New Zealand eases UAE travel warning in boost to recovering tourism sector

New Zealand has removed its official travel warning for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signaling a positive development for the country's struggling tourism industry. The government has lowered its travel advisory from Level 3 – advising against non-essential travel – to Level 2, which suggests exercising increased caution.

New Zealand's ambassador to the UAE, Richard Kay, expressed his delight at the news, stating that "New Zealanders can once again travel to or transit through the UAE." He advised travelers to remain vigilant and follow local security advice at all times, as conditions can change rapidly.

The UAE and New Zealand signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) in January 2025, which is expected to increase annual bilateral trade to over $5 billion by 2032, up from an average of $1.5 billion from 2019 to 2023. This economic partnership is anticipated to benefit the tourism sector as well.

The easing of travel restrictions comes after Dubai and the UAE welcomed a record number of international visitors in the first eight months of 2025, totaling 19.59 million. Hotel occupancy also improved, reaching 66% in August, compared to 36% in March, the first full month of the Iran war.

Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing CEO Issam Kazim believes that lifting the travel warnings could lead to further improvements in visitor numbers, benefiting the insurance industry and encouraging international carriers to return to the region.

There is a strong demand for travel to the UAE, with the ATM Travel Trends Report 2026 forecasting a 57% increase in international visitor spending in the Middle East between 2025 and 2030. Siddharth Sudhakar, general manager for the Middle East and North Africa at Trip.com, noted that demand for travel to the UAE remains robust, with significant growth coming from neighboring countries.

Despite the current global uncertainty, experts remain optimistic about the future of travel in the region. Dave Goodger, managing director for European, Middle East, and North Africa at Tourism Economics, stated that while the economic and geopolitical landscape remains unpredictable, consumers are treating travel as essential.

People are prioritizing experiences over material possessions, and with favorable demographics, rising wealth, and ongoing investments in infrastructure, the region is expected to maintain its positive momentum.