As competition among global destinations intensified and international travel demand continued to rise, Dubai strengthened its position as one of the world’s leading tourism hubs in 2025, delivering record visitor numbers and sustained growth across key markets.

Dubai welcomed 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, a 5% increase on the 18.72 million arrivals recorded in 2024, according to data released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The achievement marked the city’s third consecutive year of record-setting tourism figures, driven by strategic partnerships, global marketing campaigns, and a robust calendar of major events.

The year ended on a historic high, with Dubai welcoming more than two million visitors in a single month for the first time in December, creating strong momentum heading into 2026.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said the performance reflects the long-term vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.

“Dubai’s strong tourism growth momentum has been driven by the leadership’s commitment to building a city that connects the world, creates opportunity, and offers distinctive and enriching experiences for global travellers. By further enhancing the city’s exceptional infrastructure and forging strong global partnerships, we continue to consolidate Dubai’s emergence as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Dubai’s success also reflects the city’s diversity, cultural vibrancy, and its ability to continuously evolve its tourism and hospitality offerings. Through close collaboration between all stakeholders, we are focused on driving greater innovation and raising service excellence across the tourism ecosystem.”

“The tourism sector is one of the key drivers of economic diversification and sustainable growth, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. We are focused on further developing Dubai’s integrated tourism ecosystem to reinforce its status as a leading global destination for business and leisure and one of the world’s best cities to visit, live and work in.” His Highness added.

DET’s diversified, year-round market strategy continued to generate growth across both traditional and emerging markets. Western Europe remained Dubai’s largest source market, supported by strong performance from the GCC, MENA, South Asia, CIS, Eastern Europe, and Asia-Pacific. In December alone, the city welcomed 2.04 million international overnight visitors, representing 6% year-on-year growth.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, said, “Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s 2025 tourism performance reflects the strength of our economic model, one anchored in effective public-private collaboration and aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. Tourism continues to be a key driver of economic diversification, delivering tangible impact through GDP growth, investment inflows, and the attraction of global talent. Our focus remains on scaling sustainable, accessible growth and accelerating progress toward the D33 ambition to double Dubai’s economy by 2033.”

Strong hospitality performance, ongoing infrastructure investment, and sustained international demand have helped reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading destination for tourism, business, and lifestyle.