Dubai welcomed approximately 869,000 international overnight visitors in August 2026, marking its highest monthly volume since February as the city’s tourism sector continues a steady post-spring recovery.
Official data released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) shows total international visitation reaching 6.97 million across the first eight months of the year.
The figures reflect sequential double-digit monthly growth since March 2026, driven by strong key source markets. Western Europe led regional visitor contributions from January to August at 20%, followed by South Asia at 17%, the GCC at 16%, and CIS and Eastern Europe at 14%.
Hotel sector metrics backed the surge, with occupancy reaching 66% in August, up significantly from 36% in March. Total hotel room inventory stood near 149,000 rooms, while occupied room nights reached 21.61 million over the eight-month period.
The updates coincided with the start of the 33rd edition of ATM, running from 14 to 17 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre. DET is attending alongside more than 115 co-exhibitors, including hospitality brands, airlines, and government bodies, while hosting over 300 international travel trade buyers from 40 countries.
The rebound follows earlier government intervention this year, including an Dhs 2.5 billion support package for the tourism and hospitality sectors, alongside network restoration by flagship carrier Emirates, which has reinstated 97% of its global destination network.
The sustained influx underlines the continuing strength of Dubai’s retail, leisure, and dining sectors.