Dubai Sets New Tourism Record with 19.59M Visitors in 2025

Dubai recorded its highest-ever tourism numbers in 2025, welcoming 19.59 million international overnight visitors, a five per cent increase compared to the previous year. This marks the third consecutive year of record-breaking tourism growth for the city.

The figures were released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which also confirmed that December 2025 was the strongest month in Dubai’s tourism history, with more than two million visitors arriving in a single month for the first time. December alone saw a six per cent year-on-year increase in arrivals.

Dubai’s hotel sector also showed strong performance during the year. The average hotel occupancy rate rose to over 80 per cent, up from 78 per cent in 2024, reflecting increased demand and sustained visitor interest.

Officials credited the growth to strategic international partnerships, global marketing campaigns, and major global events, supported by collaboration with more than 3,000 global partners.

In terms of source markets, Western Europe remained Dubai’s largest contributor, followed by Eastern Europe, South Asia, and the GCC and wider Middle East region, which together accounted for over 25 per cent of total visitors.

Dubai’s hospitality capacity continued to expand, with the city ending 2025 with more than 154,000 hotel rooms across 827 properties, placing it among the world’s top destinations for hotel capacity. New hotel openings were recorded across all segments and locations throughout the year.

To support future growth, Dubai launched new initiatives, including a hotel incentive programme focused on high-growth areas such as Dubai South and Palm Jebel Ali. The city also introduced a contactless hotel check-in system, aimed at improving the guest experience and allowing visitors to spend more time exploring the city.