Dubai welcomed 11.17 million international tourists in 7 months, highlighting the emirate’s success in enhancing its status as a global tourist destination. This increase reflects the recovery of the tourism sector in Dubai and the interest of visitors from around the world, as the city witnessed notable growth in tourist numbers compared to the same period last year. This success requires a continuous focus on developing tourism services and facilities to meet the growing needs of visitors.
Significant Increase in Tourist Numbers
Reports from the Department of Economy and Tourism show that Dubai received 11.17 million international tourists during the first seven months of this year, compared to 10.62 million tourists in the same period last year, reflecting an increase of about 5%. These figures are a clear indicator of the recovery of tourism in the emirate.
Sources of Visitors to Dubai
Western Europe ranked first as a source of visitors, accounting for 21% of total arrivals, attracting over 2.33 million tourists. This was followed by the Gulf Cooperation Council region, which recorded around 1.8 million tourists, strengthening the historical and tourism ties between these countries.
Diversity of Tourist Source Markets
Following the European region, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States ranked third, contributing 15% of total visitors, while South Asia also accounted for 15% of the total international tourist numbers. Meanwhile, 1.24 million tourists were recorded from the Middle East and North Africa, and countries in North and Southeast Asia accounted for 9%, totaling over a million tourists.
Growth in Hotel Infrastructure
Dubai is also experiencing significant growth in its hotel sector, with the number of hotel rooms exceeding 152.3 thousand by the end of July 2025, and an average hotel occupancy rate of 79.1%. Additionally, luxury rooms increased by 35% of the total hotel market, reflecting the city’s commitment to providing the best services for visitors. The average hotel room rate in Dubai was recorded at 551 dirhams, indicating rising demand in line with the increase in tourist numbers.
These figures reflect the success of Dubai in strengthening its position as a leading tourist destination, necessitating sustainable strategies to maintain this positive trend. Dubai, with its array of services and tourism offerings, remains one of the most attractive destinations for visitors worldwide.