The United Arab Emirates, a global leader in travel and tourism employment, is set to offer nearly one million jobs in the sector by the end of 2025.
According to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the industry will generate over 26,000 new jobs this year alone, bringing total employment in the sector to more than 925,000.
The WTTC report underscores the UAE’s rapid post-pandemic recovery and outlines a record-breaking trajectory for the country’s tourism industry. International visitor spending is projected to reach Dh228.5 billion in 2025—a 37% increase over the pre-pandemic peak in 2019.
Tourism’s overall contribution to the national economy is expected to hit Dh267.5 billion next year, accounting for nearly 13% of the UAE’s GDP. Domestic travel is also surging, with local visitor spending forecast to rise to Dh60 billion, up 47% from 2019 levels.
WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson praised the UAE for its strategic leadership, citing its smart city developments, streamlined visa systems, and ambitious initiatives like the Tourism Strategy 2031 as key drivers of growth, sustainability, and long-term global competitiveness.
