UAE Hotels Welcome More Than 16 Million Guests In First Half Of 2025

Hotel establishments in the UAE hosted over 16.1 million guests in the first half of this year, marking a 5.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, highlighted this growth as a testament to the sector's resilience and its ability to sustain growth, thereby boosting the country's tourism competitiveness.

The minister attributed this success to the wise leadership's directives, which have enabled continuous growth rates that enhance the sector's attractiveness both regionally and globally. He emphasised that collaboration between public and private sectors is crucial for strengthening sustainability within the hospitality industry.

During the third meeting of the Hospitality Advisory Council for 2025, which included representatives from major national and international hotel establishments, key performance indicators were reviewed. The council discussed national initiatives aimed at developing the hospitality industry and enhancing investment opportunities to solidify the UAE's position as a leading global tourist destination.

The meeting also highlighted an increase in hotel nights to 56 million, reflecting a growth of 7.3%. The average stay extended to 3.5 nights across 1,243 hotel establishments offering over 216,000 rooms throughout the UAE.

The integration of efforts between public and private sectors was identified as a fundamental pillar in reinforcing the sector’s sustainability. This collaboration has been instrumental in achieving increasing growth rates that reflect its competitiveness on both regional and global scales.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri noted that these achievements result from strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing investment opportunities within the hospitality industry. These efforts contribute significantly to cementing the UAE's status as a premier tourist destination worldwide.

The council's discussions focused on reviewing performance results and exploring new programs designed to further develop the hospitality sector. These initiatives are expected to continue driving growth and attracting more visitors to the country.

The meeting underscored how vital it is for both public and private sectors to work together in fostering sustainable development within this dynamic industry. By doing so, they aim to maintain momentum in attracting tourists while ensuring long-term success for all stakeholders involved.

With inputs from WAM