Abu Dhabi receives 4.8 million hotel visitors in 2024

Abu Dhabi: The Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced that the emirate’s hotels have received 4.8 million guests year-to-date (YTD) as of October 2024, resulting in seeing a 26 per cent increase in international guests compared to 2023.

DCT Abu Dhabi also welcomed more than 3.9 million visitors across its cultural events and landmarks YTD October, a 21 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting the success of Abu Dhabi's cultural initiatives.

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Under-Secretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “Our journey so far has been transformational as we continue to share Abu Dhabi with the world."

“By crafting authentic experiences, developing our infrastructure, and fostering talent, community engagement, and key partnerships, we are shaping the emirate into a thriving global leader in the tourism and culture sector," said Al Hosani.

From January to October 2024, Abu Dhabi welcomed 4.8 million hotel guests, surpassing pre-pandemic figures and achieving a 26 per cent increase in international guests from 26 key source markets, including India, China, Russia, the UK, and Saudi Arabia.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s cultural sites, libraries and museums saw over 3.9 million visitors this year as of October, up 21 percent increase compared to 2023. Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 continues to chart a bold course for growth, aiming to attract 39.3 million visitors, create 178,000 new jobs in the tourism sector, and contribute Dh90 billion to the GDP by 2030. These goals aim to be achieved through 25 targeted initiatives across the strategy’s four key pillars: offering and city activation, promotion and marketing, infrastructure and mobility, and visa, licensing, and regulation.

The recently held City Tourism Briefing highlighted the emirate’s growing tourism and aviation industry. The aviation segment outlined recent developments in the sector, such as the news that Zayed International Airport is now serviced by 24 airlines, enhancing the emirate’s status as a travel hub. Etihad Airways launched 10 new routes in 2024, while Wizz Air Abu Dhabi connects travellers to 35 destinations across 25 countries, and Air Arabia connects over 200 destinations from six strategic hubs spread across the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan.

Significant entertainment and cultural projects in the pipeline include the expansion of Warner Bros. World with the addition of a Harry Potter World, the construction of the Saadiyat Cultural District in 2025, and the development of Hudayriyat Island as a centre for sports and adventure, as well as the enhancement of Yas Waterworl.