Abu Dhabi has embarked on a journey of transformation with the approval of its new Tourism Strategy 2030, guided by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Led by the Department of Culture and Tourism, this strategy outlines a roadmap for the expansion and strategic development of the emirate's travel and tourism sector.
The tourism strategy aims to increase visitor numbers from nearly 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030, with a targeted 7 percent year-on-year growth. Additionally, it seeks to significantly enhance the contribution of the tourism and travel sector to the UAE's gross domestic product (GDP), aiming to raise it from around AED49 billion in 2023 to AED90 billion annually by 2030.
Moreover, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to create approximately 178,000 new jobs by 2030. It also aims to nearly double international overnight visitors from 3.8 million in 2023 to 7.2 million in 2030, as well as expand hotel room availability from 34,000 rooms in 2023 to 52,000 by 2030. Furthermore, it seeks to enhance the holiday home segment to offer more accommodation options.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, commented on the launch, stating, “The Tourism Strategy 2030 marks a pivotal moment in Abu Dhabi’s transformative journey, representing a vital lever in our ongoing evolution.”
To achieve the goals of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, the emirate has identified 26 key initiatives across four strategic pillars:
- Offering and city activation: Enhancing the city’s offerings from cultural sites to hotels, events, and restaurants.
- Promotion and marketing: Doubling promotion and marketing efforts and expanding international reach to 26 markets.
- Infrastructure and mobility: Increasing hotel room availability and enhancing transportation infrastructure.
- Visa, licensing, and regulations: Improving platforms and processes to attract investment and ease of doing business.
These pillars form the foundation of Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive approach to achieving its ambitious tourism targets and fostering sustainable growth in the sector.
In 2023, Abu Dhabi's tourism sector experienced significant growth, welcoming nearly 24 million visitors, including a notable increase in hotel and international guests. Key international markets such as India, Russia, the UK, China, and Saudi Arabia contributed significantly to the sector's growth. With the unveiling of the Tourism Strategy 2030, Abu Dhabi reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development, cultural enrichment, and economic diversification, setting a bold course for the future as a leading global destination.
