Dubai continues to lead the way as one of the most sought-after travel destinations globally, welcoming a staggering 8.68 million international visitors between January and May 2025. This marks a solid 7% growth compared to the same period last year, reaffirming the emirate’s robust position on the world tourism map.
With its winning mix of sun-soaked beaches, urban skylines, desert adventures and world-class events, Dubai’s global appeal is showing no signs of slowing down.
Key tourism markets driving growth
Western Europe topped the charts this year, contributing nearly 1.92 million visitors—reflecting the city’s strong ties and growing popularity among European travellers. Not far behind, Russia and Eastern Europe combined brought in around 1.4 million visitors. South Asia and the GCC region also made a substantial impact, each surpassing the 1.2 million mark.
Other regions, including the Middle East, North Africa, the Americas, Africa, Southeast and Northeast Asia, and Australia, also delivered consistent tourist flows—highlighting the truly global nature of Dubai’s tourism footprint.
Dubai’s hotel industry sees sustained success
Dubai’s hospitality sector is keeping pace with demand, with 825 hotel establishments now operating across the city, offering over 153,000 rooms. The sector achieved an average occupancy rate of 83%, with total room nights climbing to 19 million—a 4% year-on-year rise.
Tourists aren’t just arriving—they’re staying. The average length of stay reached 3.8 nights, and hotels are seeing healthy returns, with an average daily rate of AED 620 and revenue per available room averaging AED 513.
These figures point to a thriving ecosystem of premium offerings, diverse price points, and excellent guest experiences that continue to attract both new and returning travellers.
Visitors keep coming even during off-peak
The month of May alone saw 1.53 million tourist arrivals—proof that even as temperatures rise, so does Dubai’s ability to draw international crowds. With Dubai Summer Surprises underway, the city’s calendar of entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly experiences keeps both residents and tourists engaged.
Beyond the beaches and malls, curated seasonal experiences and the city’s expanding infrastructure are proving vital in keeping footfall strong all year round.
this growth is important for residents and businesses
The uptick in tourism is more than just numbers. It signals increased demand across hospitality, retail, transport, and real estate—benefiting local businesses and jobseekers alike.
The positive ripple effects extend to cafes, tour operators, malls, and entertainment venues, all of which thrive on sustained visitor interest. The increase in hotel bookings also means more opportunities for hospitality professionals and support staff.
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