What's Happening?
Abu Dhabi's hotel industry experienced record-breaking occupancy levels during October 2025, driven by the annual Showdown Week festival centered around a major UFC event. According to preliminary data from CoStar, hotel occupancy reached 86.2%, the highest
since 2008, with a 1.7% increase from the previous year. The average daily rate (ADR) surged by 18.2% to AED809.28, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) climbed by 20.2% to AED697.38, marking the highest October levels since 2009. Daily occupancy peaked at 95% on October 28, underscoring the festival's positive impact on the local hospitality sector.
Why It's Important?
The record occupancy levels highlight the significant economic impact of major events on the hospitality industry. The increased ADR and RevPAR indicate strong demand and profitability for hotels during the festival period. This trend underscores the importance of hosting large-scale events to boost tourism and local economies. The success of Showdown Week demonstrates the potential for similar events to drive growth in the hospitality sector, attracting international visitors and enhancing the city's global reputation as a tourist destination.
