Abu Dhabi is pressing ahead with plans to cement its status as a global hub for culture, tourism and creativity, driving forward strategic projects that place the creative economy at the heart of its sustainable development and economic diversification agenda.
Abu Dhabi welcomed approximately 26.6 million visitors in 2025 © WAM
Abu Dhabi is pressing ahead with plans to cement its status as a global hub for culture, tourism and creativity, driving forward strategic projects that place the creative economy at the heart of its sustainable development and economic diversification agenda.
Leading the charge are the Saadiyat Cultural District, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Sphere on Yas Island, and the Disney entertainment resort — projects that go beyond expanding tourism offerings to building an integrated cultural and creative ecosystem.
Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Under-Secretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the emirate's strategic projects have continued on schedule despite global disruptions, underscoring what he described as the resilience of its government ecosystem.
He pointed to Abu Dhabi's selection to host the 2029 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF, alongside progress on the Sphere and Guggenheim projects, as signs of growing international confidence in the emirate.
Set for completion in 2029, the Abu Dhabi Sphere will offer immersive multi-sensory experiences, artist residencies and major international events, with a giant spherical exterior display showcasing Emirati artists' work.
On tourism performance, Al Hosani said Abu Dhabi welcomed approximately 26.6 million visitors in 2025, with international arrivals from key markets up 10 percent. Hotel revenues reached AED9.1 billion, a 19.5 percent increase, while the MICE sector drew 2.2 million participants, up 40 percent, and cultural and entertainment events attracted 4.2 million attendees, up 20 percent — results he attributed to the success of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030.
He added that tourism development in Al Ain and Al Dhafra remains a strategic priority, with preparations underway for a comprehensive tourism strategy in Al Dhafra aimed at leveraging the region's natural and cultural assets.
Al Hosani said the Saadiyat Cultural District embodies Abu Dhabi's vision of culture as "a bridge between peoples and a platform for knowledge creation, dialogue and cultural exchange," framing investment in culture as an investment in people and long-term societal prosperity.
The United Arab Emirates' decision to suspend all financial and economic transactions with Iran until further notice, citing a military escalation by Tehran with a missile threat, has refocused the spotlight on fraught ties between the major Gulf Arab oil producer and Iran.
The UAE's defense ministry said on Tuesday that it detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran against the Gulf country.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that talks between the U.S. and Iran were neither taking place nor scheduled but the Strait of Hormuz was open, while Iran said the shipping route would remain closed until the U.S. fulfilled the terms of an interim deal.
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