Strategic partnerships, global marketing campaigns and major events contributed to Dubai welcoming 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, marking a 5% increase compared to 18.72 million arrivals in 2024, according to data published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and a third successive year of record-setting figures.
The UAE has welcomed 16 senior tourism leaders from nine countries as part of its Global Tourism Leadership Programme, organised by the Government Knowledge Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs in collaboration with the Dubai College of Tourism.
Dar Global has partnered with Art District Real Estate for the development of its new coastal destination - Muscat Marine, Art & Digital District (MAD) - being set up in Oman. The RO1.6 billion ($4.2 billion) project integrates oceanfront living, luxury hospitality and future-focused digital industries.
Vice Minister Princess Haifa Bint Mohammed Al Saud said Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is rapidly growing through coordinated national efforts. Tourism spending hit SAR275 billion ($73 billion) and visitor numbers exceeded 116 million, with the Kingdom now aiming to reach 150 million tourists by the end of the decade.
Global City Dammam, a major tourism, entertainment, and cultural investment, was inaugurated by Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region Governor, Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz. Featuring international pavilions across 650,000 sqm, it supports private-sector growth, boosts competitiveness, attracts global investors, creates jobs, and is expected to welcome 25,000 visitors daily.
Al Jabal Al Akhdar in Oman is implementing development, service, and tourism projects worth RO 9 million ($23 million) to improve infrastructure, boost tourism, and enhance quality of life for residents and visitors.
The UAE’s tourism sector attracts entrepreneurs through strong economic impact, government support, and national funding programmes. Initiatives like Khalifa Fund, Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment, RUWAD, and Emirates Development Bank provide financing, training, and advisory services, fostering SMEs, innovation, Emirati talent, and sustainable growth.
Responding to the tourism sector’s ongoing evolution, BIT 2026, scheduled to be held at Fiera Milano from February 10 to 12, is being reimagined around a powerful new concept: the Travel Makers.
The UAE's hospitality sector continued its strong upward trajectory in the first nine months of 2025, with hotels welcoming 23.27 million guests – up 4.9 percent compared to the same period in 2024 - resulting in more than 79.3 million hotel room nights booked, said Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism.
Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Riyadh Air has officially appointed Khimji’s Travel & Tourism, a key unit of Khimji Ramdas Group, one of the reputed business houses in Oman, as its exclusive distribution and sales partner in the sultanate.
