Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced that the emirate’s hotels have received 4.8 million guests year-to-date (YTD) as of October 2024, resulting in seeing a 27 percent increase in international guests compared to 2023.
DCT Abu Dhabi also welcomed more than 3.9 million visitors across its cultural events and landmarks YTD October, a 21 percent increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting the success of Abu Dhabi's cultural initiatives.
Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, said, “Our journey so far has been transformational as we continue to share Abu Dhabi with the world. We are guided by a bold vision set forth in the refreshed Tourism Strategy 2030 and Culture Strategy, and the results we’ve shared underscore Abu Dhabi’s commitment to excellence and sustainable growth, and highlight the impact of coordinated efforts in destination and cultural development.
“By crafting authentic experiences, developing our infrastructure, and fostering talent, community engagement, and key partnerships, we are shaping the emirate into a thriving global leader in the tourism and culture sector.”
From January to October 2024, Abu Dhabi welcomed 4.8 million hotel guests, surpassing pre-pandemic figures and achieving a 27 percent increase in international guests from 26 key source markets, including India, China, Russia, the UK, and Saudi Arabia.
With a supply of over 34,398 hotel rooms as of September 2024, Abu Dhabi plans to add more than 360 rooms by year-end and 1,000 more throughout the following year, supporting the increased demand from international visitors.
DCT Abu Dhabi also expanded its promotional efforts to 27 markets in 2024, compared to 11 in 2019.
Coupled with robust engagement with the aviation sector, Abu Dhabi received 17.5 million seat capacity in 2024, marking a 26 per cent increase compared to 2023.
Under the banner of the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), the emirate is on track to host 20 mega-events in 2024, a 15 per cent increase from 2023.
These events are expected to attract 1.15 million delegates, marking a 20 percent year-on-year growth in participation, further boosting Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leading business tourism destination.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s cultural sites, libraries, and museums saw over 3.9 million visitors this year as of October, which was a 21 percent increase compared to 2023.
The entity also received approximately 700,000 attendees at key cultural events between January and October, a 26 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Cultural education activities gathered around 540,000 participants until October 2024, a 43 percent increase as compared to 2023.
Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 continues to chart a bold course for growth, aiming to attract 39.3 million visitors, create 178,000 new jobs in the tourism sector, and contribute Dh90 billion to the GDP by 2030.
These goals aim to be achieved through 25 targeted initiatives across the strategy’s four key pillars: offering and city activation, promotion and marketing, infrastructure and mobility, and visa, licensing, and regulation.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s approach includes expanding into new international markets while strengthening its presence in existing ones.
Trade initiatives such as roadshows, training programmes, and collaboration with travel partners are designed to elevate Abu Dhabi’s global profile as a top destination for leisure, entertainment, business events, arts and culture, heritage, and more.
Significant entertainment and cultural projects in the pipeline include the expansion of Warner Bros.
World with the addition of a Harry Potter World, the completion of the Saadiyat Cultural District in 2025, and the development of Hudayriyat Island as a hub for sports and adventure.
