Abu Dhabi Unveils Ambitious Plans To Create 178,000 New Jobs
In a bold move aimed at accelerating economic growth and reinforcing its position as a global tourism hotspot, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has given the green light to plans that will create 178,000 jobs and target an influx of 39.3 million tourists.
Abu Dhabi aims to roll out 178,000 new jobs
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 sets ambitious targets, aiming to elevate the sector’s contribution to non-oil GDP to AED90 billion annually by the end of the decade. This strategic initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic diversification and reducing reliance on oil revenue.
The move aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision to emerge as one of the world’s premier tourism destinations, further solidifying its standing on the global stage. During a recent meeting of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Sheikh Khaled also reviewed a series of government plans, initiatives, and infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the well-being of citizens and residents.
In 2023, Abu Dhabi witnessed a remarkable surge in visitor numbers, welcoming over 24 million tourists—an impressive 30 percent increase compared to the previous year. This surge injected AED 49 billion into the emirate’s economy, with the hotel sector alone contributing AED 6.4 billion.
The exponential growth reflects Abu Dhabi’s escalating prominence in the global tourism arena and lays a robust foundation for achieving the objectives outlined in the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030.
Central to the strategy is a comprehensive vision to reshape Abu Dhabi’s social and economic landscape through sustainable development, in harmony with the overarching goals of Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030. Additionally, the strategy underscores a commitment to nurturing talent within the tourism sector and enhancing its role as a catalyst for economic expansion.
The approved strategy will galvanize private sector participation in tourism development through a slew of incentive programs and initiatives, streamlining regulatory procedures to facilitate investment and spur innovation. Moreover, it will prioritize sustainable tourism practices, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance visitor experiences and create unique attractions.
These initiatives are part of a broader framework aimed at propelling Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector towards greater heights, in consonance with the emirate’s ambitious economic agenda.
