UAE commemorates 54th National Day with economic and tourism milestones
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is commemorating its 54th National Day (Eid Al Etihad), firmly advancing toward a promising future, bolstered by a plethora of local and international accomplishments that characterized 2025, the Year of Community, under its astute leadership. The UAE has enhanced its proactive presence on the global stage and solidified its reputation as a significant economic powerhouse both regionally and internationally. The nation has also sustained its substantial contributions in humanitarian sectors, while at home, several remarkable achievements injected fresh momentum into the country’s sustainable development initiatives.
Fastest-growing economy
The UAE’s economy retained its status as one of the fastest-growing economies worldwide, bolstered by robust performance in the non-oil sector and strategic initiatives aimed at attracting investment. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts UAE economic growth of 4.8 percent for the current year, with non-oil foreign trade soaring to AED1.7 trillion in the first half of the year, marking a growth rate of 24.5 percent compared to the same period last year. This year, the UAE approved its largest federal budget in history for 2026, totaling AED92.4 billion, and introduced the National Investment Strategy 2031 to elevate foreign investment to AED240 billion annually.
Total banking assets surpassed AED5.199 trillion by the end of September 2025, and total credit rose to approximately AED2.478 trillion during the same timeframe.The UAE also continued broadening its network of comprehensive economic partnerships with nations across the globe. Additionally, this year marked the launch of the UAE Global Centre of Trade program, which aspires to attract 1,000 major global firms and enhance UAE export markets via a global digital gateway.
Strong tourism and travel performance
The tourism and travel sector sustained its robust performance in attractions, revenues, and projects. The sector contributed AED257.3 billion to GDP, signifying 13 percent of the national economy. Hotel establishments welcomed over 16.1 million guests during the first half of the year, generating revenues of AED26.1 billion. By the end of September, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Sharjah International Airport collectively recorded around 108.59 million passengers.
The UAE celebrated a historic achievement with Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais being elected Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism Organization for 2026–2029. The year also saw the introduction of major tourism and investment endeavors, including the Al Tay Hills project in Sharjah, the second phase of the Al Khor Waterfront in Umm Al Qaiwain, the announcement of Disney World and Resort development in Abu Dhabi, and the Therme Dubai wellness and entertainment project.
A model of progress and prosperity
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE minister of Economy and Tourism, emphasized that the 54th UAE Eid Al Etihad this year arrives adorned with remarkable economic and tourism successes that reflect the vision of the UAE’s leadership and the strength of the Union. “The 54th Eid Al Etihad reminds us of the pivotal moment when the seven Emirates unified into one nation a nation whose solid foundations, growth, and leadership were established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his esteemed founding fathers. Their vision transformed the Emirates into a leading model of progress, development, and prosperity, achieving extraordinary milestones across various domains that have garnered global recognition and fortified the country’s prominent regional and international standing,” he stated in his address marking the 54th Eid Al Etihad.
He added: “Today, we honor this treasured national occasion under the theme ‘United,’ reaffirming our pride in the Emirati national identity and fortifying the spirit of loyalty to our wise leadership. This occasion stands as a landmark reflecting the unity and solidarity of the nation’s populace, underscoring our commitment to fostering comprehensive development in our cherished country under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai; the support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; along with Their Highnesses, the Rulers of the Emirates.”
Surge in new company registrations
The minister continued: “The 54th Eid Al Etihad carries particular significance, as the nation has experienced extraordinary and unparalleled achievements in the economic and tourism sectors over the past year, reflecting its ongoing development and its ambitious vision for constructing a more advanced and prosperous future for current and future generations. Economically, the UAE led growth rates in the GCC region. The UAE’s real GDP grew by 4.2 percent during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, while non-oil GDP registered a growth rate of 5.7 percent. Non-oil activities contributed 77.5 percent to real GDP, reaffirming the UAE’s successful economic diversification and the solidity of its economic foundations.”
Furthermore, the minister highlighted that the UAE markets attracted over 220,186 new companies from January to the end of November 2025. During the same timeframe, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism registered more than 36,000 national and international trademarks entering the country’s markets, reflecting a 48.2 percent increase compared to the previous year. These indicators underscore the competitiveness and leadership of the UAE’s business landscape and its strong appeal for global investments and projects.
The UAE’s tourism sector also achieved remarkable milestones, attaining international accolades for its excellence in performance. In a significant endorsement, Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais was appointed Secretary-General of UN Tourism. Additionally, Masfout Village received the title of World’s Best Tourism Village 2025, highlighting the high caliber of UAE tourism and its increasing global renown.
UAE among top destinations for tourist spending
Moreover, the UAE ranked among the world’s top seven destinations for international tourist spending. The hospitality sector maintained its positive trajectory in the first nine months of 2025, with hotels accommodating 23.27 million guests a 4.9 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024 resulting in over 79.3 million hotel room nights booked. These successes further reinforce the UAE’s position as one of the most competitive and high-performing tourism markets globally.
Hotel revenues for the first nine months of the year saw a notable rise of 7.2 percent, surpassing AED35.9 billion ($9.8 billion). Concurrently, the number of available hotel rooms increased to 216,248, spread across 1,246 hotel establishments throughout the UAE. Hotel occupancy rates rose to 79.2 percent, up by 1.8 percent, driven by strong international visitor numbers and growth in domestic tourism. The average length of stay grew from 3.38 to 3.41 nights, suggesting that visitors are engaging more deeply with the diverse tourism offerings available in the country. At the same time, the number of occupied rooms climbed by 3.5 percent to reach 46.17 million. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) also experienced a 4.2 percent increase, from AED534 to AED557, reflecting improved yield management and robust demand across all market segments.
Commitment to economic legislative development
Bin Touq clarified that the Ministry of Economy and Tourism continues its commitment to develop the UAE’s economic legislative framework. From January to November 2025, the Ministry was involved in the issuance of 11 economic laws and policies covering vital and diverse domains such as consumer protection, ecotourism, food security, air transport, and sustainability. During this same period, the Ministry also unveiled 8 regulatory policies and decisions that include rules of origin, combating harmful practices, company regulations, and competition regulation. This highlights the Ministry’s essential role in crafting a comprehensive legislative environment that nurtures the competitiveness of the national economy and enhances its appeal to investors.
In conclusion, the minister remarked that Eid Al Etihad inspires feelings of dedication, diligence, and a renewed commitment to progress with strong resolve under our wise leadership. This steadfast determination supports the continued distinguished journey of the nation and the achievement of its strategic objectives across all sectors, particularly the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which seeks to double the national economy to AED3 trillion and establish the country as a global hub for the new economy within the next decade.
High-speed rail initiatives
Development projects aimed at enhancing quality of life and fostering economic and urban growth also gained momentum, such as the initiation of a high-speed rail project between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and the announcement of a national roads and transport plan exceeding AED170 billion until 2030. This initiative includes an expansion of federal roads and an increase in their efficiency by 73 percent, the construction of a fourth federal highway with a capacity of 360,000 trips per day, and the laying of the foundation stone for the 30-kilometer Dubai Metro Blue Line.
In 2025, the UAE disclosed contracts for four significant projects aimed at enhancing Dubai’s stormwater drainage system at a cost of AED1.439 billion under the Tasreef project. The inauguration of the Um Funnain substation in Sharjah, at a cost exceeding AED500 million, and the full commercial operation of the Fujairah F3 power plant, which has a capacity of 2.4 gigawatts to provide electricity to over 380,000 homes, were also significant milestones. Furthermore, the development of Dubai Auto Market over an area of 22 million square feet, making it the largest of its kind globally, was initiated.
The UAE also announced plans for a VIP terminal and private aircraft hangars at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, among other development projects throughout the Emirates.
Source: economymiddleeast