The United Arab Emirates is making significant strides in its tourism sector, having already achieved 84% of its ambitious target to host 40 million hotel guests by 2031. According to Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, the Minister of Economy and Tourism, the nation welcomed approximately 33.9 million visitors in 2025. This progress is a cornerstone of the broader UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which seeks to boost the country’s GDP by Dh450 billion while securing an additional Dh100 billion in sector-wide investments.

During his address at the third Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum, Al Marri emphasized the importance of momentum as the country edges closer to its objective. He noted that the current landscape offers a unique chance to recalibrate strategic priorities and foster stronger collaboration across the board. By improving the integration between government bodies, airlines, hospitality providers, and private tourism firms, the UAE aims to solidify its position as a global leader in travel and guest experiences.