Find out UAE ranking in world tourism sector
The UAE tourism sector is expected to reach AED 236 billion in 2024, representing 12% of the GDP
Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has achieved a significant milestone in the travel and tourism industry, jumping from 25th place globally to 18th according to the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024.
This impressive climb makes the UAE the top-ranked country in the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Strong performance across various categories
The WEF report assesses various factors and policies that contribute to a sustainable and resilient environment for the travel and tourism sector. This, in turn, supports a country's overall sustainable development. The report analyzes the economies of 119 countries based on five sub-indexes and 17 pillars, encompassing 102 individual indicators.
These indicators cover areas like the enabling environment, travel and tourism policy and infrastructure, infrastructure and services, travel and tourism resources, and sector sustainability.
The UAE boasts impressive rankings across these categories. The country holds the top global position in travel and tourism data provision and air transport infrastructure. Additionally, it ranks second in infrastructure and services, and third in data comprehensiveness, air transport services efficiency, and tourism policy and infrastructure. Notably, the UAE leads globally in six indicators, ranks among the top five in 15 indicators, and the top 10 for 27 indicators. The report also highlights progress in 32 indicators for the UAE.
UAE leadership praises strategic tourism growth
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE's Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, credited the country's wise leadership for this achievement. He highlighted the ongoing success of the UAE tourism sector, both regionally and internationally. These advancements, he said, solidify the UAE's position as a leading global tourism destination.
This achievement aligns perfectly with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to make the country the world's premier tourist destination by the next decade.
Continued tourism growth expected
The UAE's tourism sector is expected to experience continued growth throughout 2024. This momentum is driven by several factors, including pioneering projects and initiatives, sophisticated infrastructure built to global standards, and exceptional tourism products and services designed to attract visitors worldwide.
National efforts are also underway to develop strong tourism policies and enhance the sector's contribution to the UAE's GDP, all in line with the country's "We the UAE 2031" vision.
UAE recognized for global tourism leadership
H.E. Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), praised the UAE's success in solidifying its status as a top global tourism destination. She attributed this achievement to the UAE's comprehensive strategy, guided by its wise leadership, which focuses on economic diversification. "The latest Index results highlight the UAE's competitiveness in the tourism sector, a crucial pillar of our future economy," she said. The UAE currently leads the world in indicators like travel and tourism data provision and air transport infrastructure.
Economic benefits of tourism boom
The UAE's tourism sector has experienced significant growth. In 2023, the sector grew by 26% compared to 2022, exceeding pre-pandemic levels from 2019 by 14%. This growth translated to a substantial contribution to the UAE's GDP, valued at AED 220 billion (11.7%). According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the sector's contribution is expected to rise even further in 2024, reaching AED 236 billion or 12% of the GDP.