The UAE celebrated its 54th Eid Al Etihad under the theme ‘United’ as the country recorded growth across its economy and tourism sectors.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, affirmed the celebration arrives “crowned with exceptional economic and tourism achievements that reflect the vision of the UAE’s leadership and the strength of the Union.”
Economic growth outpaces GCC region
The UAE’s real GDP grew by 4.2 per cent during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, topping growth rates at the GCC level. Non-oil GDP recorded a growth rate of 5.7 per cent.
The contribution of non-oil activities to real GDP reached 77.5 per cent, according to the minister’s statement.
“The 54th Eid Al Etihad reminds us of the pivotal moment when the seven Emirates united under one nation โ a nation whose solid foundations, progress, and leadership were established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow founding fathers,” bin Touq said.
Over 220,000 new companies enter market
UAE markets attracted 220,186 new companies from the beginning of January to the end of November 2025, according to the minister.
During the same period, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism registered over 36,000 national and international trademarks entering the country’s markets, marking a 48.2 per cent increase compared to the same period of the previous year.
The UAE’s Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais was appointed Secretary-General of UN Tourism. Masfout Village received the title of World’s Best Tourism Village 2025.
The UAE ranked among the world’s top seven destinations for international tourist spending.
Hotels welcomed 23.27 million guests in the first nine months of 2025, up 4.9 per cent compared to the same period in 2024, resulting in more than 79.3 million hotel room nights booked.
Hotel revenues for the first nine months of the year increased by 7.2 per cent, surpassing AED 35.9 billion. The number of available hotel rooms rose to 216,248, distributed across 1,246 hotel establishments across the UAE.
Hotel occupancy rates climbed to 79.2 per cent, up 1.8 per cent. The average length of stay increased from 3.38 to 3.41 nights. The number of occupied rooms rose by 3.5 per cent to reach 46.17 million.
The Average Daily Rate grew by 4.2 per cent, from AED 534 to AED 557.
Legislative developments
From January to November 2025, the Ministry contributed to the issuance of 11 economic laws and policies covering consumer protection, ecotourism, food security, air transport, and sustainability.
During the same period, the Ministry issued eight regulatory policies and decisions encompassing rules of origin, combating harmful practices, company regulations, and competition regulation.
“Today, we celebrate this cherished national occasion under the theme ‘United,’ reaffirming our pride in the Emirati national identity and strengthening the spirit of loyalty to our wise leadership,” bin Touq said.
The minister said the celebration takes place “under the leadership of the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; the guidance of his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai; and with the support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; along with Their Highnesses, the Rulers of the Emirates.”
Bin Touq stated that Eid Al Etihad “inspires sentiments of dedication, hard work, and a renewed commitment to continue progressing with strong resolve under our wise leadership.”
He said this determination supports “the continuation of the nation’s distinguished journey and the achievement of its strategic objectives across all fields – foremost among them the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which ims to double the national economy to AED3 trillion and position the country as a global hub for the new economy by the next decade.”
