DCT Abu Dhabi Achieves Record 26.6 Million Visitors in 2025, Strengthening Cultural and Tourism Growth

Abu Dhabi welcomed a historic 26.6 million visitors in 2025, solidifying its status as an emerging global cultural capital and a premier tourism destination. This achievement, reported by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), highlights the emirate’s increasing international appeal and commitment to sustainable economic growth.

Strong Performance in Culture and Tourism

DCT Abu Dhabi reported its most robust culture and tourism performance to date in 2025. Hotel revenues surged by 19.5% year-on-year, reaching AED 9.1 billion. The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector saw a 40% increase in delegates, totaling 2.2 million, while attendance at culture and leisure events rose by 20% to 4.2 million. The emirate’s cultural sites and libraries attracted over 8.6 million visitors, with Qasr Al Hosn experiencing a 22% year-on-year increase in visitor numbers.

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the emirate’s strong foundation in cultural engagement and tourism. He noted that landmark attractions and the ongoing expansion of the Saadiyat Cultural District have enhanced Abu Dhabi’s global uniqueness. The double-digit growth in 2025 reflects a clear vision and collective efforts across the tourism ecosystem.

Growth in Hotel and International Arrivals

The emirate recorded 5.9 million hotel guests, with international arrivals from key markets increasing by 10%. Notably, visitors from India surged by 22% compared to 2024 figures, demonstrating the cultural depth that is driving tourism growth in the region.

In 2025, DCT Abu Dhabi organized a record 252 culture and leisure events, attracting over 4.2 million attendees, a 20% increase from the previous year. Among the highlights was the MOTN Festival, which drew 252,988 visitors across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra regions.

Other major events included Coldplay’s four sold-out concerts at Zayed Sports City, attracting 193,470 attendees, and the Abu Dhabi T10 cricket tournament, which saw approximately 100,000 attendees. The Liwa International Festival’s centerpiece, Liwa Village, welcomed over 159,000 visitors.

MICE Sector and Cultural Engagement

The MICE sector experienced remarkable growth, with the number of events increasing by 37% to 6,600, drawing 2.2 million delegates, a 40% year-on-year increase. Major events such as IDEX/NAVDEX, which attracted around 206,000 attendees, and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, with about 50,000 attendees, were significant contributors to this growth. The Advantage Abu Dhabi program supported 175 events, bringing in 464,000 delegates, marking a 28% year-on-year increase.

DCT Abu Dhabi has also played a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and fostering creativity. Louvre Abu Dhabi remains one of the most visited cultural sites, recording 1.4 million visitors. Qasr Al Hosn welcomed over 843,000 visitors, reflecting a 22% increase year-on-year.

Expanding Cultural Infrastructure

The increased visitation was bolstered by 115 programs across Abu Dhabi’s cultural sites, covering heritage, performing arts, education, and community initiatives. This approach has reinforced culture as both a driver for visitors and a community anchor. Libraries across the emirate have enhanced accessibility and participation, fostering knowledge and lifelong learning.

Abu Dhabi’s diverse network of cultural sites includes over 20 museums, historic and archaeological sites, and art centers. Significant milestones included the re-openings of Al Maqta’a Museum and Al Ain Museum, as well as the openings of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum.

Hotel Performance and Visitor Demographics

In 2025, Abu Dhabi welcomed 5.9 million hotel guests, a 2.2% year-on-year increase, along with 338,000 guests in holiday homes and glamping sites. The emirate’s occupancy rate rose by three percentage points to 81%, supported by a 10% growth in international guests. Key markets included India, Russia, and the UK.

Hotel revenues grew by 19.5% year-on-year, with a 19% increase in Average Daily Rate (ADR) and a 23% rise in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR). The average length of stay reached 2.9 nights, up 3% year-on-year, with significant increases in stays from Chinese visitors.

India led the international guest market with 436,124 hotel guests, marking a 22% increase compared to 2024. Other key markets included Russia, the United Kingdom, China, and Saudi Arabia.

Regional Growth and Future Strategies

Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions demonstrated significant growth, benefiting from enhanced marketing efforts. Al Ain welcomed 473,100 guests, a 9% year-on-year increase, while Al Dhafra hosted 147,900 guests, up 3%, with hotel occupancy surging by 19%. A dedicated strategy for Al Dhafra is set to launch in 2026.

These achievements align with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims for strategic development and expansion in the emirate’s travel and tourism sector.

As reported by www.emirates247.com.

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Published on 2026-04-07 11:27:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk