UAE: Dubai closes in on top-three global tourism rank with 9.88 million visitors in first half of 2025

TL;DR:

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has announced that 9.88 million international overnight visitors arrived in the city between January and June 2025, pushing the destination further toward its goal of ranking among the world’s top three tourist hubs.

This also surpasses the 18.72 million total in 2024, which itself represented a 9% annual growth. Average hotel occupancy stood at 80.6%, with 22.24 million room nights sold, a 4% year-over-year rise. Hospitality metrics such as average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) also saw solid gains, ADR rose 5%, RevPAR up 7%.

Connectivity & global access

Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled a record 46 million passengers during the first six months of 2025, solidifying its position as the world’s busiest international airport.

India remains the top visitor market, underscoring strong bilateral connectivity. The smoothness of ground operations and baggage services was cited as a key factor in handling the surge, even amid regional airspace disruptions. DXB projected a total of 96 million annual passengers and is set to reach 100 million by 2026.

Why visitors choose Dubai

From Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel, to the immersive Museum of the Future, and sprawling retail hubs like The Dubai Mall, Dubai combines futuristic design and cultural storytelling in its iconic experiences.

Dubai earned titles such as Certified Autism Destination™ and ranked high in safety surveys, including being named the world’s best city for solo female travellers in a 62-city study.

A calendar filled with retail spectacles like Dubai Shopping Festival, global conferences, expos like GITEX, and sporting events ensures year-round draws and visitor engagement.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to creative culinary tours in Old Dubai’s souks, Dubai offers experiences across the spectrum—luxury to local flavour.

DET’s partnerships with Marriott, Hyatt, and Premier Inn, alongside new hotel openings like Mandarin Oriental, Ciel Dubai, and ZUHHA Island, have expanded accommodation options. Also, visa-on-arrival expansions for key markets support demand growth.

Western Europe is Dubai’s largest source market (~22%), followed by CIS/Eastern Europe and South Asia (~15% each). GCC, MENA, NE Asia, the Americas, and Africa also contributed significantly, reflecting Dubai’s global appeal.

Broader economic impact

Tourism continues to underpin Dubai’s economic expansion, contributing over 12% to GDP and supporting millions of jobs. In 2024, international spending in tourism topped USD 179.8 billion, while domestic travel contributed another USD 205 billion as per Khaleej Times. With hotel expansion underway, adding over 11,300 rooms by 2027 and creating 15,000 new jobs, Dubai is cementing its hospitality edge.

Dubai’s tourism trajectory remains robust, 9.88 million visitors in H1 2025 underscores its global draw. A perfect blend of world-class infrastructure, diverse attractions, international connectivity, and a strategic events calendar continues to make Dubai a magnet for travellers of all kinds. From high-end luxury to experiential travel, the city’s growing appeal reflects its commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability.