Number of hotels UAE 2008-2022

Hospitality is key to the United Arab Emirates’ economic diversification policy. In 2015, over 1,000 hotels and similar establishments were in the Gulf state. Despite declining slightly in 2018 and 2020, the number of establishments reached over 1,200 as of 2022.

UAE hospitality industry

Despite being a significant oil producer, tourism and hospitality make up a sizable portion of the UAE's economy. The revenue from the UAE’s hotel rooms reached almost 25 million UAE dirhams in 2022. The country has long established itself as a hub for tourism, financial services, and global trade. Thus, these establishments not only serve leisure tourists but also business clients, in addition to offering venues for international events and conferences. Each year, the vast number of international tourists arriving in the UAE contribute billions to the economy. The hospitality sector also comprises a large share of the employed workforce in the country.

Future of hospitality in the UAE

  The government continues to invest heavily in all aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry. The number of five-star hotels in the Emirate of Dubai has been growing continuously. This market growth is expected to continue, as is the direct employment contribution from travel and tourism in the UAE. Besides investing in various tourist attractions, the country is also a major commercial hub. There have been many initiatives to facilitate the early adoption of innovative technologies, such as incorporating blockchain services and developing air taxis. Such initiatives have attracted many foreign companies and increased the need for a strong hospitality industry.