The United Arab Emirates is fighting for the return of tourists. A billion-dollar investment
The United Arab Emirates suffered the consequences of the US and Israel's war with Iran, becoming the target of Tehran's attacks. These attacks also threatened the country's image as an attractive destination for Middle Eastern tourists.
Abu Dhabi continues to implement important tourism initiatives. On May 14, an investment worth USD 1.7 billion was announced. at an immersive entertainment center called Sphere.
The first Sphere center, managed by American company Sphere Entertainment, opened in Las Vegas in 2023 and hosted concerts by U2 and Phish.
“We are redoubling our efforts across our tourism ecosystem,” Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, told CNN.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has invested heavily in the development of the tourism industry in an effort to diversify its economy away from oil dependence.
In 2025, the city was visited by 26.6 million tourists. The emirate hopes to attract 39.3 million tourists annually by 2030 and increase the sector's contribution to GDP to AED 90 billion ($24.5 billion).
The United Arab Emirates faced attacks by Iran in response to the war the US and Israel launched against Tehran in late February. Drones attacked the country's tourist infrastructure, including airports.
Hotel occupancy rates in Abu Dhabi dropped by 45% in mid-March. compared to last year, according to CoStar, a real estate data and analytics provider.
The war led to mass flight cancellations. Although the United Arab Emirates completely lifted airspace restrictions in early May, many airlines have still not resumed flights.
Abu Dhabi is the capital and second largest city of the United Arab Emirates.
Source: CNN
