Abu Dhabi, UAE – The United Arab Emirates is preparing to launch its 2025 Union Day celebrations, marking the 54th anniversary of the nation’s founding. This momentous national event is held annually on December 2nd, commemorating the historic moment when the seven emirates united under one flag. As National Day approaches, the focus extends beyond celebratory events to include a review of the nation’s development journey. In this context, “Voice of the Emirates” highlights in its special report the most prominent achievements of the UAE in the tourism sector, a sector that has solidified the country’s position as a leading global destination for luxury, business, and innovation.
The UAE has become the leading tourist destination in the Middle East, thanks to a combination of record-breaking visitor numbers, global air connectivity, flexible visas, a safe environment, and investment in culture, entertainment, and smart infrastructure that enhances the tourist experience from arrival to departure. Indeed, the UAE, a pioneer in the tourism sector, is a destination like no other.
Record-breaking numbers and global appeal
Dubai achieved 18.72 million international visitors in 2024, a 9% year-on-year increase, surpassing the record set in 2023. The city was crowned the number one global destination in the Tripadvisor Awards for three consecutive years (2022–2024), and Dubai International Airport maintained its position as the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic with 92.3 million passengers to and from the UAE.
Flexible visa policies
The UAE has launched a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, with the possibility of staying for 90 days which can be extended, in addition to a visa-on-arrival system for citizens of many countries, which promotes repeat trips and long stays for tourists in the UAE.
Diversifying Dubai’s tourism product
Dubai has attracted visitors through modern landmarks such as the Museum of the Future, which surpassed 3 million visitors in 2024, and Expo City Dubai, which has transformed into a vibrant, sustainable city brimming with events and attractions. The Dubai Shopping Festival further enhances the city’s seasonal appeal as a tourist destination, boosting hotel occupancy and tourism spending during the peak winter season, reflecting the UAE’s growing popularity as a tourist destination.
Abu Dhabi: World Culture and Entertainment
Abu Dhabi recorded 4.8 million hotel guests up to October 2024, with a 26% increase in international visitors. The Louvre Abu Dhabi welcomed 1.4 million visitors, 84% of whom were international, further cementing the capital’s position as a global cultural destination. SeaWorld Yas Island also opened as the region’s first marine park, adding another dimension to Yas Island’s offerings and contributing to the UAE’s growing reputation.
Safety and quality of life
Abu Dhabi topped the list of the world’s safest cities for 2024, while Dubai ranked among the safest cities globally, making it an attractive destination for families and visitors from all walks of life, and translating into high visitor satisfaction and loyalty. This safety reinforces the UAE’s vision as an ideal destination for everyone.
Long-term vision
Tourism performance is integrated with Dubai’s economic vision, D33, which aims to position the city among the top three global cities to visit, live, and work, based on a balanced product that combines culture, arts, entertainment, shopping, nature, and sports. The UAE relies on strategic plans to achieve these goals.
