UAE Issues Nearly 40,000 Tourism Related Licences in 2025, Highlighting Economic Push

The United Arab Emirates has issued almost 40,000 commercial licences in tourism, hospitality, aviation, air transport, aviation technology and digital tourism sectors by mid-September 2025. Officials confirmed that 39,546 licences were granted, reflecting the country’s strong focus on economic diversification and growth beyond oil.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, stated that this represents a 275 percent increase compared to the same period in 2020. He added that the growth was driven by reforms in business regulations, higher investor confidence and policies designed to make it easier and more attractive to set up tourism related ventures.

Why This Growth Matters

The rise in licences is directly linked to the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to make tourism a major driver of the national economy. Authorities are positioning tourism not only as a service sector but also as a central pillar for non-oil development.

Efforts include attracting more foreign investment, supporting innovation in fields like aviation technology, and preparing Emirati talent for future roles in tourism and hospitality. With global travel rebounding, investors are rushing to capture opportunities in hotels, leisure activities, cultural tourism and digital tourism platforms.

Officials have also been promoting specialised campaigns and expanding infrastructure to support this surge. Global marketing efforts are strengthening the UAE’s image as a destination that offers safety, innovation and world-class service.

Key Figures and Current Trends

• Nearly 39,546 licences have already been issued in 2025 across tourism and related fields.

• This number shows a 275 percent growth compared to mid-September 2020.

• In 2024, the UAE welcomed 3.3 million visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council countries. These made up 11 percent of total hotel guests. Saudi Arabia was the largest source market with 1.9 million visitors, followed by Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar.

• Hotel revenues in the first half of 2025 crossed AED 26 billion, which is around USD 7.1 billion. This shows a 6.3 percent increase compared to last year. Hotel occupancy rates averaged 80.5 percent, reflecting strong performance in the hospitality sector.

Opportunities and Challenges

The sharp growth in licences signals investor trust and global recognition of the UAE as a hub for tourism, but sustaining this momentum will require careful planning.

One key area is workforce training. There is a growing need to prepare young Emiratis for jobs in hospitality, aviation technology and digital tourism. Skilled professionals will be essential to match the rising demand.

Another challenge is balancing regulation and ease of doing business. Investors are attracted by simple and fast processes, so authorities must maintain this advantage while ensuring that quality and safety standards remain high.

Infrastructure development is also crucial. With more tourists arriving, the country needs additional hotels, airport facilities, transport connections and entertainment destinations. Sustainability will play a central role to ensure that rapid growth does not put pressure on the environment or cultural heritage.

Looking Ahead

The UAE is preparing for the next phase with several upcoming initiatives. Campaigns such as “World’s Coolest Winter” aim to highlight local attractions during the cooler season. Tourism investment summits are also planned to connect the UAE with new markets in Africa, Asia and Europe.

Experts believe that the diversity of licences issued this year is particularly important. The list does not only include hotels or travel agencies but also covers aviation technology and digital platforms. This shows that the UAE is shifting towards more advanced, tech driven tourism experiences.

The continued rise in visitors from neighbouring Gulf countries adds strength to the UAE’s regional leadership. At the same time, global branding and international cooperation ensure that the UAE remains visible as one of the world’s most dynamic destinations.

If these efforts continue, the country is on track to exceed the goals set under the Tourism Strategy 2031. These include raising the contribution of tourism to the national GDP and attracting more than 40 million visitors annually by the next decade.