Abu Dhabi Adds 37,000 Jobs in Thriving Tourism Industry

Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with the addition of 37,000 new jobs in 2024. This surge comes as an increasing number of visitors flock to the emirate's hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Aided by strategic investments in global promotional campaigns, the city’s tourism industry is booming.

Tourism Jobs Soar in Abu Dhabi

According to Saood Al Hosani, the undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the tourism sector is on track to reach 225,000 jobs by the end of this year. This is a significant increase from last year’s total of 188,000 jobs. Al Hosani also mentioned that the department is aiming for a 10% Emiratisation rate by 2025, up from the current rate of about 3%. This initiative is part of efforts to encourage more UAE citizens to pursue careers in tourism.

“We believe Emiratis can truly make a difference in the hospitality and tourism sectors,” said Al Hosani. “There’s a shift in perception, especially among the younger generation, about working in hospitality.”

Economic Impact and Growth Plans

In 2024, Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector is expected to contribute Dh55 billion ($14.97 billion) to the emirate’s GDP, a notable rise from Dh46 billion last year. Looking ahead, the emirate’s tourism sector has set an ambitious target to reach more than Dh90 billion by 2030. These plans are part of a broader strategy to diversify Abu Dhabi’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil by focusing on growing industries like tourism, aviation, and hospitality.

As part of this vision, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to create 178,000 new jobs, pushing the total number of tourism and hospitality-related positions to approximately 366,000 by the decade's end. The strategy also targets attracting 39.3 million annual visitors, up from 24 million last year, with a focus on high-spending travelers.

Record Hotel Occupancy and Future Developments

Abu Dhabi's hotel industry is also seeing unprecedented demand. By the end of 2024, the emirate is set to welcome 6.2 million hotel guests, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. Hotels across the city have reported near-full occupancy rates, with December's figures showing 83% occupancy across the emirate and 85% in Abu Dhabi city.

To meet this demand, Abu Dhabi currently boasts around 34,500 hotel rooms and expects to add 360 more by the end of the year. The emirate also plans to add an additional 1,000 rooms in 2025, with forecasts showing the need for 13,000 to 14,000 more rooms by 2030.

“We focus on the mid-to-high-income market, which is why we’re building mostly four- and five-star hotels,” explained Al Hosani.

Global Market Focus and Chinese Travel Demand

Abu Dhabi’s top international markets include China, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, France, and the UK. With growing demand from Chinese travelers, the emirate has been working to increase air connectivity, particularly with China, through expanded flight services. Additionally, the city is exploring new markets to further diversify its tourism portfolio and reduce risks.

The collaboration between DCT Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways for the Abu Dhabi Stopover campaign is another example of efforts to attract visitors. The campaign aims to bring more than 100,000 tourists to the UAE capital over the next year.

“We’re always keeping an eye on market dynamics, including economic conditions, connectivity, and seat capacity,” said Al Hosani. “This allows us to adjust our strategies as needed.”

Investing in Culture and Creative Industries

Abu Dhabi is also attracting growing interest from venture capital companies looking to invest in the city’s cultural and creative industries. Al Hosani highlighted the potential for these investments to not only boost tourism but also contribute to the city's development through projects like hotels, resorts, and cultural institutions.

As the tourism sector continues to grow, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a global tourism hub with its diverse offerings and forward-thinking strategies. With ongoing investments in infrastructure and cultural attractions, the emirate is poised for a bright future in the global tourism landscape.

In the first quarter of 2025, further announcements on tourism investments and collaborations will be made, signaling Abu Dhabi’s commitment to becoming a major player in the world of tourism.