Upcoming Trade Shows in UAE for Hospitality

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to solidify its position as a global tourism powerhouse. In the face of economic setback and after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, UAE’s hospitality industry has demonstrated time and time again remarkable resilience and growth trends. In 2022, the UAE welcomed over 22 million international visitors, nearly matching pre-pandemic levels. This surge in tourism can be attributed to the country’s exceptional infrastructure, year-round sunshine, world-class attractions and rich cultural heritage, which altogether build a reputation as an unmissable destination for both business and leisure travelers worldwide. As the second largest economy in the Arab world, the UAE has consistently ranked at the forefront of the Travel & Tourism Development Index in the MENA region and among the top 25 countries globally. The Travel & Tourism industry played a pivotal role in driving the UAE’s economic growth in 2022, contributing an estimated 9% to the country's GDP. With revenues reaching AED 167 billion, marking a remarkable 60% year-on-year increase, and employing 751,000 individuals, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 6000 jobs, the sector has emerged as one of the largest non-hydrocarbon sectors in the UAE. In 2023, the UAE’s hospitality industry achieved revenues of AED 180.6 billion, representing 10% of the country’s GDP and closing in on 2019 levels. It’s a clear indication that the sector has mostly recovered from the pandemic as we see increasing visitation, diversification of source markets, and proactive government initiatives aimed at attracting foreign investment. Investor confidence in the UAE’s effective response to the pandemic and its resilience amidst global economic uncertainties has further bolstered growth prospects.