Dubai has solidified its status as a premier travel destination, welcoming 8.68 million tourists over the first five months of the year. This remarkable influx demonstrates the city’s continued appeal and resilience in the global tourism market, reaffirmed by the latest insights from the Department of Economy and Tourism. Let’s delve into the specifics of this tourism surge and explore its implications for the city.
Tourist Arrivals by Region
According to the tourism performance report covering January to May, Dubai welcomed 1.53 million international visitors in May alone. Western European countries topped the list of sources for tourists in Dubai during this five-month period, contributing approximately 22% of the total, amounting to around 1.917 million visitors. Following closely were Russia, the CIS, and Eastern European nations, providing 1.396 million tourists, which accounts for 16% of all visitors to the emirate.
Subsequently, South Asia contributed 1.242 million tourists, representing 14% of the total, while the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations followed with 1.275 million visitors, making up 15%. Countries from the Middle East and North Africa saw 989,000 tourists, which is 11% of the overall figure. Northeast and Southeast Asian countries collectively accounted for 9%, totaling approximately 771,000 visitors, as reported by the official Emirates News Agency.
Visitor Demographics and Statistics
From the Americas, the number of visitors to Dubai reached 601,000, which constitutes 7% of the total tourist count. Meanwhile, visitors from Africa numbered 346,000, contributing about 4%, and those from Australia totaled 141,000, representing 2% of the international arrivals in Dubai during the same period.
Hotel Capacity and Occupancy Rates
As of the end of May, Dubai boasted 153,356 hotel rooms across 825 establishments, a slight increase from 150,202 rooms in 822 hotels at the same time last year. The average hotel occupancy rate during the first five months reached 83%, improving from 81% during the same months of 2024. Over this period, more than 19.09 million room nights were booked, marking a 4% increase compared to the previous year’s 18.34 million bookings.
Average Stay and Revenue Insights
The average length of stay for guests in Dubai was recorded at 3.8 nights during this timeframe. Additionally, the daily average price of hotel rooms rose to 620 AED, reflecting a 5% increase from last year’s 590 AED. Similarly, the average revenue per available room climbed to 513 AED, a notable 7% rise compared to 478 AED in 2024.
Dubai continues to thrive as a sought-after destination for travelers from around the globe, attracting 8.68 million tourists within just five months. The city’s impressive tourism metrics not only underscore its appeal but also point toward a vibrant and prosperous future for the sector.