UAE tourism growth 2026

In late July 2026, the United Arab Emirates introduced resident-incentive programmes, such as Dubai’s “Dubai Invite” scheme and Ras Al Khaimah’s “RAK Moments” campaign, to encourage locals to bring friends and family to the country. The initiatives coincided with a 47% year-on-year rise in visitors to Ras Al Khaimah and record accommodation revenue, signalling strong early-season momentum.

By early August, the sector reported record summer performance across the UAE, with hotel guests reaching 32.34 million and revenues climbing to AED 49.21 billion. To mitigate the impact of intense summer heat, the country pivoted toward indoor attractions, shopping, and cultural heritage experiences.

In Abu Dhabi, heritage-focused events such as the 22nd Liwa Date Festival and the inaugural Al Ain Date Festival became central to the season, complemented by programs at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum. Dubai continued its momentum through the “Dubai Summer Surprises” shopping and entertainment program, while Sharjah promoted its museums and the House of Wisdom. Although travel remains busy, regional security developments have caused some disruptions to flight paths toward Bahrain and Kuwait.