Tourism authorities in the UAE emphasize the significant role of major events in fueling economic expansion, as discussed at the Arabian Travel Market.
At the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, tourism leaders emphasised the significant role major events and festivals play in the UAE's economic and social development. These events serve as catalysts for increased spending, tourism influx, cultural engagement, and community cohesion.
**Economic Impact**
The UAE's festival calendar, including events like Eid Al Adha, generates a notable revenue surge in retail and hospitality sectors. The increased tourist arrivals, driven by attractions from the GCC and beyond, enhance demand for entertainment and retail services. Major festivals also create temporary jobs in retail, logistics, and hospitality, benefiting small businesses and lower-income workers.
Specialized festivals, such as the Pakistani Mango Festival in Abu Dhabi, promote export opportunities and strengthen international trade ties. Events like these serve as platforms for economic diplomacy and business growth, reflecting the UAE's commitment to fostering economic development.
Parallel initiatives linked to cultural and tourism events, such as the “Make it in the Emirates” platform, attract millions of visitors and generate billions in procurement agreements, financing, and industrial projects supporting SMEs and local manufacturing.
**Social and Cultural Impact**
Festivals offer a space for cultural displays, traditional celebrations, and family-oriented experiences that foster social harmony and pride in Emirati heritage. Government initiatives create community councils and promote artisan empowerment, further embedding cultural identity in social development.
Events attract thousands of volunteers, engaging diverse social groups in collective activities that strengthen community bonds and social capital. The rise of digital platforms during celebrations enhances accessibility and participation, integrating traditional festivities with modern lifestyles and expanding cultural reach.
At ATM 2025, executives from Booking.com, dnata Travel Group, and Airbnb discussed emerging travel microtrends like sleep tourism and dark tourism. These discussions underscore the UAE's commitment to staying at the forefront of the global travel industry, leveraging its rich heritage and innovative spirit to attract tourists and foster economic growth.
In summary, tourism leaders at ATM 2025 emphasise that major events and festivals in the UAE drive economic vitality through increased tourism, business opportunities, and job creation, while simultaneously nurturing social cohesion, cultural identity, and community empowerment. This integrated impact positions the UAE as a vibrant destination that leverages its rich heritage and innovative spirit to fuel both economic and social growth.
- The revenue surge in retail and hospitality sectors during the UAE's festival calendar is significant, as increased tourist arrivals fuel demand for entertainment and retail services.
- Major festivals in the UAE, such as the Pakistani Mango Festival, create temporary jobs in retail, logistics, and hospitality, benefiting small businesses and lower-income workers.
- Parallel initiatives linked to cultural and tourism events, like the “Make it in the Emirates” platform, attract visitors and generate procurement agreements, financing, and industrial projects supporting SMEs and local manufacturing.
- Festivals offer opportunities for cultural displays, traditional celebrations, and family-oriented experiences that foster social harmony and pride in Emirati heritage.
- At ATM 2025, executives discussed emerging travel microtrends like sleep tourism and dark tourism, underscoring the UAE's commitment to staying at the forefront of the global travel industry and leveraging its rich heritage and innovative spirit to attract tourists and foster economic growth.
