Abu Dhabi's Culture And Tourism Achieves Record Summer Performance With 2.04 Million Hotel Guests

Abu Dhabi's tourism sector has reported a remarkable summer performance from May to August 2025. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) attributes this success to enhanced promotional efforts and a dynamic events calendar, aligning with the emirate's goal to be a top global destination throughout the year.

The emirate saw 2.04 million hotel guests this summer, marking a significant rise from previous years. This increase was largely due to a 10% growth in international visitors. DCT Abu Dhabi focused on cultural experiences and events, alongside promoting leisure, MICE, and culinary attractions to appeal globally.

Cultural and entertainment venues in Abu Dhabi attracted 1.4 million visitors during this period. A packed schedule of 48 entertainment events, including comedy shows, concerts, and family activities, contributed to this success. Additionally, 2,044 MICE events were held, drawing more attendees each year.

International hotel guests in Abu Dhabi increased by 10% compared to last year. This led to a 78% occupancy rate for summer 2025 in the hospitality sector. Hotel revenues rose by 17%, with Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) also experiencing a 17% boost.

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, stated: "Our record summer performance is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s commitment to becoming a leading global destination offering an unparalleled range of year-round experiences. The growth in international visitors and revenue underscores the success of our strategic initiatives as well as the collaborative efforts with partners across our tourism ecosystem."

DCT Abu Dhabi's strategic investments have proven effective, reinforcing the emirate's diverse appeal to both international and local audiences. This momentum strengthens Abu Dhabi's position as a year-round global destination and supports the ongoing implementation of its Tourism Strategy 2030.

With inputs from WAM