Abu Dhabi posts record tourism year as hotel revenue hits Dh9.1bn
Abu Dhabi Tourism 2025 concluded with a record of 26.6 million visitors, as reported by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This annual figure represents the emirate’s highest tourism performance on record, according to DCT Abu Dhabi’s 2025 report.
DCT Abu Dhabi reported that the hotel sector generated Dh9.1 billion in revenues in 2025 as the emirate welcomed 26.6 million visitors, highlighting the significant tourism-driven demand for accommodation and related services.
DCT Abu Dhabi also noted an increase in visitors at major cultural sites in 2025, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, as part of the broader visitor surge. This is important for trip planning and spending patterns because museum-focused itineraries often lead to longer stays and higher per-visitor spending on tickets and food and beverages, especially around Saadiyat Island.
The 2025 results boost Abu Dhabi’s non-oil growth story focused on travel, culture, entertainment, and business events, with DCT Abu Dhabi leading destination marketing and sector oversight. Looking ahead to 2026, the practical impact may result in increased peak-period demand, limited hotel availability during major events, and heightened competition for last-minute bookings.
Quick Intel
- Headline number: Abu Dhabi recorded 26.6 million visitors in 2025 (DCT Abu Dhabi).
- Hotel money: Abu Dhabi hotel revenues hit Dh9.1 billion in 2025, supporting higher cashflow for hospitality supply chains.
- Culture driver: DCT Abu Dhabi reported double-digit growth in attendance at cultural attractions in 2025, reinforcing the role of museums and heritage sites in sustaining longer stays and higher visitor spend with Louvre Abu Dhabi was cited by DCT Abu Dhabi among cultural attractions showing visitor growth in 2025.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said the 26.6 million visitors recorded in 2025 were supported by a strong calendar of cultural attractions and major MICE events that lifted attendance across key venues by double digits with flagship sites such as Louvre Abu Dhabi contributing to the emirate’s tourism momentum.
