Abu Dhabi achieves record 26.6 million visitors in 2025

Abu Dhabi welcomed a record 26.6 million visitors in 2025, according to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). 

The UAE capital recorded AED9.1 billion (US$2.5 billion) in hotel revenues, marking an almost  20% year-on-year increase, fuelled by more than 5 million hotel guests, including 338,000 staying in holiday homes and glamping sites. India remained a key source market, alongside Russia, China, Saudi Arabia and the UK. 

Several new hotels opened during the year, including Mondrian Abu Dhabi, Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection and Marriott Mirfa Resort, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi, while cultural sites drew more than 8 million visitors, led by Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Hosn. Strategic new expansions further drove interest in cultural attractions, including the debut of Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in Saadiyat’s Cultural District. 

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The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector saw double-digit growth, attracting more than 4 million attendees across key events such as the Mother of the Nation Festival, Liwa International Festival and Coldplay’s four sold-out concerts. 

Abu Dhabi’s Al Ain is seeing significant growth in leisure travel, with more than 470,000 guests in 2025. DCT Abu Dhabi recently unveiled a hotel refurbishment scheme to elevate hospitality standards and enhance the city as a regional destination. The initiative offers rebates for investments in brand conversions, heritage renovations and upgrades to higher star ratings.

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our performance underscores the strength of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism fundamentals and our ability to adapt, innovate and grow sustainably."

For more information, visit dct.gov.ae