Abu Dhabi Culture & Tourism Sectors See Strong Q1 Growth

After a landmark year in 2024, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is set to showcase the emirate’s impressive growth at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. With the tourism and hotel sectors showing consistent progress in the first quarter of 2025, Abu Dhabi remains on track to reach its ambitious visitor goals for the year ahead.

Strong Start to 2025: Visitor Numbers and Hotel Performance

Abu Dhabi's tourism sector is off to a robust start in 2025, attracting 1.4 million overnight guests in the first quarter. DCT Abu Dhabi’s presence at ATM will highlight the emirate's growing appeal as a global destination, as guest numbers show an upward trend compared to the same period in 2024. Visitors came from a range of key markets, including India, China, Russia, the UK, and the USA.

Significant Revenue Growth in the Hospitality Sector

This positive momentum has translated into substantial gains for the hospitality industry, with hotels earning AED 2.3 billion in revenue, marking an 18% increase year-on-year. Additionally, revenue per available room (RevPAR) saw a 25% rise, reaching AED 484. Hotel occupancy rates remained high during this period, including during Ramadan, with an average rate of 79% across the emirate.

Economic Contribution and Job Creation

These encouraging trends suggest that Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector is well-positioned to contribute AED 62 billion to the local economy in 2025, marking a 13% increase from the previous year. The sector is also expected to support the creation of 255,000 jobs throughout the emirate, in line with the goals outlined in the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030.

H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our strategic approach to elevating Abu Dhabi as a cultural and tourism destination is delivering tangible results. Sustained investment into data-led destination marketing, diversified programming, a culture-first ethos and ever-improving visitor experience touchpoints have driven robust growth in Q1 2025, building on a strong 2024. As we showcase the offerings of our emirate at Arabian Travel Market, we are focused on strengthening our key partnerships, expanding our global reach, and accelerating progress towards our long-term tourism goals—all while ensuring that Abu Dhabi’s unique cultural identity remains at the heart of everything we offer.”

2024: A Year of Growth Across Key Tourism Metrics

Abu Dhabi's tourism sector showed impressive results in 2024, with an overall 7% increase in hotel and alternative accommodation guests compared to the previous year. International overnight visitors reached 3.2 million, a 28% surge. Hotel occupancy also held strong at 79%, and revenue from hotels grew by 18.1%, generating over AED 7.6 billion. RevPAR rose by 22%, underscoring the sector’s strong profitability.

Expanding Global Marketing Efforts

To support this growth, DCT Abu Dhabi expanded its global marketing outreach significantly, increasing its operations from 11 markets in 2023 to 25 in 2024. The expansion targeted emerging regions like the CIS, APAC, and Eastern Europe, contributing to the overall rise in visitor numbers.

Abu Dhabi as a Cultural Destination

Abu Dhabi has solidified its reputation as a cultural hub, offering world-class museums, contemporary art, rich heritage, and a diverse culinary scene. At ATM 2025, DCT Abu Dhabi will showcase the emirate’s cultural offerings, inviting travel trade partners, media, and industry leaders to explore the latest developments, collaborations, and opportunities the destination has to offer.

Saadiyat Cultural District: A Hub for World-Class Institutions

Among the emirate's key cultural assets is the newly opened teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, part of the Saadiyat Cultural District. This district is fast becoming one of the most significant concentrations of leading cultural and educational institutions globally. With landmarks like Louvre Abu Dhabi already in place, the district is set to welcome the Zayed National Museum and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in 2025. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, featuring modern and contemporary art, is also on track for completion.

teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi: Reinforcing Cultural Identity

The opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi further solidifies the emirate’s status as a global cultural center. This addition offers visitors a transformative and innovative experience, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s commitment to creativity, cultural collaboration, and global connectivity.

The Experience Abu Dhabi Stand at ATM 2025

In alignment with ATM 2025's theme of 'Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,' the Experience Abu Dhabi stand will highlight the emirate’s top cultural attractions, including Saadiyat Cultural District, Al Ain Region, and Al Dhafra Region. These areas provide a diverse mix of wellness, nature, and adventure experiences. The stand will be organized by DCT Abu Dhabi and located in Sheikh Saeed Hall, featuring 73 key tourism and trade partners, including Etihad, Miral, Yas Island, and hospitality representatives.

Looking Ahead: The Tourism Strategy 2030

Abu Dhabi’s upward trajectory is fully aligned with the Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to welcome 39.3 million visitors annually, create 178,000 new tourism jobs, expand hotel capacity to 50,000 rooms, and contribute AED 90 billion to the emirate’s GDP by the end of the decade.