UAE and Turkey See Over Fifty Percent Growth in Tourism Traffic, Strengthening Economic Ties with its Expanded Flights, New Trade Partnerships, and Cultural Tourism

Published on November 30, 2025

Tourism traffic between the UAE and Turkey is up more than 50% since 2019, with 1.2 million UAE and GCC citizens visiting Turkey in 2023 alone. The rise in visitors demonstrates the increasing demand on both sides for cross-border travel, a demand driven by a marked improvement in air connectivity, cultural exchanges, and mutual economic interests.

With Turkey continuing to position itself as a key tourist destination in both Europe and Asia, this increase in traffic indicates a significant move toward expanding the tourism relationship between Turkey and the UAE, both of which are fully embracing their roles in providing foreign travelers with special experiences.

Key Drivers of Growth: Air Connectivity and Collaborative Tourism Programs

A major factor in the growth of tourism traffic has been the expansion of air connectivity. With over 200 weekly flights between the two nations, tourists now have more choices for direct travel, making it easier for UAE residents to visit Turkey and vice versa. Both UAE and Turkey have recognized the importance of seamless travel options, offering a wide range of services that cater to tourists seeking both luxury experiences and affordable travel.

In addition to increased flights, joint marketing campaigns and cultural events like the “Al Bait Al Emarati Cultural Gathering” in Ankara have helped promote cultural tourism. These initiatives strengthen people-to-people ties and build on the mutual admiration between the two nations for their cultural heritage and tourism offerings.

Economic Cooperation Between the UAE and Turkey

The economic partnership between UAE and Turkey has also flourished, with bilateral trade increasing by 87% from 2020 to 2024. The total trade volume reached $39.13 billion in 2024, signaling growing economic cooperation. The UAE’s imports from Turkey have risen by 10% to $19.42 billion, while exports to Turkey have climbed by 14.4% to $14.77 billion.

Rene de Groot, Chief Operating Officer of British Airways, highlights that this surge in bilateral trade is a sign of a maturing relationship, where both countries benefit from shared business interests and investments in various sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, and trade logistics. The continued focus on expanding trade relations will likely further boost the tourism industry, as a more integrated economy supports cross-border investments in tourism infrastructure.

New Developments and Investments in Tourism Infrastructure

UAE and Turkey are also deepening their collaboration in tourism infrastructure development. Turkey has long been a favored destination for UAE tourists, and with a growing emphasis on smart tourism and eco-friendly resorts, both countries are increasingly focusing on sustainable tourism. Investments in tourism facilities, luxury accommodations, and environmentally conscious tourism projects will support the ongoing growth of the tourism sector in both nations.

The Role of Cultural Tourism in Strengthening UAE-Turkey Ties

The cultural exchange between UAE and Turkey is also playing a pivotal role in enhancing tourism relations. As both countries share a rich history and cultural legacy, initiatives such as the “Al Bait Al Emarati Cultural Gathering” aim to highlight this common heritage and strengthen people-to-people connections. These cultural programs offer visitors a chance to explore the arts, traditions, and architecture that define both nations.

The UAE’s investment in cultural tourism also includes promoting art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and festivals that showcase both traditional and modern cultural expressions. Through such initiatives, the UAE and Turkey are building a deeper bond based on shared interests in cultural preservation, which is enhancing the tourism experience for visitors from around the world.

Expanding the Tourism Offering: A Strong Future for UAE-Turkey Travel

As tourism traffic continues to increase, both UAE and Turkey are focusing on creating unique travel experiences that combine luxury tourism with cultural exploration. For example, Turkey’s coastal regions and historical sites, such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus, are attracting more UAE visitors, while Turkey’s resorts and natural wonders offer a balance of relaxation and adventure for tourists.

For UAE tourists, Turkey offers an opportunity to immerse themselves in rich history, architecture, and natural landscapes. Meanwhile, Turkey is positioning itself as an accessible destination for UAE travelers who seek both affordable and high-end vacation experiences. With more customized itineraries and tailored packages, travel companies in both countries are tapping into multi-destination tourism that encourages visitors to explore both nations in one trip.

Renewable Energy Collaboration: A Growing Sector with Tourism Benefits

Both UAE and Turkey have also aligned their goals in renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind power. These sectors not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also support tourism growth by enabling the development of eco-friendly resorts and green tourism initiatives. As both countries prioritize clean energy, this collaboration will indirectly benefit tourism by reducing the environmental footprint of travel and tourism facilities.

Joint projects in solar parks, wind energy, and green hydrogen also present long-term benefits for tourism development, creating sustainable destinations that attract eco-conscious travelers. As UAE continues its leadership in the renewable energy sector, Turkey‘s contribution through its engineering expertise enhances their collaborative efforts to create tourism destinations that are both environmentally responsible and attractive to international visitors.

The Future Impact of UAE-Turkey Tourism Growth

The tourism relationship between UAE and Turkey is poised for long-term growth, with increasing demand from UAE tourists and a strong partnership in tourism infrastructure development. The expansion of air services, tourism offerings, and cultural programs will help both countries tap into new markets and ensure that they remain competitive in the global tourism landscape.

As both countries continue to grow their tourism industries, the future looks bright for cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and tourism development. The continued investment in aviation connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and sustainable practices will ensure that Turkey and UAE remain at the forefront of international tourism, attracting millions of travelers while creating long-term economic and cultural benefits.

A Bright Future for UAE-Turkey Tourism Partnership

In this regard, the UAE-Turkey tourism partnership is entering an exciting new phase that can boast increasing tourism traffic, enlarged economic cooperation, and a strong orientation toward sustainable travel. Welcoming cultural tourism, green energy, and digital innovations in tourism brings them closer to having a bright outlook for mutual growth, attracting more travelers and paving the way to develop a better-connected tourism network between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. With a deepening of trade relations and tourism collaboration, the future of UAE-Turkey relations in tourism looks promising for regional prosperity and global tourism growth.