Abu Dhabi (Urdu Point / Pakistan Point News / WAM – 07 April 2026 AD) Abu Dhabi He welcomed a record 26.6 million Its visitors in 2025, strengthening its position as an emerging global cultural capital and a preferred tourist destination, according to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This achievement reflects the emirate’s growing international appeal and its commitment to long-term sustainable economic impact.
DCT Abu Dhabi It presented its strongest cultural and tourism performance ever in 2025, with hotel Revenue growth of 19.5% year-on-year Dirham 9.1 one billionThe number of MICE delegates increased by 40% to 2.2 millionculture and entertainment It happened Attendance rose 20% to 4.2 million. The double-digit growth was supported by cultural appeal that attracted over 8.6% million Visitors to cultural sites in the emirate Libraries Throughout the year, Qasr Al Hosn recorded a 22% year-on-year increase in visitor numbers.
Saud Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu DhabiHe said: “With a strong foundation of cultural participation and strong tourism performance, Abu Dhabi It continues to grow as a world-leading destination offering exceptional experiences. The tourist attractions and continued expansion of the Saadiyat Cultural District have been enhanced Abu DhabiIts global distinction, despite its strength hotel The performance enhances long-term sustainable economic impact. With culture at the heart of the destination, our double-digit growth in 2025 reflects the clarity of our vision and the collective efforts of the broader ecosystem. Our performance confirms our strength Abu DhabiThe fundamentals of culture and tourism and our ability to adapt, innovate and sustainably grow.
With 5.9 million hotel International guests and arrivals from Main source Markets 10% led by IndiaAn increase of 22% compared to 2024 annual figures results It reflects a destination where cultural depth directly feeds tourism growth.
The year 2025 was a historic year for the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu DhabiCulture, Entertainment, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) events, with double-digit gains in attendance. In total, the department presented a record 252 cultural and entertainment events, collectively attracting more than 4.2 million visitors. million Attendance, 20% increase from 2024. Among the most attended festivals was the MOTN Festival held across the country Abu DhabiAnd Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions, which attracted 252,988 visitors.
Other major events included Coldplay’s four sold-out concerts at Zayed Sports City (193,470 attendees), Abu Dhabi T10 Cricket game (about 100 thousand participants), and Liwa Village (more than 159 thousand participants), the focus of the Liwa International Festival.
Folk culture and heritage festivals, including the Al Hosn Festival, the Traditional Handicrafts Festival, and the Maritime Heritage Festival, collectively received more than 608,000 visitors.
The MICE sector saw stronger growth, with the number of events increasing by 37% to 6,600 and attracting 2.2 million Delegates, up 40% year-on-year. Major gatherings such as IDEX/NAVDEX (about 206,000 participants), and success in the UAE (about 122,000 participants), Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (about 50,000 participants) and the inaugural Bridge Summit (about 39,000 participants) were key drivers. the Abu Dhabi Advantage of conference and exhibition office Abu Dhabi The program supported 175 events attracting 464,000 delegates, an increase of 28% year-on-year.
DCT Abu Dhabi It continued to enhance its role in preserving cultural heritage, promoting creativity, and forming cultural ties that reflect the emirate’s identity and aspirations.
Louvre Abu Dhabi It remains one of the most visited DCT Abu Dhabi Cultural sites, recording 1.4 million Visitors.
Qasr Al Hosn recorded a strong performance, receiving more than 843,000 visitors, an increase of 22% year on year.
The increased visitation was supported by 115 programs offered across Abu DhabiCultural sites, comprehensive heritage, performing arts, educationAnd youth and family Participation, and community initiatives, that enhanced culture as a visitor driver And the anchor of the community. Libraries across the emirate have continued to enhance accessibility and engagement, playing a key role in promoting knowledge, creativity and lifelong learning.
Defeat Abu DhabiIn the three regions, more than 20 cultural sites and libraries have been activated, leading to the development of a diverse network of museums, historical and archaeological sites, art centers and cultural destinations. The strategic milestones included the successful reopening of Al Maqta Museum, along with providing details about the protection and development of the museum Abu Dhabi The island, the Al Ain Museum, tells a story United Arab Emiratesthe past; As well as the openings of the Natural History Museum Abu DhabiRevival 13.8 one billion Years of Natural History, Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates United Arab Emiratestells the story of the land and its people.
Abu Dhabi received 5.9 million hotel Guests (2.2% YoY increase) plus 338,000 guests across holiday homes and luxury locations in 2025. This success was supported by 10% growth in international guests compared to the previous year, with key targets achieved Markets Included India, Russiaand UK. This raised the emirate’s occupancy rate by three percentage points to 81%.
The demand has translated directly into strong financial performance for the sector. hotel Revenue grew 19.5% year over year, along with a 19% rise in average daily rate (ADR) and a 23% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR). Average length of stay (ALOS) across everyone Accommodation types reached 2.9 nights in 2025, up 3% year-on-year, with Key Markets saw a 2% increase, partly due to a significant 13% increase in stays from Chinese Visitors. Meanwhile, hotels accounted for 92% of guest stays, complemented by holiday homes and campsites (8%).
Main source Markets Led 10% growth in international guests. India led by 436,124 hotel Guests (13% of total), representing an increase of 22% on 2024 figures, supported by expanding air connectivity including three new IndiGo routes and one new line. Air India Highway. Other leading Markets Depending on the size included Russia (257,200 guests), UK (250,906 guests), China (248,494 guests), and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (200,652 guests).
Globally, inbound seat capacity rose by 11% over the year, while load factor improved by two percentage points to 89%, demonstrating strong expansion in demand as supply increases. Visitors from Russia (4.3 nights) UK (4.2 nights), Germany (4.1 nights), and Italy (3.4 nights) recorded the longest average length of stay among the major hotels MarketsWhich indicates a deeper interaction with the emirate’s offers.
Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions showed great momentum, benefiting from Increasing regional and international marketing efforts. Al Ain welcomed 473,100 guests, up 9% year-on-year hotel Occupancy increased by 9%, driven largely by leisure travel. Al Dhafra region hosted 147,900 guests, an increase of 3% hotel Occupancy up 19%, also driven by leisure travel. Al Dhafra’s custom strategy is The decision For launch in 2026.
These achievements are confirmed Abu DhabiThe strong path towards the goals of the Tourism Strategy 2030, an ambitious plan that heralds a new era of expansion and strategic development in the emirate. He travels And the tourism sector.