The UAE: A Global Leader in the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Tourism

Museum of the Future - UAE Economy - Dubai

 

The UAE: A Global Leader in the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Tourism

The UAE continues to consolidate its leadership in the use of technological solutions and artificial intelligence in the tourism and hospitality sector, strengthening its position as an innovative and digitally advanced global destination.

Investments in smart technologies and advanced digital infrastructure reflect the country's commitment to providing an integrated and safe hospitality experience and supporting sustainable tourism and environmental efficiency. According to industry experts, the UAE's tourism sector is witnessing an increasing reliance on digital services, smart guest personalization, intelligent data analytics, smart check-in procedures, and mobile services, which contribute to improving the visitor experience and boosting tourism performance.

Qutaiba Al Ali, Founder and CEO of The Digital Hotelier, said that the UAE has made significant strides in employing technology within the hospitality sector, noting that it was among the first countries to establish advanced regulatory frameworks for the holiday home sector, requiring smart entry systems to protect guests and ensure the highest standards of security.

He pointed out that adopting technology is not just a step to keep pace with global developments, but rather a practical means to enhance the guest experience and ensure their safety, while simultaneously supporting the country's drive towards green tourism and environmental sustainability. He emphasized that the UAE's hospitality sector has been supportive of the emergence and establishment of specialized technology companies serving this sector, according to the official Emirates News Agency.

He pointed out that the hotel sector is currently witnessing an expansion in the adoption of sustainability systems, with more than 150 hotels receiving the Sustainable Tourism Label thanks to technological initiatives related to energy efficiency and emissions reduction, in addition to accurate carbon footprint measurement tools that have been in place for years.

Stacey Samuel, Chief Technology Officer at Eshraq Hospitality, said that technology is now at the heart of the hospitality sector, influencing the way services are designed, the way teams work, and the guest experience at every moment.

He pointed out that cloud platforms, artificial intelligence solutions for personalization, contactless check-in procedures, and mobile services are all factors that raise guests' expectations for speed, convenience, and reliability. He emphasized that successful hotels are those that unify data, operations, and staff around a clear digital vision.

He added that the UAE is a global leader in this field, explaining that Dubai has established a strong foundation through digital infrastructure, 5G networks, and paperless government services. These initiatives support secure data exchange, provide real-time insights for the tourism sector, and promote sustainable smart city practices.

The World Tourism Organization confirmed that the continued evolution of global travel patterns and consumer expectations has led to an increasing demand for innovative solutions capable of revolutionizing how we experience and interact with tourist destinations.

According to the organization, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are emerging as catalysts for change, providing unprecedented opportunities to reimagine the tourism landscape. The integration of AI represents a paradigm shift in how we understand and manage tourist destinations.

A study conducted by two researchers from the University of Malaga in Spain and published on the MDPI scientific platform at the end of 2024 showed that artificial intelligence is a strategic tool that enables smart tourism destinations to improve data management and sales, personalize offers, and mitigate forecasting errors. It also contributes to rationalizing resources, increasing service quality, stimulating local investment, and dynamically responding to the changing needs of tourists and residents.

It is worth noting that the UAE's travel and tourism sector's contribution to the GDP rose to AED 257.3 billion in 2024, representing 13 percent of the national economy, according to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council. The report predicts that international tourist spending will increase by 5.2 percent this year to AED 228.5 billion, while domestic tourist spending will increase by 4.3 percent to AED 60 billion.