Dubai Welcomes Two Million International Tourists in January 2026

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism announced that the city welcomed two million international tourists in January 2026, marking a significant achievement that enhances its reputation as a leading tourist destination. This figure represents a notable increase compared to 1.94 million tourists during the same period last year, reflecting a 3% growth in the booming tourism sector in Dubai.

Increasing Visitor Numbers

According to data obtained by “Emirates Today” from the department, Western Europe ranked first as the source of visitors to Dubai, accounting for 18% of total arrivals, which equates to approximately 364,000 international tourists. This is followed by the Russia and CIS region and Eastern Europe at 16%, with around 325,000 visitors. Meanwhile, tourists from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries ranked third, with 323,000 international tourists, representing 16% of the total.

Furthermore, South Asia recorded 15% of total international tourists, achieving over 287,000 visitors, while the Middle East and North Africa accounted for 12%, with 238,000 tourists. Additionally, North and Southeast Asia welcomed approximately 173,000 international tourists, reflecting the diverse geographical sources of visitors.

Hotel Infrastructure

Regarding tourism infrastructure, the total number of hotel rooms in Dubai exceeded 154,700 across 827 hotel establishments by the end of January 2026. The average hotel occupancy rate recorded was 86.2% during this month, a noticeable increase from 84.3% during the same period last year.

Luxury five-star hotels hold 37% of the total hotel market, with approximately 56,400 rooms across 174 establishments. They are followed by four-star hotels, which represent 28% of the market, containing 43,600 rooms in 195 establishments. Hotel apartments also play an important role, holding 16% of the market.

Price and Accommodation Trends

Positive trends continued in accommodation prices, with the average daily room rate reaching 775 dirhams in January 2026, compared to 683 dirhams during the same period last year, achieving a growth of 13%. Revenue per available room also saw a significant increase, recording 668 dirhams compared to 576 dirhams in January 2025.

Thanks to this growth and ongoing investment in tourism development, Dubai’s statistics show that it continues to attract two million international tourists, reinforcing its position as a major global tourist destination. The city’s ability to handle the increasing demand for tourism through enhancing its hotel infrastructure and services is fundamental to these repeated successes.