As Dubai continues to be one of the best cities to work and live in, it also continues to witness an unprecedented boom in tourism numbers with 5.18M visitors recorded just in the first quarter of 2024.
The highest number of tourists recorded came from the Western Europe region making up 22 percent of the total visitors Dubai had. On the other hand, the GCC and Middle East markets contributed 25 percent, and South Asia with 17 percent.
Top Markets
- Western Europe – 11.38 million arrivals (22%)
- South Asia – 869,000 arrivals (17%)
- CIS, Eastern Europe – 817,000 arrivals (16%)
- GCC – 664,000 (13%)
- MENA (605,000 (12 )
- North East Asia, South East Asia – 470,000 (9%)
- Americas – 334,000 (7%)
- Africa – 202,000 (4%)
- Australia – 70,000 (1%)
This tourist influx has been a boon for the hospitality industry. Hotel occupancy rates have skyrocketed, with daily rates and revenue per room following suit.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said,
“The number of visitors in the first quarter of 2024 indicates that Dubai is on course for another standout performance this year after the emirate received a record number of visitors last year, with international visitors reaching 17.15 million. This will ensure that the tourism sector continues its growth journey in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to strengthen its position as a leading global city for business and leisure.”
With 96,000 rooms in four and five-star hotels, and an additional 29,100 rooms offered by one to three-star options. Dubai's impressive hospitality infrastructure aligns perfectly with the emirate's tourism strategy, with a remarkable 18 Dubai restaurants making it onto the prestigious MENA's 50 Best Restaurants list for 2024.
“Integrating diverse aspects, the blueprint behind Dubai’s success as a tourist destination is based on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and it has gained the trust of visitors from around the world. Effective promotion efforts showcase the best of Dubai for tourists, but it has also invested for years in developing world-class infrastructure that serves citizens, residents, and visitors alike. The performance of various sectors has been enhanced in line with the highest international standards and best practices with the ultimate goal of becoming the smartest, most advanced, and agile city, serving everyone who resides on its land or visits it as an honorable guest,” he added.
With its ever-growing environment; ultra-modern infrastructures, safety, and stability, Dubai indeed has pinned itself as one of the global leading destinations to work, live, and visit.