Dubai welcomes over 51,100 international visitors per day over the past nine months

Dubai: Dubai’s tourism sector continued its upward trajectory in 2025, welcoming 13.95 million international visitors in the first nine months of the year, up from 13.29 million during the same period in 2024, according to the latest data released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

The figures reaffirm the emirate’s enduring global appeal as a leading destination for leisure, business, and cultural travel.

On average, over 51,100 international visitors arrived in Dubai each day between January and September 2025, compared to 48,700 daily arrivals in the previous year, an increase of about 2,300 additional visitors per day. The trend positions Dubai to achieve a record-breaking year for tourist inflows by the end of 2025. 

The city also recorded a rise in hotel stays, reaching 32.7 million room nights compared to 31.2 million a year earlier, a 5 per cent increase. This equates to an additional 5,495 room nights booked daily, reflecting sustained demand for accommodation across the emirate.

Tourism analysts expect the momentum to accelerate in the final quarter of the year, supported by Dubai’s winter event season, major exhibitions, and festive celebrations, which traditionally draw large visitor numbers and drive higher tourism spending. 

Across all seven key performance indicators tracked by DET, including visitor arrivals, average daily rate, revenue per available room, occupancy levels, and length of stay, Dubai’s hospitality sector posted gains.

The average hotel occupancy rate rose to 78.7 per cent, compared to 76.4 per cent during the same period in 2024, despite the continued expansion of hotel capacity.

Husni Abdulhadi, CEO of Carlton Hotels, said the results highlight the sector’s resilience and adaptability.

“Despite the increase in hotel supply, occupancy levels remain high,” Emarat Al Youm cited Abdulhadi as saying. “Dubai’s hospitality industry continues to perform strongly, reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for both leisure and business travelers.” 

He added that the steady rise in visitor numbers, expanded hotel capacity, and sustained occupancy reflect robust demand and long-term growth, noting that the figures demonstrate the maturity and flexibility of Dubai’s tourism sector in adapting to evolving market dynamics.

“Dubai has successfully diversified its source markets and broadened its appeal across new visitor segments,” Abdulhadi said. “It has also strengthened its position as a key global hub for business, leisure, and conference tourism.” 

He expects the sector’s strong performance to continue through year-end, buoyed by major events, the festive holiday season, and growing investor confidence. Dubai’s focus on enhancing visitor experience, coupled with continuous investment in innovation and smart services, he added, will remain central to the city’s global competitiveness and its status as a premier tourism and hospitality destination. 

Meanwhile, the data showed that hotel revenues exceeded Dh13 billion in the first nine months of 2025, compared to Dh11.6 billion during the same period last year, a 12 per cent increase. The growth was driven by higher average daily rates and a rise in occupied room nights. 

By the end of September, the average daily room rate reached Dh509, up from Dh487 in 2024, while revenue per available room climbed to Dh401, compared to Dh372 a year earlier, reflecting an 8 per cent year-on-year increase. 

The average length of stay among hotel guests remained steady at 3.6 nights, showcasing Dubai’s ability to maintain visitor engagement amid a growing portfolio of attractions and world-class hospitality offerings.