The UAE has ranked first regionally and 18th globally in the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024. This is a Major improvement from its previous ranking of 25th in 2021, UAE increased its performance by 4.4% in the 2024 Index.
The report, which is published by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), assesses the performance of 119 countries across a range of indicators, including travel and tourism’s contribution to GDP, its impact on job creation, and its investment in infrastructure and technology.
| Year | Ranking |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 25 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 18 |
The UAE’s strong performance in the index is attributed to a number of factors, including:
- Increased demand from tourists: The UAE has seen a significant increase in tourist arrivals in recent years, thanks to its world-class attractions, such as the burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, as well as its reputation for safety and security.
- More flights: The UAE’s national carriers, Emirates and Etihad Airways, have expanded their networks in recent years, making it easier for tourists from all over the world to visit the country.
- Greater investment in attractions: The UAE government has invested heavily in developing new attractions, such as the Expo 2020 Dubai, which has attracted millions of visitors.
The WTTC’s report predicts that the global travel and tourism industry will continue to recover in 2024, with travel and tourism GDP expected to grow by 5.8%. The UAE is well-positioned to benefit from this growth, thanks to its strong infrastructure, attractive destinations, and commitment to innovation.
