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Friday, July 19, 2024 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its status as a global tourism powerhouse, driven by its ambitious strategy to diversify and expand its tourism industry. Major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi captivate visitors with iconic landmarks, luxury experiences, and innovative attractions, while the UAE’s tourism strategy emphasizes shopping festivals, high-quality hospitality, and seamless travel. The UAE has restored travel ties with Nigeria, unlocking increased business and leisure opportunities.

Emirates Airline bolsters its global reach by ordering additional Boeing 777 freighters, enhancing cargo capabilities. Through its comprehensive strategy, the UAE is poised to cement its position as a global tourism leader. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to be a magnet for global tourists, drawn by its blend of traditional culture and ultra-modern infrastructure.



Major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the epicenters of tourism, offering iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The UAE’s tourism strategy emphasizes luxury experiences, shopping festivals, and innovative attractions, including the recently opened Museum of the Future. Safety, high-quality hospitality, and ease of travel further enhance its appeal.

The country also hosts major international events, contributing to a robust influx of visitors each year, reinforcing its status as a premier travel destination. By 2024, the market is projected to generate revenue of $1,352.00 million.

It is expected to expand annually by 3.93% from 2024 to 2029, reaching a projected market volume of $1,639.00 million by 2029.

Revenue from the Package Holidays market is expected to hit $535.80 million in 2024, with the user base likely to rise to 2,610,000 by 2029. User penetration is anticipated to increase from 32.

5% in 2024 to 38.8% by 2029, with an average revenue per user (ARPU) projected at $433.10.

The United Arab Emirates anticipates a continuous rise in international tourist arrivals, with a total increase of 17.3 million arrivals (a 63.32 percent increase) by 2029.

Following nine years of growth, tourist arrivals are expected to peak at 44.66 million in 2029. Abu Dhabi Global Market has announced a significant reduction in licensing fees, slashing costs by 50% or more for obtaining non-financial and retail licenses under its authority.

This new fee structure will take effect from January 1, 2025, as part of a transition plan for island businesses. From January to April 2024, Dubai has hosted 6.68 million international visitors, marking an 11% increase over the same period last year.

In 2023, the number of Indian tourists visiting Dubai surged by 22%, reaching 2.2 million, which was 12% more than the record year of 2019 with 1.97 million Indian visitors.

Omanis formed the second-largest visitor group with 1.57 million, closely followed by 1.25 million from the United Kingdom and 910,000 from Russia .

Visa Free List What is the UAE 10-year Blue Visa? The UAE has introduced the ‘Blue Residency,’ a 10-year visa program for individuals committed to environmental protection. This initiative supports the country’s environmental conservation efforts and promotes sustainability both within the UAE and globally. Discover the United Arab Emirates: A Journey Through Its Most Captivating Cities Top Beaches in the United Arab Emirates : Must-Visit Attractions in the UAE Exciting Activities in the UAE Luxury Stays in Abu Dhabi Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to resume travel between their countries.

The UAE has lifted a 21-month visa ban on Nigerians, reinstating travel and opening doors for increased business and leisure interactions. New regulations now require digital verification for Nigerian passport holders applying for visas. This development concludes a prolonged dispute, highlighted by Nigeria limiting Emirates Airlines’ flights in response to the UAE’s restrictions on Nigerian airline Air Peace.

This resolution marks a significant advancement in travel and business relations between Nigeria and the UAE. Emirates Airline, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, operates an expansive network across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the South Pacific, North America, Europe, and South America. Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s freight division, recently placed a confirmed order for five additional Boeing 777 freighters, scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2026.

The Emirates passenger fleet, including cargo services, aims to enhance global goods movement, offering customers versatile fleet options such as 777s, 777-Fs, 747Fs, A350s, and A380s. Etihad Airways , another flagship carrier of the UAE, now offers flights to five new destinations in Malaysia—Johor Bahru, Langkawi, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, and Tawau—through a codeshare agreement with Batik Air Malaysia. This partnership also facilitates connections to Hanoi and Da Nang in Vietnam, and Perth in Australia.

In June, Etihad expanded its route network by launching flights to eight new locations, including Bali, Jaipur, Al Qassim, and seasonal routes to Nice, Antalya, Mykonos, Santorini, and Malaga, achieving an average passenger load factor of 86%. Zayed International Airport , previously known as Abu Dhabi International Airport and the second largest in the UAE, is a significant international hub. The recently added Terminal 3 primarily serves Etihad Airways and the Airbus A380s.

The airport is a base for over 30 airlines, connecting to more than 100 destinations in over 50 countries. Etihad Rail , spanning 1,200 kilometers, forms a critical part of the UAE’s infrastructure, connecting from the Saudi border to Fujairah on the Indian Ocean coast. This project, valued at Dh40 billion ($11 billion), enhances regional connectivity and economic integration.

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