UAE hotel revenues rise as tourism sector expands
Hotel establishments in the United Arab Emirates generated more than AED26 billion ($7 billion) in the first six months of 2025, marking a 6.3 percent increase compared to the same period last year. According to local media reports, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism shared that hotel occupancy averaged 80.5 percent over the period, reinforcing growth momentum across the country’s hospitality sector.
The performance supports the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to increase the sector’s contribution to the economy to AED450 billion ($122.5 billion) by the next decade. The plan forms part of the government’s broader agenda to diversify income sources away from hydrocarbons and strengthen non-oil GDP growth.
Emirates Tourism Council reviews initiatives
The figures were presented during the Emirates Tourism Council’s third meeting of 2025, chaired by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. The meeting brought together heads of local tourism authorities to discuss projects intended to boost the competitiveness of the sector.
Among the matters discussed were mechanisms for implementing new initiatives, coordination with the private sector, and the follow-up of recommendations from previous sessions. Local authorities also presented their tourism plans and achievements for the year, as well as development programmes scheduled for 2026.
Hospitality sector employment and growth outlook
Data from 2023 show that nearly 809,000 people were employed in tourism and hospitality in the UAE, representing more than 12 percent of the national workforce. Dubai alone is expected to add 20,000 hotel rooms by 2030, supporting the country’s broader objective of attracting 40 million hotel guests annually by 2031.
Wynn develops integrated resorts in Ras Al Khaimah
In parallel with these developments, the UAE is witnessing large-scale private investment in hospitality infrastructure. Wynn Resorts is building a $3.9 billion integrated resort (IR) on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, scheduled to open in 2027. The project will include 1,530 rooms and suites, dining and entertainment venues, and what is expected to be the Gulf’s first legal casino.
The resort, Wynn’s tallest development globally, will also feature a marina designed for luxury yachts, created in partnership with IGY Marinas and Marina Solutions International. The facility will feature 101 berths, concierge services, and advanced docking systems to cater to high-net-worth individuals.
Land earmarked for second integrated resort
Wynn and its partners have also allocated land on Al Marjan Island for a potential second integrated resort. According to a shareholders’ agreement filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the development plots include a “Second Integrated Resort Plot,” a “Janu Plot,” and a “Luxury Hotel and Apartments Plot,” in addition to a wider “Land Bank.”
The second resort site covers nearly 1.5 million square feet, with land reclamation included. Should a casino be developed there, Wynn or one of its affiliates would serve as the sole operator. The agreement also contains a clause preventing Wynn from developing further branded casinos or hotels in the Gulf Cooperation Council for a decade after the first resort opens, unless partners approve.
