Dubai Welcomes 9.88 Million International Visitors in H1 2025, Driven by Strategic Tourism Agenda

📷WAM

Dubai, August 4 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Dubai recorded 9.88 million international overnight visitors between January and June 2025, a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to data released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The growth is attributed to strategic public-private partnerships, diversified destination offerings, and a global marketing approach.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said the milestone supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to position the city as a global hub for business and tourism.

DET data showed the GCC and MENA regions accounted for a combined 26% of overall visitation, while Western Europe led source markets with 2.12 million visitors (22%), followed by CIS and Eastern Europe (15%), South Asia (15%), and other key regions including North East and South East Asia (9%), the Americas (7%), Africa (4%), and Australasia (2%).

Dubai’s expanding hotel sector supported this growth, with average hotel occupancy reaching 80.6%, an increase from 78.7% in H1 2024. The emirate recorded 22.24 million occupied room nights, a 4% year-on-year rise. The average daily rate (ADR) increased to AED584, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) rose by 7% to AED471.

The city’s hotel inventory reached 152,483 rooms across 822 establishments by the end of June. Key openings included Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Cheval Maison, The Biltmore Hotel Villas, and Vida Dubai Mall.

Dubai also continued expanding its global marketing outreach, launching major campaigns such as Find Your Story featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi, Dubai. That’s How You Summer, and Dubai, Ready for a Surprise? with Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma.

DET signed partnerships with leading hospitality brands including Marriott International, Hyatt, and Premier Inn, while future openings include the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, ZUHHA Island, and Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection.

Dubai received multiple international accolades in H1 2025. It was recognized as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere, named Best of the Best by Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, and was ranked the world’s safest city for solo female travelers in a study by InsureMyTrip.

In gastronomy, Dubai earned global recognition with the MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2025, featuring 119 restaurants across 35 cuisines, including two new three-starred listings: FZN by Björn Frantzén and Trèsind Studio—the latter becoming the first Indian restaurant globally to earn three MICHELIN stars. Trèsind Studio ranked No.27 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, while Orfali Bros was listed at No.37.

On the business events front, Dubai Business Events (DBE) secured 249 successful bids in H1 2025, expected to attract more than 127,000 delegates. Dubai also maintained its #1 ranking in the Middle East for association meetings hosted in 2024, according to ICCA.

DET Director-General Helal Saeed Almarri noted the strength of Dubai’s tourism sector amid global economic uncertainty, highlighting its focus on sustainability, technology, and cultural exchange.

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), added that public-private collaboration and resident engagement continue to drive tourism performance aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.