Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri affirmed that the 54th UAE Eid Al Etihad marks a year of exceptional economic and tourism achievements. He noted that this occasion highlights the country’s unity and the enduring legacy of the founding fathers. He said: “The 54th Eid Al Etihad reminds us of the pivotal moment when the seven Emirates united under one nation — a nation whose solid foundations, progress, and leadership were established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow founding fathers.” He added that the theme “United” strengthens national identity and reinforces loyalty to the country’s leadership.
He explained that this milestone reflects the solidarity of the Emirati people. Moreover, he emphasized that the nation continues supporting comprehensive development under the guidance of the UAE’s leaders. He added that this year carries special importance since the country achieved significant economic and tourism growth, demonstrating its forward-looking vision for future generations.
Strong Economic Momentum and Rising Business Activity
The minister highlighted that the UAE recorded the highest economic growth rates in the GCC. Real GDP increased by 4.2 percent during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, non-oil GDP grew by 5.7 percent, and non-oil activities contributed 77.5 percent to real GDP. This progress reflects the success of diversification efforts as well as the strength of the country’s economic structure.
Furthermore, he pointed out that more than 220,186 new companies entered the UAE market between January and November 2025. During the same period, over 36,000 national and international trademarks were registered, marking a 48.2 percent rise from the previous year. These indicators show the UAE’s growing competitiveness and its increasing appeal to global investors and emerging projects.
Tourism Milestones and Expanding Hospitality Performance
The minister stated that the tourism sector achieved remarkable results and received international recognition. For example, Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais was appointed Secretary-General of UN Tourism, while Masfout Village earned the title of World’s Best Tourism Village 2025. Additionally, the UAE ranked among the top seven global destinations for international tourist spending.
Hotel performance continued to rise steadily. During the first nine months of 2025, hotels welcomed 23.27 million guests, which represented a 4.9 percent increase over 2024. This resulted in more than 79.3 million room nights. Revenues grew by 7.2 percent to exceed AED35.9 billion, and available hotel rooms reached 216,248 across 1,246 establishments. Occupancy climbed to 79.2 percent, supported by both domestic and international tourism. The average length of stay also increased slightly, while the number of occupied rooms reached 46.17 million. The Average Daily Rate rose from AED534 to AED557, indicating strong market demand.
He explained that the Ministry continues to advance the UAE’s economic legislation. From January to November 2025, 11 economic laws and policies were issued, covering areas such as consumer protection, ecotourism, food security, air transport, and sustainability. Additionally, eight regulatory policies addressed rules of origin, harmful practices, company regulations, and competition.
He concluded by stating that Eid Al Etihad inspires renewed commitment and determination, reinforcing progress toward national goals. He said this determination supports the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision, which aims to double the national economy to AED3 trillion and position the country as a global hub for the new economy by the next decade.
