Dubai recorded another year of tourism growth in 2025, welcoming 19.59 million international overnight visitors, a 5 per cent increase from 18.72 million in 2024, according to figures released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It marked the third consecutive year of record visitor numbers for the city.
The year ended on a high note, with more than 2 million international visitors arriving in December alone, the first time Dubai has crossed that milestone in a single month.
Visitor growth
DET data shows December arrivals reached 2.04 million, a 6 per cent year-on-year increase. The previous monthly record was set in January 2025, when the city welcomed 1.94 million visitors.
Western Europe remained Dubai’s largest source market, contributing 4.1 million visitors, or 21 per cent of total arrivals, up from 3.74 million in 2024. The CIS and Eastern Europe, and South Asia, each accounted for 2.89 million visitors, representing 15 per cent each.
The GCC region contributed 2.99 million visitors, or 15 per cent, while the wider MENA region added 2.17 million visitors, or 11 per cent. Other source markets included North East and South East Asia with 1.85 million visitors, the Americas with 1.40 million, Africa with 897,000, and Australasia with 401,000.
Hotel performance
Dubai’s hotel sector also recorded growth in 2025. By the end of December, the city had 154,264 hotel rooms across 827 establishments.
Average hotel occupancy reached 80.7 per cent, up from 78.2 per cent in 2024. Total occupied room nights increased by 4 per cent to 44.85 million, while the average length of stay remained at 3.7 nights.
The average daily rate rose to Dhs579, compared to Dhs538 in 2024, while revenue per available room increased to Dhs467 from Dhs421 the previous year.
Several new hotels opened during the year, including Ciel Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai, Cheval Maison – Expo City, and Vida Dubai Mall.
Aviation and events
Dubai International Airport retained its position as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for the 11th consecutive year, according to Airports Council International. DXB handled 70.1 million passengers in the first nine months of 2025, a 2.1 per cent increase year-on-year, with record quarterly traffic of 24.2 million passengers in the third quarter.
Major events and festivals continued to support tourism demand. The Dubai Fitness Challenge recorded more than three million participants in 2025, up from 2.7 million the previous year. Dubai was also named the world’s leading exhibition destination at the 2025 World Travel Awards.
Awards and recognition
Dubai received several international accolades during the year, including recognition as the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere. The city was also ranked among the world’s top ten safest cities and named the best city for solo female travellers in a global study.
In hospitality and dining, three Dubai hotels featured in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 list, while two Dubai restaurants were included in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants rankings.
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 tourism results reflect the long-term vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
“Dubai’s strong tourism growth momentum has been driven by the leadership’s commitment to building a city that connects the world, creates opportunity, and offers distinctive and enriching experiences for global travellers. By further enhancing the city’s exceptional infrastructure and forging strong global partnerships, we continue to consolidate Dubai’s emergence as one of the world’s most sought after destinations. Dubai’s success also reflects the city’s diversity, cultural vibrancy, and its ability to continuously evolve its tourism and hospitality offerings. Through close collaboration between all stakeholders, we are focused on driving greater innovation and raising service excellence across the tourism ecosystem.”
“The tourism sector is one of the key drivers of economic diversification and sustainable growth, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. We are focused on further developing Dubai’s integrated tourism ecosystem to reinforce its status as a leading global destination for business and leisure and one of the world’s best cities to visit, live and work in.”
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, said Dubai’s tourism performance reflects the strength of its economic framework and public-private partnerships.
“Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s 2025 tourism performance reflects the strength of our economic model, one anchored in effective public-private collaboration and aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. Tourism continues to be a key driver of economic diversification, delivering tangible impact through GDP growth, investment inflows, and global talent attraction. Our focus remains on scaling sustainable, accessible growth and accelerating progress toward the D33 ambition to double Dubai’s economy by 2033.”
Looking ahead
DET said infrastructure projects such as the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport and the Dubai Metro Blue Line are expected to support future tourism growth. Planned initiatives under the D33 Agenda and Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan aim to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global tourism and business destination in the years ahead.
