The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rapidly ascended as a global tourism hub, blending modernity with rich cultural heritage. Known for its luxurious lifestyle, towering skyscrapers, and sprawling deserts, the UAE offers an array of attractions that cater to diverse tourist interests. This Middle Eastern gem has also made significant strides in enhancing its global mobility, as reflected in its impressive ranking on the Henley Passport Power Index. Currently positioned at 33rd, the UAE passport provides its holders with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 countries, making it one of the most powerful passports worldwide.
According to the Henley Passport Power Index’s July update, the United Arab Emirates ranked 1st in the economic index, highlighting its strong global mobility. The Economic Mobility Score, which measures visa-free access to global GDP, stands at 66.73%. United Arab Emirates contributes 66.73% of the global GDP, and United Arab Emirates passport holders have visa-free access to 185 destinations out of 226, covering 82% of the world. This ranking underscores the significant travel privileges enjoyed by United Arab Emirates citizens, facilitating easier and more flexible international travel.
TTW Editor-in-Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan remarked: “The landscape of UAE outbound travel and tourism is evolving rapidly, driven by a growing number of Emirati citizens exploring international destinations. In the Henley Passport Power Index’s July update, the UAE ranked 33rd, reflecting the expansive reach of the UAE passport, which offers visa-free access to 189 countries, including popular destinations like Canada, Thailand, and Italy. Major cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah offer a compelling mix of historical sites, modern architecture, and a vibrant arts scene, attracting tourists from around the globe. The appeal of these urban centers is complemented by the UAE’s strong work and travel visa trends, further enhancing its status as a travel hub. Popular destinations such as France, Japan, and the United States significantly contribute to this growth, reflecting the diverse preferences of Emirati travelers. The economic impact of tourism on the UAE economy is substantial, with the sector playing a crucial role in employment and overall economic health. The Economic Mobility Score, which measures visa-free access to global GDP, highlights the UAE’s strong global mobility, GDP growth rate, and tourism sector. UAE airports and top airlines are pivotal in supporting this surge in outbound travel, underscoring the UAE’s significant position in the global travel landscape.”
United Arab Emirates’ Tourism Industry Overview
In 2022, the travel and tourism sector contributed nearly AED 167 billion to the UAE’s GDP, accounting for 9% of the total GDP. International tourists spent AED 117.6 billion during the same year. The number of hotels in the UAE increased to 1,198, with a total capacity of 203,000 hotel rooms. Hotel revenues reached AED 38 billion, and the hotel occupancy rate was 71%. The UAE ranked 25th globally in the Travel & Tourism Development Index, with 25.2 million guests in hotel establishments.
Visa Requirements for United Arab Emirates Passport Holders
UAE passport holders enjoy extensive travel freedom, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 countries. These countries are :
- Albania
- Andorra
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bermuda
- Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Cook Islands
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Curacao
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Estonia
- eSwatini
- Faroe Islands
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- French Guiana
- French Polynesia
- French West Indies
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Greenland
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Hong Kong (SAR China)
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Madagascar
- Malaysia
- Mali
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mayotte
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- New Caledonia
- Nicaragua
- Niue
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Palestinian Territory
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Reunion
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Rwanda
- San Marino
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Spain
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Maarten
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- The Gambia
- Tonga
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Ukraine
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City
- Zambia
Countries with Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Certain countries require to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before entry. Some of these destinations include:
Here is the list of countries with no overlaps:
- Canada
- Kenya
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- United Kingdom
Countries with Visa On Arrival (VOA)
For some destinations, a Visa on Arrival is required, which can be obtained online before travel :
- Bangladesh
- Bolivia
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde Islands
- Comoro Islands
- Congo (Rep.)
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Laos
- Macao (SAR China)
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mauritania
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Palau Islands
- Samoa
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Tanzania
- Timor-Leste
- Tuvalu
- Yemen
- Zimbabwe
United Arab Emirates Outbound Tourism Statistics in 2023
The UAE outbound tourism market has grown significantly, fueled by globalization and a strong interest in international travel among Emiratis. Despite its small population, the UAE is a major player in global outbound tourism. Popular destinations include Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as well as the US, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. A 2015 survey showed 3.5 million outbound trips, with Saudi Arabia accounting for nearly 40%. The market is projected to exceed US$ 24 billion by 2025, driven by high spending power and increasing travel trends.
Popular Destinations for United Arab Emirates Tourists
Some of the top destinations for UAE tourists in 2023 include:
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- United Kingdom
- Thailand
- Austria
- India
- United States
- Germany
- Turkey
- Maldives
GDP Growth Rate and Tourism
In 2016, the travel and tourism sector made a substantial direct contribution to the UAE’s GDP, amounting to AED 68.5 billion (USD 18.7 billion), representing 5.2% of the total GDP. This sector is forecasted to grow by 5.1% annually from 2017 to 2027, reaching AED 116.1 billion (USD 31.6 billion), which would constitute 5.4% of the total GDP by 2027. The total contribution of the travel and tourism sector to the UAE’s GDP in 2016 was AED 159.1 billion (USD 43.3 billion), accounting for 12.1% of the GDP. This figure is expected to rise by 4.9% per annum, reaching AED 264.5 billion (USD 72 billion) and representing 12.4% of the GDP by 2027. The UAE has established itself as a premier destination for conferences, regional and international exhibitions, and major global sports events. Notable among these are the Dubai World Cup for horseracing, the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, the Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Additionally, the UAE hosts world-class film festivals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, making it a vibrant hub for a variety of prestigious events.
United Arab Emirates Airports and Top Airlines
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is renowned for its state-of-the-art airports and leading airlines, making it a pivotal hub in global aviation. This article explores the major airports and top airlines that facilitate seamless travel within and beyond the UAE.
Major Airports in the UAE
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, serves as a crucial gateway for international travelers. With three terminals and world-class amenities, DXB handles millions of passengers annually, offering flights to over 240 destinations worldwide.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport is another key player in the UAE’s aviation sector. Known for its luxurious lounges and efficient services, AUH connects to major global destinations and serves as the primary hub for Etihad Airways.
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Sharjah International Airport, while smaller than DXB and AUH, plays a significant role in regional travel. It is the hub for Air Arabia, the Middle East’s first low-cost carrier, and offers flights to numerous destinations in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central, is part of a larger aviation complex designed to handle future air traffic growth. Although currently serving fewer passengers than DXB, DWC is poised to become a major global aviation hub.
Top Airlines in the UAE
Emirates
Emirates, based in Dubai, is one of the world’s leading airlines, known for its luxurious services and extensive route network. Operating one of the largest fleets of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, Emirates connects Dubai to six continents with over 150 destinations.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of Abu Dhabi, is renowned for its high-quality service and innovative in-flight experiences. Etihad operates a diverse fleet and offers flights to over 80 destinations, focusing on providing premium services to its passengers.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia, headquartered in Sharjah, is the UAE’s first low-cost carrier. It offers affordable travel options to a wide range of destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Air Arabia is popular among budget-conscious travelers seeking reliable and cost-effective flights.
Flydubai
Flydubai, another low-cost carrier based in Dubai, complements Emirates by serving regional and international destinations not covered by its larger counterpart. Known for its affordability and efficient operations, Flydubai has rapidly expanded its network across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Conclusion
The United Arab Emirates has firmly established itself as a key player in the global tourism industry. With a strong passport ranking, extensive travel freedoms, and world-class infrastructure, the UAE continues to attract and facilitate international travel for its citizens. As the country looks to the future, its commitment to enhancing tourism and travel accessibility remains unwavering, promising sustained growth and prosperity in this vibrant sector.
Tags: Abu Dhabi International Airport, Air Arabia, Al Maktoum International Airport, dubai international airport, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Henley Passport Power Index, travel industry, Travel News, UAE, visa free, Visa free travel
