The UAE is on track to welcome 28.9 mn tourists in 2025, up 7.2% y-o-y, with total overnight stays projected to reach 111.2 mn and hotel occupancy rising to 80% from 77.2% in 2024, according to FitchSolutions’ research unit BMI. That momentum is expected to continue through to 2029, when the number of inbound visitors is forecast to reach 33 mn and hotel occupancy is slated to climb to 84.4%.

Upping capacity: The number of hotels in the Emirates is set to grow to 1.7k, up from a little over 1.5k currently, by 2029, while available rooms will reach 264.9k in 2025 and 294.1k by 2029.

ICYMI- The tourism sector brought in AED 257.3 bn to the UAE’s overall GDP in 2024. Abu Dhabi alone is expected to see growth of 13% y-o-y this year, while hotel revenues are expected to see a 13% uptick to reach AED 8.6 bn.

Ras Al Khaimah is also playing a big role: More international brands are flocking to the emirate, with the latest being Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, which is developing a 769-key resort in Ardee Al Marjan island in partnership with UAE-based Ardee Developments and. The Fairmont Al Marjan Island Hotel and Residences is slated for completion in late 2028, and includes 250 hotel rooms and 519 branded residences. The project joins an expanding pipeline on Al Marjan Island, which already includes hospitality projects like the mega USD 3.9 bn Wynn Al Marjan Island gaming resort as well as projects from Nobu and Marriott.

Tags: