Dubai Welcomes 9.88 Million International Visitors In H1 2025, Marking A 6% Increase

Dubai's tourism sector saw a notable rise in international visitors, welcoming 9.88 million overnight guests from January to June 2025. This marks a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024, as reported by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The city's growth is attributed to strong public-private partnerships and an effective global marketing strategy.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted Dubai's achievement in attracting international visitors. He stated, "Dubai continues to set new records in international visitation, reinforcing the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai to make the city a major global business and tourism destination."

The Dubai Economic Agenda D33 aims to boost GDP growth through tourism. By anticipating traveller needs and exceeding expectations, Dubai strengthens its position as a top city for visiting, living, and working. Partnerships and global campaigns have showcased the city to both new and returning visitors.

In the first half of 2025, Western Europe emerged as the largest source market for Dubai with 2.12 million visitors, accounting for 22% of total arrivals. Other significant markets included CIS and Eastern Europe (15%), South Asia (15%), North East and South East Asia (9%), the Americas (7%), Africa (4%), and Australasia (2%).

Dubai's accommodation offerings continue to evolve with new hotel openings across various segments. Notable additions include Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Umm Suqeim, Cheval Maison in Expo City, The Biltmore Hotel Villas in Al Barsha, and Vida Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai.

Helal Saeed Almarri of DET noted that despite global challenges like inflationary pressures and changing traveller behaviours, Dubai's tourism performance remains strong due to its adaptable economic model. The city's focus on technology-enhanced visitor experiences has been pivotal.

Dubai is embedding sustainability across its tourism ecosystem while promoting cultural exchange through community engagement. This approach supports ambitions to be a top city for visiting, living, working, and investing while reinforcing its status as a hub for commerce and innovation.

The city's hospitality sector achieved impressive results with an average hotel occupancy rate of 80.6% from January to June 2025. Occupied room nights increased by 4%, reaching 22.24 million compared to the previous year.

In April 2025, Dubai was recognised as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere. The city also received accolades for being one of the best destinations globally according to Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Dubai Business Events secured 249 successful bids for hosting international conferences in H1 2025. These events are expected to attract over 127,000 delegates in future years.

The MICHELIN Guide Dubai unveiled its fourth edition featuring 119 restaurants across 35 cuisines. FZN by Björn Frantzén became one of the city's first three-starred restaurants alongside Trèsind Studio—the world's first Indian restaurant with three MICHELIN stars.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list included two Dubai establishments: Trèsind Studio ranked No.27 as the best restaurant in the Middle East while Orfali Bros re-entered at No.37.

Issam Kazim from DCTCM emphasised that public-private partnerships have been crucial for showcasing Dubai globally: "Guided by visionary leadership...our residents...have played a supporting role...with their authentic voices promoting...unique experiences."

With inputs from WAM