Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday praised the UAE’s thriving tourism sector.
It followed a report issued by the World Travel and Tourism Council which revealed that the UAE's travel and tourism sector saw its contribution to the country's GDP rise to Dh257.3 billion in 2024, representing 13 per cent of the national economy.
This represents an increase of 3.2 per cent compared to 2023, and a 26 per cent increase compared to 2019, before the pandemic, the state news agency Wam reported.
“In a new indicator of the strength and diversity of our national economy, the World Travel and Tourism Council report highlighted exceptional achievements in the UAE tourism sector, with total international visitor spending exceeding Dh217 billion during the previous year, in addition to domestic tourism spending reaching Dh57 billion,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X.
“The UAE is among the top seven global destinations for international tourism spending, surpassing countries that have preceded us in this field for hundreds of years. We welcome tourists, delight in investors, embrace talents and build the best environment for living, tourism, and visits. Welcome to the world.”
A global leader
Regarding international tourism, the report showed that the UAE is one of the most prominent destinations in the world, as the country received international visitors from major markets, most notably India (14 per cent), the UK (8 per cent), Russia (8 per cent), China (5 per cent), Saudi Arabia (5 per cent), and 60 per cent from the rest of the world.
The report indicated that international visitor spending in the UAE reached approximately Dh217.3 billion in 2024, registering a growth of 5.8 per cent compared to 2023 and a 30.4 per cent increase compared to 2019. Domestic tourism spending, meanwhile, reached Dh57.6 billion, achieving a 2.4 per cent increase compared to 2023 and a 41 per cent increase compared to 2019.
Thanksgiving meals to try
World Cut Steakhouse, Habtoor Palace Hotel, Dubai. On Thursday evening, head chef Diego Solis will be serving a high-end sounding four-course meal that features chestnut veloute with smoked duck breast, turkey roulade accompanied by winter vegetables and foie gras and pecan pie, cranberry compote and popcorn ice cream.
Jones the Grocer, various locations across the UAE. Jones’s take-home holiday menu delivers on the favourites: whole roast turkeys, an array of accompaniments (duck fat roast potatoes, sausages wrapped in beef bacon, honey-glazed parsnips and carrots) and more, as well as festive food platters, canapes and both apple and pumpkin pies.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Address Hotel, Dubai. This New Orleans-style restaurant is keen to take the stress out of entertaining, so until December 25 you can order a full seasonal meal from its Takeaway Turkey Feast menu, which features turkey, homemade gravy and a selection of sides – think green beans with almond flakes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole and bread stuffing – to pick up and eat at home.
The Mattar Farm Kitchen, Dubai. From now until Christmas, Hattem Mattar and his team will be producing game- changing smoked turkeys that you can enjoy at home over the festive period.
Nolu’s, The Galleria Mall, Maryah Island Abu Dhabi. With much of the menu focused on a California inspired “farm to table” approach (with Afghani influence), it only seems right that Nolu’s will be serving their take on the Thanksgiving spread, with a brunch at the Downtown location from 12pm to 4pm on Friday.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
How to volunteer
The UAE volunteers campaign can be reached at www.volunteers.ae , or by calling 800-VOLAE (80086523), or emailing info@volunteers.ae.
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