Abu Dhabi tourism sector to generate...

UAE capital GDP contribution up 13% driven by cultural attractions

Museums and cultural attractions are playing a key role as Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector aims to contribute US$16.9 billion to the emirate’s economy in 2025, up 13% on the previous year, and US$24.5 billion by 2030.

That’s according to Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), speaking during a roundtable during the opening of Abu Dhabi’s latest attraction, teamLab Phenomena, an interactive, multi-sensory experience that blends art, science and technology

Al Mubarak said in Q1 2025, international overnight hotel guests in the UAE’s largest emirate grew by 4% compared to Q1 2024, with India, China, Russia, and the UK the top source markets. Hotel occupancy in Q1 2025 reached 79% and 82% in Abu Dhabi city.

Highlighting the role of the city’s museums, Al Mubarak said teamLab Phenomena and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, both located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, are adding to the emirate’s tourism offering.

Louvre Abu Dhabi recorded more than 1.4 million visitors in 2024, marking its highest attendance since its opening in 2017 and bringing the total visitor count to more than 6 million.

As the emirates’s latest attraction, teamLab Phenomena spans 17,000 square metres and offers visitors a different experience, with artwork changing organically every time guests interact with the installations and move through the spaces.

Also set to open this year are Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and the National History Museum Abu Dhabi, cementing the emirate’s identity as a cultural capital.

On the city’s Yas Island, Warner Brothers World will debut a Harry Potter attraction, Yas Waterworld will add 18 new attractions and there will also be two new beaches.

Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to attract 39.3 million overnight and same day visitors by 2030, almost double international overnight visitors from 3.8 million in 2023 to 7.2 million, and boost hotel rooms from 34,000 in 2023 to 52,000.

For more information, visit dct.gov.ae/en

GET YOUR FREE GUIDE TO THE MALDIVES NOW