Abu Dhabi has unveiled an ambitious strategy to significantly boost its tourism sector, aiming to double its GDP contribution, add 18,000 new hotel rooms, and create 216,000 jobs by 2030. This initiative is part of a value-driven approach that integrates culture, sustainability, and innovation, as announced by Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT).
Al Fazari emphasized that the strategy prioritizes quality, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices. Abu Dhabi already boasts the world’s highest concentration of five-star hotels, with 21 new properties currently under development. The plan targets a 7% annual growth in visitors, increasing the tourism GDP contribution from Dh45 billion (US $24.5 billion) to Dh90 billion.
The job creation target of 216,000 surpasses the previously stated goal of 178,000, reflecting an upward revision. Al Fazari highlighted the importance of equipping the youth with skills in digital marketing and creative industries to meet this demand. The emirate is investing Dh25.7 billion (US $7 billion) annually into tourism, culture, and creative industries, supported by expanded air connectivity with 30 airlines flying to 120 global destinations and advanced digital infrastructure, including biometric airport access and e-services.
Abu Dhabi’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its protection of 75% of the UAE’s mangrove population and its UNESCO-listed Al Ain sites. Cultural assets, such as the Saadiyat Cultural District, which houses the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the soon-to-open Natural History Museum and Zayed National Museum, remain central to the strategy. Al Fazari confirmed the opening dates for these museums: the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi on November 22 and the Zayed National Museum on December 3.
“Abu Dhabi is not just keeping pace with global travel trends,” Al Fazari concluded, “we are helping to define them.” This comprehensive plan positions Abu Dhabi as a global leader in tourism, blending economic growth with cultural and environmental stewardship.