According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai welcomed 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025. This marks a 5% increase compared to 18.72 million arrivals in 2024.
Strategic partnerships, global marketing campaigns, and major events helped drive this growth. For the first time, Dubai welcomed more than 2 million visitors in a single calendar month in December 2025. Western Europe, followed by Eastern Europe, South Asia, GCC, and the wider Middle East region, accounted for more than a quarter of all visitors in 2025.
In 2025, Dubai International Airport (DXB) retained its position as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for the 11th consecutive year.
In addition, Dubai’s hotel sector recorded strong growth. By December, the city’s hotel inventory had grown to more than 154,000 rooms across 827 establishments, placing it among the world’s largest hospitality markets. Average hotel occupancy also increased to 80.7%, an 8% rise in average daily rates, and a 4% increase in occupied room nights.
Besides, in 2025, several new hotels were opened to drive growth in Dubai’s hospitality sector. Key new openings in 2025 included the world’s tallest hotel, Ciel Dubai Marina, and luxury properties by Jumeirah, and Mandarin Oriental. The Hotel Incentive Programme, launched in high-growth areas like Dubai South, Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Parks, and the Dubai Islands, supports the emirate’s rapidly growing tourism sector. A contactless hotel guest check-in was also unveiled in December 2025, allowing guests to bypass in-person check-in procedures.