The UAE’s modern residency and visa system issued more than 23 million visas and entry permits during 2024. More than 150 million visitors passed through the country’s airports and other ports of entry.
According to preliminary national estimates, tourism and cultural programs achieved unprecedented results, with UAE hotels welcoming more than 30 million guests in 2024. They spent over 105 million hotel nights, while the country’s hotels recorded occupancy rates among the highest worldwide, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The figures were reviewed during the first Cabinet meeting of 2025, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. Attendees included Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Read the announcement on the Emirates News Agency website.
