such as the Al Hosn Festival and the Liwa Festival, further solidified Abu Dhabi’s position as a global centre for leisure and tourism.