Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy Plans to Boost Visitor Numbers to 39.3 Million by 2030

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy, which was released on Thursday, seeks to boost visitor numbers from nearly 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030 (overnight and same-day), with a 7% year-on-year growth.

Approved by the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council H H Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the new Tourism Strategy 2030 for the Emirate, plans to significantly elevate the tourism and travel sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP, raising it from approximately $13.34 billion in 2023 to $24.51 billion annually by 2030.

Spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the tourism strategy signals a new era of expansion and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector. It is also expected to generate an estimated 178,000 new jobs by 2030 as the entire tourism infrastructure develops to meet this demand.

The strategy intends to almost double international overnight visitors from 3.8 million in 2023 approximately to 7.2 million in 2030, expand hotel room availability from 34,000 in 2023 to 52,000 by 2030, and further enhance the holiday home segment to diversify accommodation options.

DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said that the Tourism Strategy 2030 marks a pivotal moment in Abu Dhabi’s transformative journey, representing a vital lever in the Emirate’s ongoing evolution.

“Delivered alongside our key partners, the Strategy underscores our steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable growth and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector. Through carefully crafted initiatives that will unlock economic opportunities, amplify our distinctive culture and enhance the emirate’s value proposition, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant and prosperous future that transcends generations,” he said.

Key Initiatives Identified

To achieve the Strategy’s goals, 26 key initiatives have been identified across four strategic pillars: Offering and City Activation; Promotion & Marketing; Infrastructure & Mobility; and Visa, Licensing, and Regulations.

These pillars form the foundation of Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive approach to realising its ambitious tourism targets and fostering sustainable growth in the sector.

The initiatives will be unlocked through the collective vision of DCT Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), and other key government and private stakeholders, who play a strategic role in bringing Abu Dhabi’s tourism vision to life.

The first pillar, Offering and City Activation, looks to further enhance the overall guest experience by unveiling additional cultural sites, theme parks, retails offerings and new hotel chains.

Overall boosting the Emirate’s events calendar of year-round concerts, festivals, and family events. The dining landscape will diversify significantly, offering expanded options including the introduction of culinary schools and training programmes.

DCT Abu Dhabi will also more than double its Promotion and Marketing efforts, expanding its international reach from 11 to 26 markets and enhancing synergy within Abu Dhabi’s tourism ecosystem.

It will also establish strategic global partnerships with media outlets and well-known brands for high-profile collaborations, creating compelling, market-specific content across various touchpoints.