Dubai Tourism Statistics Will Surely Surprise You!

Posted on Monday, November 17th, 2025 by Chakshu Kaur Leave a Comment

Dubai is one of the most popular travel destinations for Indians. The city is open for tourists and safe to visit right now. With its modern lifestyle, luxury malls, and beautiful beaches, Dubai attracts millions of visitors every year. Many Indians also live and work here, making it feel like a home away from home. Whether you’re visiting for shopping, adventure, or culture, Dubai has something for everyone. 

How Many Tourists Visit Dubai Each Year?

Dubai welcomes millions of visitors every year, and the numbers just keep growing. According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the city recorded 18.72 million international overnight visitors in 2024, marking a strong rise from the previous year. In 2025, the trend continues with 13.95 million visitors from January to September, showing a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Tourism in Dubai plays a big part in its economy. From business travelers to family vacationers, people visit for shopping, beaches, and iconic spots like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. On average, around 50,000 visitors arrive in Dubai every day, making it one of the busiest tourist cities in the world.

Where Do Dubai Tourists Come From?

Dubai attracts travelers from all over the world, but some countries send the most visitors. India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom are the top sources, with millions of tourists arriving each year. Other notable countries include Russia, the USA, Germany, Oman, China, Pakistan, and France.

Indian tourists make up a large part of Dubai’s visitors, enjoying everything from shopping sprees to desert adventures. This mix of leisure, business, and cultural travel keeps Dubai busy throughout the year.

How Much Do Visitors Spend in Dubai?

Tourists in Dubai spend a lot, making tourism a major part of the city’s economy. In 2023, international visitors spent around $32.7 billion, one of the highest amounts in the world. On average, each visitor spends about $1,900 during their stay.

Most of this money goes into hotels, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Dubai’s luxury malls, fine dining, and unique experiences make it a hotspot for high-spending tourists.

If you’re planning your trip to Dubai, check out our Dubai Shopping Guide for ideas on popular items and the best places to shop.

Hotel & Accommodation Snapshot

Dubai’s hotel industry is one of the strongest in the world. By the end of 2024, the city had over 154,000 hotel rooms across 830+ hotels, catering to every kind of traveler — from budget-friendly stays to luxury resorts.

In the first half of 2025, hotel occupancy reached around 80.6%, showing how high the demand remains. The average daily rate was about AED 584 per night, and guests stayed for nearly 4 nights on average.

Dubai’s hospitality sector keeps growing, with new hotels opening every year to match the rising number of tourists. If you’re searching for stays near beaches or attractions, our Dubai Holiday Packages offer great deals with hotel and flight options together.

Dubai Airport & Passenger Traffic

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the busiest airports in the world. In the first half of 2024, it handled around 44.9 million passengers, setting a new benchmark. By the end of 2025, it’s expected to reach nearly 96 million passengers, according to Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths.

This huge number of travelers shows how important DXB is for global tourism. The airport connects over 200 destinations across six continents, making it easy for visitors from India and other countries to reach Dubai.

With world-class facilities, smooth immigration, and quick connections, DXB ensures every traveler’s journey starts comfortably. For more help on planning your trip from India, check out flights from India to Dubai.

Most Visited Attractions in Dubai

Dubai has a lot of places that attract millions of tourists every year. 

Attraction	Annual Visitors (Approx.)	Highlights
Dubai Mall	100M+	Shopping, dining & entertainment
Burj Khalifa	4M	World’s tallest building with sky views
Dubai Fountain	15M	light & water shows
Global Village	9M	Cultural pavilions & street food
Palm Jumeirah	3M	Resorts, beaches & sea views
Dubai Miracle Garden	1.5M	Beautiful floral displays
Museum of the Future	1M	Futuristic exhibitions
Dubai Frame	1.5M	City views from old to new Dubai

These landmarks show how Dubai mixes modern style with rich culture. Each spot offers a different experience, whether you’re exploring luxury shopping, desert vibes, or traditional souks.

If you’re planning to explore these places, check our Dubai Tourist Attractions page for complete details on entry timings and best visiting tips.

Best Time to Visit Dubai

The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months, from November to March. The weather stays pleasant, perfect for sightseeing, desert safaris, and outdoor activities. This is also when Dubai hosts popular events and festivals, so the city stays lively and packed with tourists.

If you’re thinking is April a good time to visit Dubai, the answer is yes — though it starts getting warmer, you can still enjoy indoor attractions, malls, and beaches early in the morning or evening.

During summer (June to August), it’s hot, but Dubai’s air-conditioned malls, waterparks, and resorts make it easy to stay comfortable. You can also find great flight and hotel deals at this time. 

Events That Boost Dubai Tourism

Dubai’s event calendar plays a huge role in attracting tourists year-round. From shopping festivals to world-class sports events, the city always has something happening.

Event	Visitors (Approx.)	What Makes It Special
Dubai Shopping Festival	Millions	Citywide sales, entertainment & fireworks
New Year’s Eve at Burj Khalifa	1M	One of the world’s biggest firework shows
Global Village	9M	Food, culture & shopping from 90+ countries
Dubai Food Festival	200K	Food stalls, fine dining & street eats
Dubai World Cup	80K	World’s richest horse racing event
Dubai Airshow	100K	Major aviation exhibition
Art Dubai	30K	International art and creativity showcase

These festivals bring tourists from every corner of the world, boosting hotel stays and shopping activity. 

How Much Money Does Dubai Make From Tourism?

Tourism is one of the biggest contributors to Dubai’s economy. In 2023, the city earned around $32.7 billion from international visitors, making it one of the highest tourism revenues globally. On average, each visitor spends about $1,900, covering hotels, dining, shopping, and entertainment.

This income supports Dubai’s hotels, transportation, retail, and leisure sectors. Luxury tourism, shopping festivals, and major events play a big role in keeping the numbers high. Tourism alone contributes roughly 12% of Dubai’s GDP, showing how important it is for the city’s growth and development.

For travelers looking for shopping ideas, check our What to Buy in Dubai Guide for popular products and the best spots to shop.

Sources 

1. Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) – Tourism Performance Reports 2024–2025
2. Dubai Media Office – Visitor Statistics and Growth Updates 2025
3. Emirates NBD Research – Dubai Tourism Sector Report 2024 (Hotel Occupancy & Revenue Data)
4. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports – Passenger Traffic Forecasts 2025
5. Global Media Insight – Dubai Tourism & DXB Airport Passenger Statistics.

FAQs

1. How many tourists go to Dubai each year?

A: Dubai welcomes millions of international visitors every year. In 2024, around 18.72 million overnight tourists visited the city, and in 2025, from January to September, 13.95 million visitors arrived, showing steady growth.

2. What is the rank of Dubai in global tourism?

A: Dubai is among the top three global tourism destinations, attracting visitors with luxury hotels, shopping, iconic landmarks, and world-class events.

3. What percent of Dubai’s economy comes from tourism?

A: Tourism contributes around 12% of Dubai’s GDP, making it a major part of the city’s economy alongside trade, real estate, and aviation.

4. How important is tourism in Dubai?

A: Tourism is very important. It drives revenue through hotels, shopping, restaurants, and events, while also creating jobs and supporting infrastructure growth across the city.

5. Is $100 a day enough in Dubai?

A: $100 per day can cover budget-friendly hotels, meals, and public transport. For luxury hotels, fine dining, or premium attractions, the daily cost will be higher.

6. What is the 3000 dirham rule?

A: This rule refers to the maximum cash visitors can carry without declaring it when entering or leaving the UAE. Carrying more than 3,000 AED (approx. $820) must be declared to customs.

7. How many Indians live in Dubai?

A: Over 2.5 million Indians live in Dubai, making them the largest expatriate community in the city. Many work, study, or run businesses here.

8. What are the top attractions to visit in Dubai?

A: Top attractions include Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, Palm Jumeirah, Global Village, and the Museum of the Future. These spots are must-visit for first-time travelers.

9. Is Dubai safe for tourists right now?

A: Yes, Dubai is very safe for tourists. The city has strict security, health regulations, and modern infrastructure, making it ideal for solo travelers, families, and groups.

10. What to get from Dubai?

A: Popular items include gold, perfumes, chocolates, electronics, textiles, and souvenirs. Shopping festivals and malls offer great deals throughout the year.