Dubai achieved a historic milestone in 2024, welcoming 18.72 million international overnight visitors between January and December.
This marks a 9 percent year-over-year increase from 2023’s 17.15 million visitors and surpasses all previous records, solidifying the city’s position as a leading global tourism destination.
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) played a pivotal role in driving growth through extensive marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships, and continued investments in infrastructure. The city’s diverse offerings – from luxury experiences and cultural attractions to adventure tourism and business events – contributed to its sustained appeal.
Dubai also retained its title as the world’s top destination in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024 for the third consecutive year. The recognition underscores its global standing as a must-visit location for travelers seeking world-class experiences.
Economic impact
The surge in visitor numbers significantly boosted Dubai’s economy, reinforcing its role as a key driver of economic growth. Tourism contributed to employment across multiple sectors, including hospitality, retail, transportation, and entertainment.
The hospitality industry, in particular, recorded an 8 percent rise in occupied room nights, reaching 41.70 million in 2024 compared to 38.23 million in 2023. This increase highlights the strength of Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sector in accommodating a growing number of guests.
Global visitors
Western Europe remained the largest source market, accounting for 19 percent of total visitors, driven by strong demand from travelers in countries like the UK, Germany, and France. The GCC and MENA regions collectively contributed 34 percent of total arrivals, with travelers from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt playing a key role. South Asia followed closely, making up 16 percent of the total, reflecting steady interest from India, Pakistan, and surrounding nations.
Other key regions, including North Asia, the Americas, and Africa, also showed strong growth, underscoring Dubai’s appeal across diverse markets. The city’s robust connectivity, supported by Emirates and flydubai’s extensive networks, made travel more accessible for international visitors.
Hospitality performance
Dubai’s hotel industry continued to thrive, with an impressive 77.4 percent average occupancy rate in 2024, one of the highest globally. This surpassed the 73 percent recorded in 2023 and the 75 percent in 2019, highlighting strong demand for accommodation. The city’s expanding hotel inventory grew to 150,291 rooms across 821 establishments, catering to various segments, from budget travelers to luxury seekers.
The hospitality sector benefited from a surge in demand driven by major global events, international conferences, and leisure tourism. Investments in new hotel developments and renovations further enhanced Dubai’s ability to accommodate rising visitor numbers.