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CT Insight Report: What’s new in the UAE?

Feature29/06/26

Render Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort

Dubai and Abu Dhabi surpassed 45 million visitors in 2025

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The UAE is the second-largest market for GCC inbound tourism in 2026 according to latest Connecting Travel Insight Report, supported with data from travel analytics firms RateHawk and Emerging Travel Group.

The capital city of Abu Dhabi welcomed 26.6 million visitors in 2025, according to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The emirate generated nearly AED10 billion (US$2.5 billion) in hotel revenues driven by more than 5 million hotel guests during the year.

Dubai followed with a record 19.59 million overnight tourists, up 5% year-on-year, according to the city’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). December alone accounted for more than 2 million arrivals, representing the highest monthly figure to date.

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An estimated 104 new hotels, slated to open by the end of 2027, will add 25,459 rooms to the UAE’s portfolio, and Ras Al Khaimah’s Wynn Al Marjan Island will feature the UAE’s first casino. New attractions will include the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, in Saadiyat Island’s cultural district, and a floating five‐storey Museum of Art on Dubai Creek.

Facilitating easier passage, travel across the UAE will be streamlined from 2026 by a new railway linking key destinations across 11 stations from the Saudi border to the emirate of Fujairah, while Dubai’s electric flying taxis will connect vertiports at Dubai International airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah.

Ahead of the full launch of its passenger network in September 2026, Etihad Rail will begin the first phase of services on Tuesday, 30 June, linking Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. Fares for the one-hour and 45-minute journey start from AED55 (US$15) in Comfort Class and AED120 (US$33) in Premium Class.

Render of The Dubai Loop

Key Developments

The Dubai Loop, Downtown Dubai

Developed by Elon Musk’s Boring Company, Dubai Loop’s high-speed train network will eventually span 22km and 19 stations, transporting up to 20,000 passengers per hour.

Integrated by Tourism Route, Dubai

This upcoming network of serviced Recreational Vehicle parks, including Al Layan Oasis, will link Dubai’s desert and costal desitnations, with a series of camping zones and cycling trails.

Six Senses The Palm, Dubai

Guests will be able to arrive by land, sea or helicopter to this beachfront resort, which offers 61 suites adn a spa featuring a longevity centre, biohacking lounge and Alchemy Bar.

Render of Six Senses The Palm

Accommodation Performance

Guests stayed longer in 2025, with the average length of stay rising from 4.1 to 4.6 nights, up 12% year-on-year. This helped drive average transaction values up by nearly 7%, despite a slight decline in hotel room rates.

uae insight report 2026 accommodation data

Findings from Emerging Travel Group

Want to know more?

This feature is an extract from the Connecting Travel Insight Report 2026. With exclusive data from industry heavyweights RateHawk and Emerging Travel Group, the 35-page report forecasts key developments in the GCC travel and tourism sector as well as revealing this year’s top 10 outbound destinations for GCC travellers, providing a roadmap to new opportunities. Get your complimentary copy here today.