• 01 Jul, 2025

Dubai Tourism Soars: 8.68 Million Visitors Arrive in First 5 Months of 2025

Dubai Tourism Soars: 8.68 Million Visitors Arrive in First 5 Months of 2025

Dubai welcomed 8.68 million international visitors in the first five months of 2025, marking a 7% rise from last year. Backed by strong hotel performance, with 83% occupancy and rising revenues, the city continues to shine as a top global travel hub. Read the full tourism report and see what's driving Dubai's success.

Dubai continues to prove its status as a leading global travel destination, attracting 8.68 million international visitors in the first five months of 2025. This marks a 7% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the latest Tourism Performance Report released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

This significant growth reflects the city's ongoing success in tourism, fueled by its world-class hospitalityiconic attractions, and unmatched global connectivity.

A Closer Look at Tourist Arrivals

In May 2025 alone, Dubai welcomed 1.53 million international visitors, highlighting consistent monthly growth and strong market demand.

The city’s top-performing source regions for January to May 2025 include:

  • Western Europe: 1.917 million visitors (22%)
  • Russia, CIS, Western & Eastern Europe: 1.396 million (16%)
  • GCC Countries: 1.275 million (15%)
  • South Asia: 1.242 million (14%)
  • Middle East & North Africa (MENA): 989,000 (11%)
  • Northeast & Southeast Asia: 771,000 (9%)
  • Americas: 601,000 (7%)
  • Africa: 346,000 (4%)
  • Australia: 141,000 (2%)

These figures confirm Dubai’s broad global appeal, with tourism flows coming from both traditional and emerging markets.

Dubai’s Hospitality Sector Shows Strong Growth

Dubai’s hotel industry has also continued to thrive, keeping pace with rising demand. By the end of May 2025, the city had a total of 825 active hotel establishments, offering 153,356 rooms, compared to approximately 150,202 rooms in May 2024.

Key hotel performance indicators also show healthy growth:

  • Average Occupancy Rate: 83% (up 2% year-on-year)
  • Room Nights Sold: 19.09 million (up 4%)
  • Average Daily Rate (ADR): AED 620 ($169), up 5%
  • Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR): AED 513 ($140), up 7%
  • Average Length of Stay: 3.8 nights

These numbers indicate that Dubai not only attracts more visitors but also offers them longer and higher-quality stays.

What’s Driving the Surge?

Dubai's consistent growth in tourism and hospitality is the result of strategic investments across the sector. From the development of new attractions to ongoing infrastructure expansion, the city has built a travel experience that appeals to both leisure and business travelers alike.

The city also benefits from:

  • Strong air connectivity, with two major airports
  • Smooth visa processes for many nationalities
  • Diverse offerings — from luxury experiences to affordable stays
  • Events and exhibitions that bring global attention

Looking Ahead: A Record-Breaking Year?

With performance indicators already showing upward trends and strong demand across key global markets, Dubai is on track to break tourism records by the end of 2025.

The DET's report emphasizes that Dubai’s tourism success is driven by a combination of resilienceadaptability, and continued innovation in the travel sector.

As the emirate continues to expand its offerings, including wellness tourism, sustainable travel, and digital nomad support, its global appeal is expected to grow even stronger.

Source:

Dubainews

 

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