Dubai welcomes 18.72 million international visitors in 2024, up 9% year-on-year
In yet another remarkable annual performance, Dubai welcomed 18.72 million international overnight visitors from January to December 2024, a 9% year-over-year increase that surpasses the previous record of 17.15 million in 2023, according…
In yet another remarkable annual performance, Dubai welcomed 18.72 million international overnight visitors from January to December 2024, a 9% year-over-year increase that surpasses the previous record of 17.15 million in 2023, according to data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said that Dubai’s record-breaking tourism growth reflects the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, embodied in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, to consolidate the city’s status as a global hub for business and leisure and one of the world’s best cities to visit, live and work in.
"This achievement is the result of visionary leadership and strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. We are committed to maintaining this exceptional growth momentum. Through strategic innovation, infrastructure development, talent acquisition, and market diversification, we will continue to enhance Dubai’s competitiveness, attract more international visitors, and enhance tourism’s role as a key driver of economic growth," His Highness said.
Showcasing a must-visit destination
DET continued to work closely with partners across the public and private sectors to develop and enhance Dubai’s diverse offerings, ensuring the city delivered world-class infrastructure, exceptional service at all touchpoints, and experiences catering to all budgets and preferences.
This was complemented by a highly successful diversified market strategy in more than 60 countries. As a well-connected global destination strategically located at the crossroads of East and West, Dubai continued to attract visitors from across the globe. From a regional perspective, North East & South East Asia combined delivered the highest rate of growth of 24%, followed by Africa (+20%) and CIS & Eastern Europe (+16%). Visitors from Western Europe also grew significantly, up 14%, while maintaining its position as the number one source region for international visitors to Dubai.
New openings spur hotel sector performance
As a core element of the destination experience, hotels contributed significantly to the city’s performance, with the steady growth in inventory balancing the respective demands of both guests and hospitality stakeholders. Spurred by a series of high-profile new openings – Dubai’s hotel inventory at the end of December 2024 comprised 154,016 total available rooms across 832 establishments, compared to 150,291 rooms at 821 establishments in 2023.
