The Abu Dhabi Plan to Become a Global Tourism Hub

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved the new Tourism Strategy 2030 for the Emirate. 

The Tourism Strategy 2030 initiative aims to boost visitor numbers from nearly 24 million last year to 39.3 million by 2030, with an expected 7% year-on-year growth. Besaides, it plans to significantly elevate the tourism and travel sector's contribution to the UAE's GDP, raising it from approximately AED 49 billion in 2023 to AED 90 billion annually by 2030.

The Strategy is expected to generate an estimated 1.78 lakh new jobs by 2030 as the tourism infrastructure develops to meet this demand. The policy also 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.

Unveiling the strategy, H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "The Tourism Strategy 2030 marks a pivotal moment in Abu Dhabi's transformative journey, representing a vital lever in our 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."

Al Mubarak was appointed the Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT), where he oversees the preservation of the emirate’s heritage and history whilst inspiring its dynamic, world-leading approach to creating a recognised cultural capital, where culture is a driver of social and economic development.

One of the major achievements in Al Mubarak’s journey at DCT is the development of Saadiyat Cultural District – a curated destination for inspiration, artistic expression and cultural dialogue, that is currently home to Louvre and once finished will house, Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim, The Natural History Museum and teamLab Phenomena.

Al Mubarak serves as Chairman of Aldar Properties PJSC, the leading real estate developer in Abu Dhabi responsible for some of the most iconic landmarks and pioneering architecture in the emirate, including residential, commercial, and retail assets.

Al Mubarak is Chairman of Miral, the leading creator of immersive experiences in Abu Dhabi, where he has led the transformation of key areas within the emirate, including Yas Island, and has developed strategic partnerships such as the one established with Warner Bros. World Abu DhabiTM.

Al Mubarak is the President of the Abrahamic Family House and a member of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, where he is joined by international religious leaders, educational scholars, and cultural leaders across the world, to support and spread the values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.