Abu Dhabi Tourism includes 47% of the 4m who visit cultural sites; $24.5bn GDP goal you see

Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector recorded strong growth in the first half of 2025, welcoming more than 4M visitors to its cultural and heritage sites – an increase of 47 percent compared to the same period in 2024.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) said the strong performance reflects the successful implementation of the Emirate’s tourism strategy 2030, which aims to place the hospitality industry on the global stage.

The centers of anger continue to act strongly. Louvre Abu Dhabi welcomed 784,606 visitors, while the cultural base recorded an increase of 49 percent to 620,709 visitors.

Abu Dhabi Tourism

Qasr Al Hosn attracted 467,398 visitors, 14 percent, and Manarat al Saadiyat saw 139 percent close to 109 percent close to 209,684 visitors.

Artistan’s House hosts 2344,142 visitors, showing strong growth in the Emirati’s Emirati interest and heritage.

The newly opened commercials in 2025 strengthen the cultural power of Abu Dhabi.

TeamLab phenomena Abu Dhabi Dhew 145,912 Visitors, while the Al Maqtaa Museum welcomed 30,974, emphasizing the expansion of the Emirate’s cultural traditions.

Saood Abstoliz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our unique performance is a strong endorsement of DCT Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision and the effective implementation of the Tourism 2030 plan.

“These results are a direct reflection of the deliberate investment in cultural infrastructure, the diversification of our world-class offerings, and our targeted efforts to attract visitors to global markets.

“This ultimate framework sets us up to speed with our ambitions for 2030, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s reputation as an Emirati hospitality destination where authenticity, innovation, and more are experienced.”

Hotels in Abu Dhabi

The Emirate’s wider tourism and hospitality sector also recorded strong gains. Hotels in Abu Dhabi welcomed 2.9m guests between January and June 2025, an increase of two percent compared to 2024.

Revenue transferred by hotels year-on-year, while revenue per available room (recpar) rose to AED446 ($121), marking an increase of 24 percent.

Hotel occupancy remained strong at 80 percent, and length of stay rose to 3.2 nights, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s growing visitor appeal.

At the time of Eid al-Adha 2025, the hotels kept 80 percent of their occupancy, up 6 percent year-on-year, they returned 21 percent and the daily average increased by 14 percent.

Key source markets such as India (up 29 percent) and the United Kingdom (up 17 percent) have shown particularly strong growth, driven by targeted programs and marketing initiatives.

Exploring beyond the capital

Abu Dhabi’s tourism boom has extended beyond the capital.

In the region of AL AIN, hotel guests rose 12 percent, with a conversion of 7 percent. Cultural sites flourished – Al Ain Oasis received 401,718 visitors (40 percent) attracting 168,042 visitors)

Al Dhafra region reported a 21 percent increase in revpar and a 28 percent increase in average length, supported by continued investment in local experience.

Tourism Strategy 2030

According to Dct Abu Dhabi, the year’s strong activity represents a major step towards achieving the Emirate’s 2030 tourism strategy, which includes 178,000 new guest rooms, and contributes AED 90bn ($24.5bn) to Abu Dhabi’s GDP by the end of the decade.

The Ministry said the results demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s commitment to a diverse, robust and culturally rich tourism model that combines art and heritage and supports a long-term economic vision.