'The descending is over, we're going to take off': UAE tourism ready for winter boost, says Abdulla bin Touq
The UAE's tourism industry is not waiting for normal to return. Across hotels, airlines and destination authorities, companies are spending, expanding and repositioning – betting that the sector's foundations are strong enough to deliver a recovery through the winter season and into 2027. Hotel occupancy in Dubai climbed to 66 per cent in August, government figures show – 89 per cent of its level…
The UAE's tourism sector is ready to bounce back and embrace growth through the winter season and beyond, according to Abdulla bin Touq, Minister of Economy and Tourism. Hotel occupancy in Dubai reached 66% in August, a significant improvement from March's 36% and close to pre-pandemic levels. Demand for travel to the UAE remains robust, with a 60% increase in flight orders and a 130% growth in hotel bookings year-on-year, according to Trip.com's Siddharth Sudhakar.
Saudi Arabia is a key source market, while the UK, Russia, France, the US and India also contribute significantly to inbound travel. Emirates, the airline, operates at 93% of its pre-Iran war capacity, with bookings surging in multiple international markets. The airline has also expanded its product range, adding premium economy to 137 aircraft.
Meanwhile, low-cost carrier flydubai is set to surpass 100 aircraft and introduce lie-flat business-class seats to 21 planes. To attract visitors, the UAE has launched the UAE Grand Tour initiative, offering themed itineraries across all seven emirates and addressing the tendency for tourists to view the country as a single destination.
This strategy, coupled with diversification efforts and flexible booking policies, positions the UAE tourism sector for a thriving future.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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