Abu Dhabi’s tourism and hospitality sectors have continued to build on the momentum of a successful 2024, with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) reporting robust growth in the first quarter of 2025 during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which is currently underway in Dubai.
Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Image credit: Kamil Dzikowski/Unsplash
Between January and March this year, Abu Dhabi welcomed 1.4 million hotel guests, marking an increase in international arrivals from key markets such as India, China, Russia, the UK and the US.
This growth contributed to AED 2.3 billion in hotel revenues, an 18 percent rise compared to the same period in 2024. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) also grew by 25 percent year-on-year to reach AED 484, with occupancy rates across the emirate averaging 79 percent, including during Ramadan.
The sector’s performance positions Abu Dhabi on track to achieve its goal of contributing AED 62 billion to the local economy in 2025, up 13 percent from the previous year, and supporting 255,000 jobs.
H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said the department’s strategic and data-driven approach has underpinned the results: “Sustained investment into data-led destination marketing, diversified programming, a culture-first ethos and ever-improving visitor experience touchpoints have driven robust growth in Q1 2025″.
DCT Abu Dhabi is currently presenting its latest developments at ATM 2025, with an ‘Experience Abu Dhabi’ stand highlighting the cultural attractions across the emirate, with a focus on Saadiyat Cultural District, Al Ain Region and Al Dhafra Region. Throughout the fair, the stand will host 73 partners, including Etihad Airways, Miral and Yas Island, under the theme of enhancing global tourism connectivity.
This year’s Q1 performance builds on the emirate’s strong results in 2024, when Abu Dhabi saw a 7 percent rise in hotel and alternative accommodation guests and a 28 percent increase in international overnight visitors, reaching 3.2 million. Hotel revenues totalled over AED 7.6 billion last year, up 18.1 percent, with RevPAR climbing 22 percent.
New cultural offerings are arguably contributing to Abu Dhabi’s appeal. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi recently opened in Saadiyat Cultural District, joining Louvre Abu Dhabi and soon-to-open institutions including Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
