Dubai received 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, marking a 6% year-on-year increase, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
The growth highlights the emirate’s strong global appeal and the success of public-private partnerships and targeted marketing campaigns.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the achievement as a reflection of Dubai’s strategic vision to become a world-leading destination for tourism, trade, and innovation. Western Europe remained the top source market, accounting for 22% of visitors, followed by South Asia, the CIS and Eastern Europe, and the GCC.
The hotel sector also posted strong results, with an 80.6% average occupancy rate and over 22 million occupied room nights. Culinary tourism played a key role, bolstered by Dubai’s recognition in the MICHELIN Guide and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, with Trèsind Studio ranked No.27 globally and FZN earning three MICHELIN stars.
Dubai was also named the world’s best city for solo female travellers and the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere, affirming its commitment to inclusive and accessible tourism.
As DET continues to drive the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the city’s evolving infrastructure, new hotel openings, global campaigns, and business events position it as a global benchmark for travel, hospitality, and urban excellence.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
