Abu Dhabi is not trailing; it is innovating. Today, the UAE capital is not only one of the safest cities out there, but also a significant part of many international travellers’ itineraries. Last year, Abu Dhabi tourism broke another record. 26.6 million people visited the Emirate in 2025, considerably supported by culture, leisure, entertainment and MICE events. Abu Dhabi is no longer just a transit hub; it is one of the leading tourist destinations in the Middle East. But is there something Abu Dhabi has been doing differently or better than others?
There are many factors that have helped Abu Dhabi be in the position it currently occupies. You are going to soon scroll through all of the supporting elements, such as rising focus on cultural attractions, sought-after entertainment, better safety standards, a culinary scene like only a handful of others, stronger connectivity, and resilience.
During the Middle East crisis, the UAE airspace had to sustain some serious damage. From rampant flight cancellations to suspension in operations on many occasions, Zayed International Airport (AUH) had to manage a combination of difficulties each day. But the airport’s resilience, just like the Emirate it is in, has been instrumental in helping it get to the next day in great shape. The leadership, authorities, residents and stranded tourists from different parts of the globe came together in perfect harmony for things to finally fall into place.
Let us not diddle-daddle anymore and get straight to a set of things that the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has been doing differently, or perhaps better than many others in the region. These factors are going to shape the direction Abu Dhabi’s tourism landscape is going to take in the near future. You should take a careful look if you are also part of the increasing number of travellers boasting of Abu Dhabi on their bucket list.
What Record Did Abu Dhabi Tourism Break in 2025?
Last year marked one of Abu Dhabi tourism’s best annual performances. 26.6 million people visited the UAE capital in 2025 for different purposes. Many of these are tourists and many others are business travellers. But besides the visitor number, Abu Dhabi also noted a sharp increase in its hotel revenues, MICE delegate numbers, culture and leisure event attendance, and cultural appeal.
Hotels in Abu Dhabi recorded 5.9 million guests last year. The Emirate’s hotel revenues increased 19.5% year-on-year to AED 9.1 billion. Besides the 5.9 million people in attendance at the hotels, glamping sites and holiday homes in Abu Dhabi also recorded 338,000 guests. From hotels in the city centre to those near beaches and deserts, all categories of accommodation performed in great condition.
If you take a deeper look at Abu Dhabi tourism numbers from 2025, you can easily find some key source markets for guests. India is at the top of the list and Russia, the UK, China and Saudi Arabia came next in the same order. Compared to 2024, Abu Dhabi noted a 10% rise in international guests and the key source markets definitely played a significant part in this. But is that all there is to DCT Abu Dhabi’s goal? Plus, do these magical numbers surprise you? To us, these numbers are significant but definitely not surprising, as Abu Dhabi and other Emirates in the UAE have been laying the foundation for an improved tourism landscape for a long time.
| Abu Dhabi Hotel Revenues Soaring | Rising 19.5% YOY to AED 9.1 billion |
| Number of MICE Delegates on the Rise | Rising 40% to 2.2 million |
| Cultural and Leisure Event Attendance Rising | Increasing 20% to 4.2 million |
| Key Source Markets for Abu Dhabi Tourism | India, Russia, UK, China and Saudi Arabia |
| Number of International Guests from Source Markets Increasing | Up 10% |
| Number of Visitors in 2025 | Record-Breaking 26.6 Million |
1. What are Hotels in Abu Dhabi Doing Differently?
‘Quiet luxury, Emirati aesthetics and personalisation – the perfect combination’
Have you heard of ‘Quiet Luxury’ yet? Hotels in Abu Dhabi, and some other parts of the UAE, are getting proficient in this concept. Instead of high-energy and flashy facades, Abu Dhabi hotels are embracing understated, refined luxury instead. Basically, you are offered an experience that is full of opulence and comfort but does not boast about it. Hotels here are leaning more in the direction of privacy, space and exclusivity.
Besides quiet luxury, hotels in Abu Dhabi are also combining modernity and Emirati aesthetics in the best manner possible. Since the UAE capital is positioning itself as a culture-first destination on the global tourism map, hotels here are also quietly including culture in their experiences. From art tours and heritage dinners to beautiful architecture that highlights the region’s taste and food based on Emirati cuisine, there are a lot of things for you, to be honest.
Last but not least, hotels in Abu Dhabi, hotels in Dubai and other parts of the UAE are taking the concept of personalisation really seriously. From personal butlers, private dining rooms and curated itineraries to destination spas, holistic retreats and longer-stay packages for a trip that is not sped up, hotels, holiday homes and glamping sites in Abu Dhabi are going big on exclusivity. You are not going to be disappointed at all.
2. What Impact Could Expanding Cultural Portfolio Have?
‘Renovating, reopening, protecting and celebrating the ‘heartbeat of society”
The impact has been huge. For Abu Dhabi, culture has been envisioned as the ‘heartbeat of society’, as per Rita Aoun, Executive Director Culture Sector. There is no doubt that the number of cultural attractions in Abu Dhabi is only increasing. Besides the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi, there are plenty more places to explore here. From religious attractions to museums and galleries, Abu Dhabi tourism takes culture really seriously. For this reason, 8.6 million people explored different cultural sites and cultural festivals attracted more than 608,000 visitors last year.
| Number of Museums Opened | Number of Visitors to Cultural Sites | Number of UNESCO Inscriptions | Number of Visitors to Cultural Festivals |
| 5 | 8.6 million | 5 | 608,000+ |
Last year has been quite an interesting year for travellers interested in Abu Dhabi cultural sightseeing. Many places reopened after careful renovation and others opened as a fresh page. Al Maqta’a Museum, for example, reopened in April 2025. Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, opened in November. Take a look at five of the most significant updates for Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar in 2025.
| Abu Dhabi Cultural Attraction | Opening or Reopening Month | Highlights |
| Al Maqta’a Museum | Renovation and Reopening – April 2025 | Formerly called Al Maqta’a Fort, Al Maqta’a Museum has a deep history that is closely connected to the protection and development of Abu Dhabi Island. |
| TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi | Opened – April 2025 | TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi has pieces that can easily change our perception of the planet. You are going to see the close relationship environmental phenomena and their surroundings share. |
| Zayed National Museum | Opened – December 2025 | Zayed National Museum celebrates the rich history, culture and story of the UAE. You are going to understand the role played by the UAE’s Founding Father better. |
| Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi | Opened – November 2025 | Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is home to some of the rarest and most fascinating specimens ever found on planet Earth. This place is suitable for people of all ages and preferences. You are going to remember the experience for quite a long time. |
| Al Ain Museum | Renovated and Reopened – October 2025 | Al Ain Museum had the close for some major refurbishments in 2018. But it finally opened last year, featuring four more galleries. Today, the seven main galleries of Al Ain Museum are Aflaj & Wells, Introduction Gallery, The Tomb Gallery, The Falaj Gallery, The History of Al Ain Galleries, The Visible Storage, and Sultan Fort. |
3. What Relationship do Saadiyat Cultural District and Abu Dhabi Tourism Share?
‘Something other countries going big on culture should understand’
Saadiyat Cultural District has the highest concentration of cultural experiences in Abu Dhabi. You can treat this as a constellation of museums, cultural institutions, collections and more in a single neighbourhood. You can find some of the best cultural attractions in the entire UAE here, such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Manarat al Saadiyat, TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and Zayed National Museum. Basically, call it a complete package. Other countries in the region and beyond should definitely take note as Saadiyat Island continues to lure tourists from different parts of the globe.
4. Does YAS Island Contribute to Abu Dhabi Tourism?
‘If your friend keeps saying NO to all experiences, bring them to YAS Island’
YAS Island certainly contributes a lot to Abu Dhabi’s tourism scene. It is the Emirate’s high-energy entertainment and experience engine, no doubt about it. From Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi to Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld Yas Island, this place is home to some of the biggest and most exciting theme parks in the UAE. On top of it, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is also coming to Yas Island in the near future, bringing you plenty more reasons to revisit this charming place. You are not going to be disappointed, as usual.
5. What Role Have Events in Abu Dhabi Been Playing for Tourism?
‘Culture, leisure and MICE events take Abu Dhabi to the main stage’
In recent year, Abu Dhabi’s events calendar has been quite spectacular. From Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Island Circuit, UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi at Etihad Arena, and major stars in the house, such as Arijit Singh, Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez and Ludovico Einaudi, to grand celebrations for Ramadan, Eid, UAE National Day and Christmas, Abu Dhabi does not disappoint. Plus, because of the expanding technology ecosystem across the region, Abu Dhabi has also been hosting a range of business events from time to time.
In 2025, culture, leisure and MICE events in Abu Dhabi came together to ensure the best experience possible. DCT Abu Dhabi delivered a record total of 252 cultural and leisure events, attracting more than 4.2 million attendees from different parts of the globe. These attendees don’t just attend the events; they also spend a lot at different hotels, restaurants and attractions in Abu Dhabi. This trend is expected to continue as the UAE capital aims big. Keep an eye on the next point for the role sports tourism plays in Abu Dhabi.
6. Abu Dhabi Getting More Sports Tourists: Why Does it Matter?
‘Sports tourists often extend their short trips into leisure holidays’
The global sports tourism market is expected to cross $2 trillion in the near future. Abu Dhabi has a lot to gain from it. For example, Abu Dhabi has been hosting a lot of regional and international sports tournaments lately, such as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, and NBA Abu Dhabi Games. These tournaments bring fans from different parts of the globe to the UAE. But their trip does not end right after the champion is announced. They explore more.
In the beginning, sports tourists come for the game. In recent years, many international sports fans have been coming to Abu Dhabi in sizeable numbers, mainly because of accessibility, affordability, quality and overall value. In a recent poll taken a handful of months before, 41% of respondents said that they are open to extending their sports-led trip into a longer leisure holiday. On top of it, these sports tourists often spend more than traditional travellers and are also most likely to recommend the place they visited to others.
7. What has been Abu Dhabi’s Position on Multigenerational Tourism?
‘There is something for everyone in Abu Dhabi’
No doubt, multigenerational tourism is on the rise across the globe. The same trend has also been seen in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE lately. The question is: has Abu Dhabi tourism been performing soundly in this category? It has been, actually. Since the UAE is quite interested in community engagement, Abu Dhabi has ensured that there is something for people of all ages and preferences. From family hotels in Abu Dhabi and kid-friendly restaurants on Yas Island to special tickets for families at attractions, the list of experiences for those travelling alongside their kids and grandparents is getting longer each day.
HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, has described 2025 as a ‘defining year in our journey to shape Abu Dhabi into one of the world’s most vibrant tourism destinations.’ From kids and teenagers to adults and grandparents, people of all ages from different parts of the globe find Abu Dhabi enchanting, entertaining and memorable. You are most likely to have such an experience if you are planning a multigenerational trip to the UAE capital anytime soon.
8. You Don’t Need a Boarding Pass to Enter Abu Dhabi Airport. You Read It Correctly.
‘No flight booking, no problem. AUH has opened its doors wider for a limited time’
Zayed International Airport (AUH) is one of the busiest airports in the Middle East. Hundreds of flights take off and land at the airport on a daily basis. During the Middle East crisis, AUH presented a lot of resiliency as the trained staff there made sure that all passengers had a safe and comfortable experience.
In an excellent move, Abu Dhabi Airport recently released a campaign that lets you enter without a boarding pass. Yes, you read it correctly. You no longer need a flight booking to enter AUH. Just get the AirPass. From premium retail boutiques to indulgent dining spaces and more, this AirPass can get you access to some of the best experiences. But please keep in mind that this is a limited-time campaign; therefore, hurry up.
The rules are quite simple. You need to apply for a valid airport visitor access pass prior to entry. This campaign is only for UAE nationals and residents. AirPass holders can also get free parking at Zayed International Airport. But there is a minimum cumulative spend of AED 200 necessary. Please adhere to all rules and enjoy to the fullest.
9. What Does Abu Dhabi Being a Melting Pot of Cultures Mean for Tourists?
‘No language barriers, authentic food from different cuisines, and multicultural celebrations’
Though Dubai’s name often comes first, if ‘melting pot of cultures’ cities in the Middle East are discussed, Abu Dhabi is also home to plenty of different nationalities. The Indian expatriate community in Abu Dhabi is quite large, and so is that of Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Nepalese, among others. For this reason, you are most likely not going to find language barriers in the Emirate as you can find people from different parts of the globe here.
Next, the UAE capital’s culinary scene is full of surprises. The list of restaurants in Abu Dhabi is expanding month after month. It does not matter if you are craving Japanese, Chinese, Mexican or Italian. You can find restaurants catering to different cuisines. These places also tend to specialise in the authenticity category. Therefore, you do not need to book a ticket to a different country to taste its cuisine.
Last but not least, Abu Dhabi, being a melting pot of cultures, understands celebrations from different parts of the globe. From Ramadan and Eid to Thanksgiving, Christmas and Holi, you can engage in different celebrations in the UAE capital. Isn’t it incredible? You are going to feel at home all the time. Abu Dhabi is going to take care of it. You can make memories that let you smile ear to ear and last a lifetime.
10. What Does Eco-Tourism Look Like in Abu Dhabi?
‘This is the era of conscious travellers and Abu Dhabi is all for it’
In 2026, the number of conscious travellers seeking eco-tourism is certainly large. People from across the globe are getting more interested in exploring ecosystems that keep them close to nature and far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Abu Dhabi has understood this game quite clearly and is going quite big for it, too. From Mangrove National Park and Sir Bani Yas Island to dedicated eco-resorts and desert resorts offering one-of-a-kind experiences, the sustainable hospitality scene in Abu Dhabi is getting serious.
Tourists in Abu Dhabi can sleep in rooms set close to mangrove ecosystems, glamp under the clear sky and see countless stars and a clearer moon, see free-roaming animals in their natural habitat as you open your doors in the morning, and go on cultural storytelling tours to understand the Bedouin heritage amidst Abu Dhabi’s desert landscapes. If this sounds interesting to you, pack your bags and embark on an enlightening trip to the UAE capital. Abu Dhabi is going to surprise you for many reasons.
In a Nutshell
In 2026, Abu Dhabi tourism is doing plenty of things differently or better than others in the region. Though this list is limited to just ten significant factors, there are many other reasons that also play a sizeable role in bringing Abu Dhabi to its current fame. Abu Dhabi is no longer a transit hub or a place that only business travellers go to. This Emirate has plenty of experiences for people of all ages and preferences. From multigenerational tourism, eco-tourism, cultural scenes and quiet luxury to hosting some of the biggest events in the leisure, entertainment and business fields, Abu Dhabi is taking the game really seriously. Therefore, if you are still doubtful about the tourism appeal of Abu Dhabi, put an end to all the doubts and come here.
