The UAE's hotel sector continues its steady growth, with revenues surpassing AED 26 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 6.3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, shared the figures while chairing the Emirates Tourism Council’s third meeting of 2025.
He noted that hotel occupancy rate reached 80.5 per cent, reflecting strong performance and aligning with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to boost the industry’s contribution to the national economy to AED 450 billion by the next decade.
The meeting brought together tourism officials from across the country to review ongoing initiatives and future plans.
Preparations are also underway for the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit in October, which will welcome ministers and officials from 53 African nations.
The Council also discussed ways to enhance coordination between public and private sectors, promote Emirati talent, and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global tourism hub.
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, held talks on energy strategy and infrastructure development with Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, during a meeting in Sharjah on Tuesday.
Dubai-born specialty coffee brand Saddle Café has opened its first-ever outlet in Courchevel, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion and introducing an Emirati-founded café concept to one of Europe’s most exclusive winter destinations.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, has led a high-level government delegation to Egypt as negotiations continue to secure a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved the emirate’s general budget for 2026, with total spending set at around AED 44.5 billion.