Dubai breaks tourism record with 19.6 million visitors in 2025

Dubai has set a new tourism record, welcoming 19.59 million overnight tourists in 2025, up by 5% from the 18.72 million arrivals in 2024, according to data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The achievement marks three continuous years of sustained growth and includes more than 2 million arrivals in December 2025, the highest number ever recorded in a single month. 

 

Regional proximity markets across the GCC and wider MENA region remained the strongest contributors, accounting for 26% of total arrivals. Western Europe followed with 21%, while  Eastern Europe and South Asia represented 15% of inbound visitors.

 

As demand rises, Dubai’s hotel capacity continues to expand. By December 2025, the emirate comprised 154,264 rooms across 827 properties, exceeding major global destinations, such as New York, Singapore and Bangkok. Among the year’s notable openings were Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai and Ciel Dubai Marina, now the world’s tallest hotel. Additionally, occupied room nights in Dubai grew 4% year-on-year, reaching 44.85 million from 43.03 million in 2024. 

 

Dubai’s packed year-round calendar of events continues to drive its visitor growth, led by major programmes such as the Dubai World Cup, Dubai Shopping Festival, the biennial Dubai Airshow and the debut World Sports Summit.

 

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The city’s culinary scene also reached new heights, welcoming acclaimed international openings such as Carbone at Atlantis, The Royal, and China Tang at The Lana Dorchester Collection. The fourth edition of the Michelin Guide Dubai celebrated more than 100 restaurants, featuring three two- and 14 one-Michelin-starred venues.

 

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, said: “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.” 

 

With air traffic on the rise, major infrastructure developments are underway. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is set to move operations to Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) by the early 2030s, while expansions to the Dubai Metro and the imminent launch of Etihad Rail’s passenger service in 2026 will further enhance connectivity across the emirates. 

 

For more information, visit dubaidet.gov.ae