UAE Takes the Lead in MENA Region, Ranks in Top 20 for Travel and Tourism by WEF

The UAE has once again proven its dominance in the travel and tourism sector by ranking first in the Middle East and North Africa region and 18th globally in the latest World Economic Forum (WEF)’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) report. The report revealed that the UAE has raised its score by 4.4 percent in the 2024 index, climbing seven places from its previous ranking of 25th in 2021.

The comprehensive index ranks 119 economies based on various factors such as the enabling environment, travel and tourism policy, infrastructure and services, and the sustainability of the travel and tourism sector. It serves as a benchmarking tool for companies, governments, and international organizations to develop the travel and tourism industry.

Among high-income economies, the UAE and Saudi Arabia were the only countries ranked among the top ten that showed significant improvement in their performance between 2019 and 2024. The report also highlighted the Middle East’s strong recovery in international tourist arrivals, surpassing 2019 levels by 20 percent.

Looking ahead, the report anticipates a positive outlook for the global tourism industry, with a projected recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic lows and a surge in demand worldwide. This recovery is expected to be driven by increased air travel, improved international openness, and a growing interest in natural and cultural attractions.

Overall, the UAE’s impressive performance in the TTDI report underscores its position as a global leader in the travel and tourism sector, setting the stage for continued growth and success in the years to come.