Dubai saw an influx of 9.31 million international overnight visitors between January and June 2024, marking a 9% increase from the 8.55 million visitors during the same period in 2023, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Building on a remarkable 2023, which saw Dubai host 17.15 million international overnight visitors, the city has maintained its impressive tourism growth. The surge in visitors in the first half of 2024 positions Dubai for a record-breaking year. This progress reflects the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s goal of solidifying Dubai’s status as a premier global destination for both business and leisure.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, commented, “Under the strategic direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s tourism sector continues to exhibit robust growth and remain an attractive destination for global travelers. This continued growth sets a global benchmark and supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s aim to position Dubai among the world’s top urban economies.” He encouraged industry stakeholders to forge new partnerships, explore fresh opportunities, and enhance Dubai’s appeal by delivering rich and unforgettable experiences.
“The impressive tourism growth in the first half of 2024 underscores Dubai’s capability to foster effective public-private partnerships and build extensive global networks. As Dubai further establishes itself as a leader in global tourism, we remain committed to sustaining this momentum and increasing the sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP. By advancing our infrastructure and offering exceptional visitor services, we aim to set new benchmarks and achieve record-breaking results in 2024,” added HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed.
Global Recognition and Industry Highlights
Dubai’s tourism surge in early 2024 results from comprehensive citywide strategies across key tourism sectors, developed in collaboration with public and private stakeholders. This success has also garnered international acclaim. Dubai began the year by being named the No.1 global destination for the third consecutive year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, marking a unique achievement. Additionally, Dubai was recognized as the Middle East’s leading destination by the World Travel Awards, and both Dubai International Airport and Mina Rashid were honored as the region’s top airport and cruise port for 2024, respectively.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, stated, “The significant rise in visitor numbers in H1 2024 reflects the vision and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and supports the D33 Agenda’s aim to make Dubai the top global city for visiting, living, and working. This strong performance, coupled with global recognition, validates our ambitious and agile approach to tourism and economic growth. Our success is driven by a diversified market strategy, robust public-private partnerships, liberal visa policies, and alternative growth avenues, all contributing to a surge in leisure and business visits, investment, and global talent inflows. We are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing this trajectory by leveraging diverse markets to boost tourism’s impact on Dubai’s GDP.”
Key Source Markets
DET’s targeted campaigns and collaborations with over 3,000 global partners in 80 markets have yielded notable growth in key source regions. From January to June 2024, proximity markets in GCC and MENA accounted for 26% of total visitors, with 1.27 million and 1.09 million arrivals, respectively. Western Europe contributed 20% of visitors with 1.89 million, South Asia provided 1.62 million (17%), and CIS and Eastern Europe had 1.37 million (15%). North-East and South-East Asia’s share grew from 8% to 10% (896,000 visitors) by mid-2024, driven by a recovery in China. Other regions also saw increased visitation, including the Americas (617,000), Africa (404,000), and Australasia (154,000).
Hotels and Hospitality
Dubai’s world-class accommodation remains a key pillar of its appeal. Notable hotel openings in the first half of 2024 include The Lana, Dorchester Collection’s first Middle East property; SIRO One Za’abeel, Dubai’s debut fitness hotel; and Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences. The city’s hotel sector performed well, with average occupancy rising slightly to 78.7% from 77.7% in 2023. Occupied room nights increased by 3%, reaching 21.35 million, while average daily rates (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) saw respective rises of 4% and 6%. Dubai’s total room count reached 150,879 by June 2024, up from 148,689 the previous year.
His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said, “Guided by the D33 Agenda, Dubai continues to lead with innovative infrastructure and exceptional experiences. The city’s high quality of life, safety, and accessibility are consistently recognized globally. We are dedicated to leveraging public-private partnerships to showcase Dubai as a must-visit destination and are focused on maintaining strong global and market-specific campaigns to build on this positive growth.”
Partnerships, Collaborations, and Campaigns
DET is expanding growth avenues beyond traditional tourism through investment, entrepreneurship, and global talent attraction. Major campaigns include ‘Where will Dubai take you now?’ by The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey, and the ‘Drop by Dubai’ programme promoting the city as an ideal stopover.
New attractions include Real Madrid World at Dubai Parks and Resorts, the world’s first theme park under the Spanish football club’s branding, and ongoing collaborations with notable figures like Hans Zimmer and culinary showcases on platforms such as Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil.
Gastronomy and Cruise Hub
Dubai’s status as a culinary destination was bolstered with the third edition of the MICHELIN Guide Dubai, featuring 106 restaurants. Notable rankings include Trèsind Studio at No.13 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list. Dubai is also ranked No.9 on Time Out’s list of the world’s best food cities.
The cruise sector saw over 132 ship calls in the 2023/2024 winter season. Dubai also partnered with regional maritime authorities to form the Cruise Arabia alliance, promoting the Arabian Gulf as a global cruise destination.
International Events Destination
Dubai’s year-round calendar of business, leisure, and sporting events, managed by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), attracts international tourists. Major events in H1 2024 included Dubai Shopping Festival, Chinese New Year, Ramadan in Dubai, Eid in Dubai, and the Dubai Food Festival. Upcoming events include Dubai Fashion Season Fall/Winter, Dubai Fitness Challenge, and UAE Union Day. Business events, including Gulfood and Arabian Travel Market, continue to draw significant global participation.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
Dubai is committed to enhancing the quality of life for People of Determination, with comprehensive accessibility measures at major attractions. The city is on track to become the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere, with several attractions and hotels already meeting Certified Autism Center™ standards.
Sustainability Initiatives
Dubai’s sustainability efforts align with global and national goals, including the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiative. The ‘Dubai Sustainability Report’ outlines achievements in supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2030. The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, awarded to 70 hotels, recognizes adherence to sustainability requirements. The Dubai Can initiative, launched in February 2022, has reduced single-use plastic bottle usage significantly. In April 2024, Dubai Reef’s pilot reef modules launched, part of the world’s largest marine reef development project.