The United Arab Emirates tourism sector has jumped by almost 10 times over the past 40 years as a result of “planned diversification” drive an expert has advised.

Mohammed Al Asumi, a former economic adviser at Dubai Executive Office, said diversification of the sources of income is a strategic issue for the UAE, Emirates 24/7 reported.

“The country has become a first class tourist destination and is now attracting millions of tourists from all over the world every year,” Mr Asumi said.

“The success of the UAE’s tourism sector is evident from its contribution to the GDP, which has gone up from just one percent 40 years ago, when the Union was established, to about 10.4 percent at present.” He added.

Mr Asumi said Tourism is one of the most important non oil economic sectors for the UAE.

According to Asumi’s figures the number of tourist arrivals in Dubai reached 1.1 million in 2011, while in the UAE the number exceeded two million.

Additionally, recent figures reveal 50 million tourists have visited Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), spending an excess of Dh88billion since its inception 14 years ago, Mr Asumi said.

Mr Asumi said the increase in arrivals numbers growing at an annual rate of 10-12 percent annually has rejuvenated UAE airports.

“The number through the airport in Dubai last year touched nearly 50 million according to preliminary estimates and arrivals at Abu Dhabi international Airport are also estimated to exceed 10 million for the first time,” Mr Asumi said.