Dubai's Winter: A Business and Tourism Hub

Business Meets Tourism: Dubai Winter Focus

Every winter, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reaffirms that it is not just a destination for sun-soaked vacations but also a region brimming with innovation and economic upturn. For the winter season of 2025/2026, the country is preparing a special campaign titled "Our Winter is for Business," marking the sixth edition of the World's Coolest Winter campaign. The goal is clear: to link tourism with the country's burgeoning startup and small business ecosystem, thereby reinvigorating the economy while serving both residents and visitors alike.

New Direction in Tourism: Innovation in Focus

This year, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism is placing significant emphasis on local initiatives. During the campaign, not only traditional tourist experiences but also new and unique services offered by local entrepreneurs are highlighted. The ministry aims to treat tourism not just as a consumption opportunity but as a tool for startups to gain recognition and growth.

Government offices and cultural institutions are collaborating to ensure these businesses represent real value — not only economically, but on cultural and communal levels as well. The emphasis is on sustainability, showcasing local values, and supporting young entrepreneurs.

A Haven for Startups

For years, the UAE has been known as one of the most entrepreneurial-friendly nations in the world, evidenced by its top ranking in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report for four consecutive years. Small and medium-sized enterprises make up 95% of the companies in the country, contributing 63.5% to the non-oil GDP.

This clearly shows that businesses are not merely present in the country's economic structure but are its backbone. Additionally, the regulatory environment is highly favorable: in several sectors, 100% foreign ownership is allowed, and company formation can occur digitally with expedited procedures.

In recent years, five Dubai-based startups have achieved unicorn status, meaning their value exceeded one billion dollars. This strongly indicates that the UAE is capable of nurturing internationally competitive businesses, often springing from the unique possibilities of the local market.

Tourism: Success in Numbers

Tourism has always played a crucial role in the country's economy, with the year 2024 breaking all previous records. The sector contributed 257.3 billion dirhams to the annual GDP, representing 13% of the country's economy. This is a 26% increase compared to 2019, pre-pandemic levels.

International tourist spending also witnessed impressive growth: 217.3 billion dirhams were spent by international tourists, a 30.4% increase from 2019. Domestic tourism has also strengthened, with local expenditures growing to 57.6 billion dirhams, a 41% increase.

During the campaign’s previous five editions, hotel revenue increased from 1 billion to 1.9 billion dirhams, and the campaign reached more than 1.2 billion people globally. The goal for this year is to maintain this momentum and increase tourism's GDP contribution to 450 billion dirhams by 2031 — a cornerstone of the ambitious We the UAE 2031 plan.

New Tourist Focus: Villages, Communities, Authentic Experiences

The business-based approach opens new frontiers in tourism — not just in big cities, but in rural villages as well. A good example is the locality of Masfout, which won the World's Best Tourism Village award from the UN World Tourism Organization in 2025.

This recognition is not just about one village, but a new approach that focuses on authentic, local experiences. Supporting village tourism opens the door to economic empowerment for communities while offering visitors unique experiences — such as handicraft activities, traditional gastronomy, and cultural exhibitions.

The government will announce additional projects in villages across various emirates, which will help expand tourism offerings and strengthen entrepreneurial spirit.

Summary: Why Pay Attention to This Campaign?

The "Our Winter is for Business" campaign goes beyond a simple tourism initiative. It is an economic stimulus program offering young entrepreneurs the opportunity to participate in UAE’s growth. Simultaneously, it offers something new for tourists: authentic local experiences that go beyond skyscrapers and luxury brands.

Dubai and the UAE, with this initiative, show a direction where economy, community, and culture support each other — and where the winter season is not just about the weather, but about shaping the future.

(The article is based on a statement from the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism.)