The technology shaping physical security across the UAE's tourism sector

Tourism numbers throughout the UAE are swelling, as demonstrated by the 18.7 million visitor arrivals welcomed to Dubai in 2024. More of the emirates are pushing towards an increase in tourists, with revised statistics expecting the number of visitors to grow to over 44.6 million in 2029.

While the Emirates are generally considered a safe destination to travel, the dramatic rise in visitor numbers can pose new physical security risks to businesses across the tourism sector. Hotels and hospitality venues will need scalable infrastructure to effectively handle the growing number of guests, ensuring their safety throughout their stay.

The UAE's physical security risks with increasing visitors

The UAE's cities, such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai, hold the prestigious status of being among the world's premier destinations for luxury tourism. The former's hotel occupancy rate in the first half of 2025 was over 80% across the emirate's numerous five to seven-star options.

However, unique, evolving security challenges come with the growing number of arrivals. The UAE continues to host more world-class events, such as the Dubai International Boat Show and the Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi. These high-capacity affairs are becoming more frequent throughout the year in line with the emirates' growth targets.

Guests visiting these events and venues will have high expectations of their security, in line with the glowing safety reputation of the UAE. However, more arrivals mean the potential for crime to rise, especially with the growing number of high-net-worth visitors.

Incidents of physical threats in mass gatherings and sophisticated theft of luxury goods are on the rise globally, not sparing the Emirates. Despite the country having historically low physical crime levels, business owners across the tourism sector must also consider global security concerns to ensure protection of guests, staff and overall revenue.

How access control systems can shape security in the UAE's tourism sector

The large-scale investments in luxury hospitality stem from the country's "Tourism Strategy 2031", aiming to bring over 40 million guests and contribute over AED 450 million to the economy. The expected increase in footfall underlines why access control apparatus are playing a significant role in shaping the UAE's security landscape for the future.

Access control is a core security layer for businesses in the tourism sector, offering frontline protection from intruders, thieves, vandals and disruptors in hospitality venues. New advancements in biometrics, integration and remote management are driving factors to help mitigate the Emirates' security concerns in parallel with targeted tourist growth.

As cities like Dubai continue their drive to be global smart cities alongside tourism hubs, security infrastructure that adapts and scales with other technologies is integral for success. Cloud-based access control systems can neatly fit in with these strategies, offering the scalability and flexibility required to help mitigate both the UAE's current and evolving physical security threats.

Businesses such as hotels and hospitality can benefit from advanced access control systems, providing both guests and staff with safer environments. Security teams can bolster protection of crowded spaces, reduce petty theft and respond faster to incidents, maintaining the UAE's status quo as a safe destination from physical crime.

Technology is an integral part of the UAE's physical security infrastructure

The UAE already has a reputation as one of the most desirable tourist destinations worldwide and is rising in prominence as an excellent business location. However, the Emirates cannot ignore the growing global physical security concerns if it wishes to retain an elite status.

Security practitioners for UAE businesses must follow suit in leveraging technology to ensure businesses in the tourism sector are prepared for a broad range of physical security scenarios, just as the country leads the fight against cybercrime. Major cities that host millions of visitors are prone to mass unrest, increased petty crime and vandalism, with potential for incidents even in the safest environments.

The tourism sector will need to embrace a flexible, scalable and adaptable security strategy to ensure the UAE meets its growth targets for the next few years. Access control is part of the industry's frontline of defense, protecting people and property.

Access control system advancements will play a leading role in shaping the physical security landscape, not only for the Emirates' tourism but for the country's multiple growing industries.