Spain’s relationship with the United Arab Emirates has entered a new golden phase in 2024, with more than 200,000 visitors from the UAE setting foot in the Iberian Peninsula. This milestone, announced by Carlos Ruiz González, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office for the GCC, marks a notable 17% increase compared to 2023. The figures reflect not just a return to pre-pandemic travel trends but also a growing mutual curiosity between the two cultures.
Tourism experts attribute this steady rise to a combination of easier travel connections, a recovering global travel economy, and the UAE’s young, cosmopolitan population increasingly seeking diverse experiences. Both Emirati nationals and UAE residents are contributing to this new wave of tourism, showcasing a broader demographic of travelers discovering Spain’s rich heritage, cuisine, and landscapes.
As the world moves further away from the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Spain’s tourism sector is proving remarkably resilient. The increasing number of visitors from the UAE is seen as a positive sign of how global travel ties can rebuild and even strengthen in a post-pandemic world.
UAE Tourists Among the Highest Spenders in Spain’s Economy
What distinguishes UAE visitors is not just their growing numbers but also their contribution to Spain’s economy. According to González, UAE and broader GCC tourists are among the highest spenders globally, significantly outpacing their European counterparts. The average expenditure per tourist from the UAE is estimated at €3,000 per trip — nearly double the spending of the typical European visitor.
This high level of spending reflects the type of experiences UAE tourists seek: luxury accommodations, premium shopping, fine dining, and immersive cultural tours. Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Marbella continue to be magnets for travelers from the Gulf, but increasingly, visitors are venturing into lesser-known Spanish towns, drawn by bespoke experiences and exclusivity.
Beyond immediate economic benefits, this trend has encouraged many Spanish businesses to tailor their services to Gulf visitors, offering Halal-certified food, Arabic-speaking guides, and prayer facilities. Spain’s hospitality industry is recognizing the value of cultural sensitivity, and in doing so, it is strengthening its reputation as an inclusive and welcoming destination.
Spain’s Tourism Strategy Expands Beyond Traditional Hotspots
While iconic cities like Madrid and Barcelona continue to be major attractions, Spanish tourism authorities are making a concerted effort to showcase the country’s diversity. In particular, efforts are being made to encourage travelers from the UAE to explore regions like Andalusia, Galicia, and Valencia — areas rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
This shift is strategic. Not only does it ease pressure on the main cities — helping with overcrowding and sustainability goals — but it also offers travelers a more authentic Spanish experience. Andalusia’s Moorish palaces, the green coastal cliffs of Galicia, and the arts and sciences complexes of Valencia offer unique flavors of Spain that appeal to sophisticated travelers from the UAE looking for something beyond the usual tourist trail.
Moreover, regions like Seville, Granada, and Córdoba hold historical significance that resonates with many Emirati visitors, given the shared Islamic heritage between Spain and the Arab world. Guided heritage tours, cultural festivals, and local artisan experiences are increasingly featured in Spain’s promotional materials targeting the UAE market.
Spanish Interest in the UAE Market Continues to Grow
While Spanish tourists often favor traveling within Europe, the government and tourism industry are expressing increasing interest in the Gulf, particularly the UAE. According to González, the UAE market is seen not just as a growing source of visitors but also as a valuable one due to the high quality of tourism it brings.
This interest is reflected in Spain’s increased participation in events like the Discover Europe Travel Summit meets Marhaba 2025, recently held in Dubai. Spain’s robust presence at such gatherings showcases a commitment to building long-term relationships with travel agencies, airlines, and tourism companies across the Gulf.
Spanish cities are also exploring partnerships with UAE-based tour operators to create customized travel packages, focusing on wellness, gastronomy, heritage, and luxury travel experiences. This mutual interest is a promising indicator that Spain and the UAE are poised for even stronger tourism ties in the coming years.
Enhanced Air Connectivity Boosts Travel Between Spain and UAE
One of the driving forces behind the increase in UAE visitors is the expansion of air travel options. Major carriers like Emirates and Etihad have expanded their flight schedules to Spain, offering more frequent and direct routes to cities beyond Madrid and Barcelona, such as Málaga and Valencia.
Spain’s connectivity improvements are making it easier for UAE residents to consider Spain not only as a summer vacation destination but also for shorter holidays throughout the year. Seasonal promotions, visa facilitation programs, and direct marketing campaigns have all played a part in simplifying the decision-making process for travelers.
Looking forward, several Spanish airports are expected to enhance their facilities to cater to the rise in international travelers from the Gulf. This includes more Arabic signage, prayer rooms, and culturally attuned services that ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for visitors from the UAE.
Future Growth: A Vision of Shared Prosperity
Both Spain and the UAE recognize that tourism is a bridge not only for economic exchange but also for cultural understanding. González emphasized that Spain sees “significant potential for growth” in its relations with the UAE, suggesting that the best years for tourism ties between the two nations are yet to come.
Future plans may include greater investment in joint tourism projects, special events celebrating Spanish culture in the UAE, and enhanced educational exchanges in the fields of hospitality and tourism management. As Spain continues to diversify its tourism offerings and the UAE continues to nurture a culture of travel and exploration among its citizens and residents, the synergy between the two nations will only grow stronger.
Spain’s tourism ministry has also hinted at future initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism, which could appeal strongly to the UAE’s increasingly eco-conscious travelers. Through thoughtful collaboration and mutual respect, Spain and the UAE are setting a positive example of how nations can enrich each other through the simple but powerful act of welcoming visitors.
A Blossoming Friendship Through Tourism
The record-breaking number of UAE visitors to Spain in 2024 is more than just a statistic. It symbolizes a deeper cultural and economic relationship that benefits both nations. Spain offers a tapestry of experiences — from ancient cities and pristine beaches to modern art galleries and luxury resorts — that resonate deeply with Emirati travelers.
Meanwhile, Spain’s warmth, hospitality, and eagerness to embrace visitors from the Gulf ensure that the UAE’s tourists feel truly welcomed. As tourism continues to grow, Spain and the UAE are not merely exchanging flights and hotel bookings; they are exchanging stories, building friendships, and creating a shared future based on mutual respect and admiration.
The journey between Spain and the UAE is no longer measured just in miles but in memories, experiences, and a growing appreciation for each other’s cultures. As 2025 unfolds, the future of Spain-UAE tourism looks brighter than ever.
