Dubai welcomed 9.88 million international overnight visitors between January and June 2025, marking a 6% rise compared to the same period in 2024, according to data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Growth in key markets
Visitors from the GCC and wider MENA region made up 26% of the total, with Western Europe leading as the top source region at 22%. South Asia and CIS/Eastern Europe each accounted for 15% of arrivals, followed by North East and South East Asia (9%), the Americas (7%), Africa (4%), and Australasia (2%).
The strong growth was driven by DET’s global marketing campaigns and collaborations with over 3,000 partners worldwide.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, said: “Dubai continues to set new records in international visitation, reinforcing the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum… to make the city a major global business and tourism destination… By continually anticipating the needs of travellers and exceeding their expectations, we are strengthening Dubai’s position as the world’s best city to visit, live, and work in.”
Hotel sector performance
Dubai’s hotel sector showed strong growth, with average occupancy reaching 80.6%, up from 78.7% in 2024. Total occupied room nights rose to 22.24 million. The average daily rate (ADR) grew to Dhs584, a 5% increase, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) reached Dhs471.
The city’s hotel inventory expanded to 152,483 rooms across 822 establishments by the end of June.
Focus on events and investment
Dubai Business Events secured 249 successful bids in H1 2025, expected to bring over 127,000 delegates to the city in future years. Key partnerships were signed with Marriott, Hyatt, and Premier Inn to further enhance the visitor experience.
Culinary recognition
Dubai’s gastronomy sector continued to gain global attention. The 2025 MICHELIN Guide Dubai featured 119 restaurants across 35 cuisines, including the city’s first three-starred venues: FZN by Björn Frantzén and Trèsind Studio. The latter also ranked No.27 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, earning the title of best in the Middle East.
Dubai was named the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere in April. It was also ranked as the world’s safest city for solo female travellers by InsureMyTrip and featured among Tripadvisor’s top destinations of 2025.
