Dubai tourism growth continued in 2025 as the city welcomed a record 19.59 million international overnight visitors, driven by global campaigns, partnerships and major events.
DUBAI: Dubai tourism growth reached a new milestone in 2025 as the city welcomed 19.59 million international overnight visitors, marking a five percent increase compared to 18.72 million arrivals in 2024. Data released by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism confirmed this as the third consecutive year of record-breaking performance, underlining the city’s sustained global appeal.
Momentum peaked in December, when Dubai welcomed more than two million visitors in a single month for the first time. The surge reflected the success of strategic partnerships, diversified market outreach and large-scale events that positioned the city strongly heading into 2026.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the results reflect the long-term vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. He noted that Dubai tourism growth is anchored in world-class infrastructure, strong global connectivity and the city’s ability to offer enriching experiences for travellers from diverse markets.
Western Europe remained Dubai’s largest source market in 2025, followed by CIS and Eastern Europe, South Asia and the GCC. Proximity markets across the GCC and MENA together accounted for more than a quarter of total arrivals, highlighting the strength of regional travel links alongside long-haul demand.
Dubai’s hospitality sector also recorded strong performance. Hotel inventory expanded to more than 154,000 rooms across 827 establishments, while average occupancy rose to 80.7 percent. Average daily rates and revenue per available room both increased year on year, reinforcing tourism’s contribution to economic diversification.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, said Dubai tourism growth continues to drive GDP expansion, investment inflows and talent attraction. He added that public-private collaboration remains central to sustaining accessible and long-term growth.
With record airport traffic at Dubai International Airport and a packed calendar of retail, cultural and sporting events, Dubai tourism growth has reinforced the city’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations for business and leisure.
