Categories: Travel

Abu Dhabi eyes 39 mn annual visitors by 2030, builds on strong Q1 performance, ET TravelWorld

As the global travel industry convenes for the 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is set to showcase the emirate’s continued growth as a premier international tourism destination. This comes on the back of a strong first quarter of 2025, with key hospitality and tourism indicators registering impressive gains.

Between January and March 2025, Abu Dhabi welcomed 1.4 million hotel guests, contributing to a notable 18% year-on-year rise in hotel revenue, which reached AED 2.3 billion. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) grew 25% to AED 484, while hotel occupancy remained steady at 79%, including during the Ramadan period. The top source markets included India, China, Russia, the UK, and the US, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s wide-reaching global appeal.

The positive Q1 results come as the emirate continues to implement the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to contribute AED 62 billion to the local economy in 2025 and support 255,000 tourism-related jobs. The strategy outlines ambitious goals of attracting 39.3 million visitors annually and expanding hotel capacity to 50,000 rooms by the end of the decade.

DCT Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways have launched the Abu Dhabi Pass, a digital pass offering seamless access to the emirate’s transport and attractions. Available to Etihad passengers, it includes benefits such as unlimited bus travel, discounts at cultural venues, and access to Yas Island attractions. The initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030.

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. As we showcase the offerings of our emirate at Arabian Travel Market, we are focused on strengthening partnerships 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.” Building on its strong 2024 performance—which saw 3.2 million international overnight visitors and AED 7.6 billion in total hotel revenue—DCT Abu Dhabi continues to expand its global marketing efforts and attract high-impact projects. From operating in 11 markets in 2023, the department extended its reach to 25 markets in 2024, targeting emerging regions including APAC, Eastern Europe, and the CIS.

One of the highlights for ATM 2025 will be the Experience Abu Dhabi stand, which brings to life the emirate’s cultural narrative with immersive showcases of key attractions like the Saadiyat Cultural District and regional destinations including Al Ain and Al Dhafra. The district recently welcomed the opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and will soon house institutions such as Zayed National Museum, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.