Dubai sees 18.72m international visitors in 2024, up 9%

Dubai welcomed 18.72 million international visitors in 2024, marking a 9% increase from 2023 and reinforcing its position as a global tourism hub. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) credits this growth to strategic investments, infrastructure development, and global campaigns that enhanced the city’s appeal.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted that Dubai’s tourism success aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to solidify its status as a premier business and leisure destination. He emphasized the role of innovation, talent acquisition, and foreign investment in sustaining growth.

DET collaborated with stakeholders to enhance Dubai’s offerings, ensuring world-class infrastructure and diverse experiences for all visitors. Key partnerships and major global campaigns, such as ‘Dubai, What’s Not To Love?’ and ‘If You Go, You Know,’ further boosted Dubai’s visibility.

Dubai’s hotel sector played a crucial role in its success, with the city’s room inventory reaching 154,016 rooms across 832 establishments by the end of 2024. New luxury openings, including One&Only One Za’abeel and The Lana Dorchester Collection, contributed to Dubai’s strong performance, achieving an average hotel occupancy of 78.2%.

Strategic infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and Dubai Metro’s Blue Line, will further enhance accessibility and connectivity. Dubai also remains a leader in foreign direct investment, ranking first globally in greenfield FDI projects for the tourism sector in H1 2024.

Dubai’s commitment to excellence extends to gastronomy, with 106 Michelin-recognized restaurants and major events like The Best Chef Awards 2024 hosted in the city. Looking ahead, technological advancements such as AI-driven experiences will enhance visitor engagement, ensuring Dubai continues its trajectory as a top global destination.