Dubai, renowned for its record-breaking attractions, luxurious hotels, and diverse culinary scene, is a true melting pot of cultures. Reflecting its appeal, the city welcomed 9.31 million international visitors from January to June 2024, marking a 9% increase from the 8.55 million arrivals during the same period in 2023, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
After a landmark year in 2023 with 17.15 million international visitors, Dubai has maintained its strong tourism momentum. The growth in the first half of 2024 suggests the city is on track for another record-breaking year.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said, "The strong tourism growth achieved by Dubai in the first half of 2024 is testament to the city’s ability to foster productive public-private partnerships and build extensive global networks of collaboration. With every year, Dubai continues to consolidate its status as a frontrunner in the global tourism landscape and grow in popularity as an international destination. By further developing our infrastructure and providing exceptional services for visitors, we aim to set new benchmarks and records in 2024."
Visitor Market Share
From January to June 2024, Dubai saw the following visitor market share:
- The Gulf Cooperation Council contributed 1.27 million visitors, accounting for 14% of the total.
- Middle East/North Africa provided 1.09 million visitors, or 12%.
- Western Europe was the largest source, with 1.89 million visitors, making up 20%.
- South Asia followed closely with 1.62 million visitors, representing 17%.
- Commonwealth of Independent States and Eastern Europe added 1.37 million visitors, which is 15%.
- North-East and South-East Asia contributed 896,000 visitors, or 10%.
- The United States of America sent 617,000 visitors, making up 7%.
- Africa had 404,000 visitors, or 4%, and Australia accounted for 154,000 visitors, which is 2%.
Hotel Occupancy Rate
Dubai’s hotel sector showed strong performance from January to June 2024, with high occupancy rates and other positive metrics. Average hotel occupancy reached 78.7%, up from 77.7% in the same period in 2023.
Occupied room nights increased by 3%, totalling 21.35 million in the first half of 2024, compared to 20.73 million in the first half of 2023.
The total number of available rooms in Dubai reached 150,879 by the end of June 2024, up from 148,689 in June 2023. The number of hotel establishments increased to 823, from 810 at the same time last year.