UAE to offer one million jobs in 2025

The UAE is poised to become a global powerhouse in travel and tourism employment, with close to one million people expected to work in the sector by the end of 2025, according to new data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

The WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) reveals that the industry will support more than 925,000 jobs this year—an increase of over 26,000 new positions compared to 2024. This surge reflects the UAE’s robust recovery and forward-looking investments in the tourism industry.

Record-Breaking Visitor Spending and Economic Contribution

The EIR projects that international visitor spending in the UAE will reach an all-time high of AED 228.5 billion in 2025, a remarkable 37% increase over the previous peak in 2019.

Overall, the UAE’s travel and tourism sector is forecast to contribute AED 267.5 billion to the national economy in 2025, equivalent to almost 13% of the country’s GDP. Domestic tourism is also thriving, with local visitor spending projected to hit AED 60 billion, a 47% rise from 2019.

“The UAE continues to lead the world in travel and tourism,” said Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC. “From cutting-edge smart cities and world-class hospitality to seamless visa systems, the country is a benchmark for how strategic vision can fuel economic growth.”

She added that with initiatives such as Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter, the UAE is shaping a resilient, sustainable, and innovation-driven tourism future.

Reflecting on 2024

In 2024, the sector contributed AED 257.3 billion to the UAE economy and supported 898,600 jobs, making up nearly one in eight jobs nationwide. Dubai alone welcomed a record-breaking 18.72 million international visitors, marking a 9% year-on-year increase.

Visitor spending remained strong, with AED 217.3 billion from international tourists and AED 57.6 billion from domestic travelers.

Looking ahead, the WTTC forecasts that by 2035, the UAE’s travel and tourism industry will contribute nearly AED 287.8 billion to the economy, accounting for 10.4% of GDP, with the workforce projected to exceed 1 million jobs.

Abu Dhabi’s Rising Profile as a Global Destination

Abu Dhabi is rapidly solidifying its reputation as a premier global leisure destination, with a host of new attractions planned and under construction.

Among the most anticipated openings is Guggenheim Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, further enriching the capital’s cultural landscape. Over on Yas Island, entertainment offerings continue to expand:

• Harry Potter World is set to debut at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
• Yas Waterworld is launching 12 new rides and slides, including the tallest waterslide in the UAE, this summer
• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is preparing to unveil a new record-breaking roller coaster
• The most ambitious addition: a new Disney theme park resort, a major collaboration between The Walt Disney Company and Miral

Beyond theme parks, Abu Dhabi is also investing in unique cultural and experiential attractions like teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, an immersive digital art installation already drawing large crowds.

With these developments, the UAE—especially Abu Dhabi—is not only sustaining momentum but redefining what a modern global tourism destination can look like.