The UAE's hotel sector continues its steady growth, with revenues surpassing AED 26 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 6.3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, shared the figures while chairing the Emirates Tourism Council’s third meeting of 2025.
He noted that hotel occupancy rate reached 80.5 per cent, reflecting strong performance and aligning with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to boost the industry’s contribution to the national economy to AED 450 billion by the next decade.
The meeting brought together tourism officials from across the country to review ongoing initiatives and future plans.
Preparations are also underway for the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit in October, which will welcome ministers and officials from 53 African nations.
The Council also discussed ways to enhance coordination between public and private sectors, promote Emirati talent, and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global tourism hub.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he would increase tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union to 25 per cent next week, saying the bloc had not complied with its trade deal with Washington.
Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded AED 2.4 billion in main construction contracts for new phases of its flagship villa developments, The Acres and The Acres Estates, in Dubailand.
Bangladesh is set to sign a deal on Thursday to buy 14 aircraft from US planemaker Boeing, officials said, a move that marks a shift away from Europe's Airbus amid trade pressure from Washington.
The UAE Circular Economy Council held its first meeting of 2026 on Wednesday, with discussions centred on strengthening food security, expanding sustainable production, and increasing investment in circular economy sectors.
The UAE has welcomed a new resolution adopted by the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee during its 84th session.
At the United Nations Security Council, the UAE has called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, urging that Iran be held fully accountable for obstructing international navigation.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has praised the efforts of the first batch of Emirati government officials to secure scholarships to study at the world's top universities.