Dubai Welcomes 9.88 Million Tourists in H1 2025, Marking a 6% Year-on-Year Surge
Tourism in Dubai surges with 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, driven by strategic partnerships, global campaigns, and a reimagined visitor experience.
Driven by global partnerships and visionary campaigns, Dubai’s tourism sector continues its upward trajectory, reinforcing its status as a world-leading destination.
Dubai, UAE – August 2025 — Dubai’s global appeal continues to soar, as the city recorded a remarkable 9.88 million international overnight visitors in the first half of 2025, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This figure marks a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024—demonstrating sustained growth and resilience in the emirate’s tourism sector.
The surge in visitors reflects Dubai’s strategic, multifaceted approach to positioning itself as a premier global destination. A combination of bold public-private collaboration, expansive marketing efforts, and continuous investment in infrastructure and cultural experiences has propelled this success.
“Dubai’s ability to consistently attract millions of international visitors is a testament to the visionary leadership driving the emirate’s tourism strategy,” said a DET spokesperson. “We continue to innovate, evolve, and deliver experiences that resonate across continents.”
With contributions from over 3,000 global and domestic partners, Dubai’s outreach efforts span every major source market—ensuring the city remains top-of-mind for travelers across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the MENA region.
A Destination Reimagined
This latest milestone reinforces Dubai’s evolution beyond a luxury stopover into a year-round, experience-rich destination. From futuristic architecture and world-class shopping to cultural heritage, culinary innovation, and family entertainment, the city offers something for every type of traveler.
The growth also mirrors Dubai’s larger economic goals under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy over the next decade, with tourism playing a pivotal role.
Looking Ahead
With a robust events calendar, including Expo City Dubai activations, international business conferences, and global entertainment spectacles, tourism momentum is expected to continue through the second half of 2025.
Dubai’s strong performance in H1 reflects not only its appeal but also its agility—an ability to adapt to global travel trends, invest in smart infrastructure, and deliver high-value visitor experiences.
As Dubai moves into the latter half of 2025, the emirate’s tourism sector stands as a shining example of resilience, innovation, and the power of strategic vision—welcoming the world, one visitor at a time.
