Abu dhabi: Abu Dhabi welcomed a record 26.6 million visitors in 2025, reinforcing its position as an emerging global cultural capital and a tourism destination of choice, according to the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The milestone reflects the emirate's growing international appeal and its commitment to long-term, sustainable economic impact.
According to Emirates News Agency, DCT Abu Dhabi delivered its strongest culture and tourism performance on record in 2025, with hotel revenues growing 19.5% year-on-year to AED 9.1 billion. MICE delegates increased 40% to 2.2 million, and culture and leisure event attendance rose by 20% to 4.2 million. The cultural appeal was significant, drawing more than 8.6 million visitors to the emirate's cultural sites and libraries, with Qasr Al Hosn recording a 22% year-on-year increase in visitor numbers.
Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted the robust tourism performance and cultural engagement as drivers for Abu Dhabi's growth as a world-leading destination. The expansion of Saadiyat Cultural District and strong hotel performance were pivotal in reinforcing the emirate's distinctiveness on the global stage. The 2025 growth underscores Abu Dhabi's culture and tourism fundamentals, showcasing its ability to adapt, innovate, and grow sustainably.
Abu Dhabi's 2025 tourism performance was marked by 5.9 million hotel guests, with international arrivals from key markets up 10%, led by a 22% surge from India compared to 2024 figures. This growth signifies a destination where cultural depth fuels tourism.
DCT Abu Dhabi's culture, leisure, and MICE events experienced a landmark year with significant gains in attendance. The department delivered a record 252 events, attracting over 4.2 million attendees, marking a 20% increase from 2024. Notable events included the MOTN Festival, Coldplay's concerts at Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi T10 cricket, and the Liwa Village centerpiece of the Liwa International Festival.
The MICE sector also saw considerable growth, with events increasing by 37% to 6,600 and drawing 2.2 million delegates, up 40% year-on-year. Major gatherings such as IDEX/NAVDEX and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week were key drivers. The Advantage Abu Dhabi programme supported 175 events, attracting 464,000 delegates, a 28% year-on-year increase.
DCT Abu Dhabi's commitment to preserving cultural heritage and fostering creativity was evident as it continued to shape cultural connections reflecting the emirate's identity. Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Hosn remained popular sites, with increased visitation supported by 115 programmes across cultural sites.
Abu Dhabi's accommodation sector saw growth, with hotel revenues up 19.5% YoY and a rise in Average Daily Rate and Revenue Per Available Room. The emirate welcomed key international guests from India, Russia, and the UK, boosting occupancy rates.
Al Ain and Al Dhafra Regions also demonstrated growth, benefiting from regional and international marketing efforts. Al Ain Region saw a 9% increase in guests, while Al Dhafra Region experienced a 3% rise. These achievements align with Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, setting the stage for future expansion in the emirate's travel and tourism sector.
