UAE Reports Issuance Of 39,546 Licences In Tourism And Aviation By Mid-September 2025

The UAE has seen a significant rise in commercial licences within tourism, hospitality, aviation, and digital tourism sectors. By mid-September 2025, the number reached 39,546, marking a 275% increase from mid-September 2020. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, highlighted these figures on World Tourism Day 2025.

Al Marri attributed this growth to ongoing reforms in business and investment regulations. These changes have enhanced the UAE's attractiveness to international businesses and investors. He emphasised that tourism remains a key economic priority for the UAE, driving sustainable growth through various initiatives.

The UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 includes new initiatives like the sixth "World’s Coolest Winter" campaign launching in December. The strategy focuses on training Emirati talent for the tourism workforce and encouraging investments in hospitality, travel, and aviation sectors. Additionally, new programmes are being developed to support start-ups.

In October, as part of its outreach to Africa, the UAE will host the "UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit." This event is part of the Future Hospitality Summit and aims to strengthen partnerships across tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors between the UAE and African nations.

In 2024, the UAE welcomed 3.3 million visitors from GCC countries, making up 11% of total hotel guests. Saudi Arabia led with 1.9 million visitors (58% of GCC total), followed by Oman with 777,000 (24%), Kuwait with 381,000 (12%), Bahrain with 123,000 (4%), and Qatar with 93,000 (3%).

Al Marri mentioned that a unified GCC tourist visa is set to launch as a pilot in late 2025. This initiative aims to enhance regional integration and make the Gulf more appealing as a single tourism destination.

The UAE's efforts to boost its tourism sector are evident through its strategic initiatives and partnerships. By focusing on regulatory reforms and regional collaborations, it continues to strengthen its position as a leading global tourism hub.

With inputs from WAM