Dubai is reinforcing its position as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, with over 11.17 million international tourists visiting the emirate between January and July 2025. According to the latest figures released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, this marks a 5% increase compared to the 10.62 million visitors recorded during the same period in 2024.
Europe and GCC Countries Lead Tourist Arrivals
The data reveals that Western Europe remains the top source of international visitors, contributing 21% of total arrivals—equivalent to over 2.33 million tourists. Coming in second were countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, accounting for 16% or around 1.8 million visitors.
Russia, the CIS, and Eastern Europe followed closely, bringing in 1.65 million tourists (15%), matched by South Asia, which also contributed approximately 1.63 million visitors—another 15% share.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region brought in 1.24 million tourists (11%), while Southeast and North Asia accounted for 9% with over a million visitors. The Americas contributed 793,000 tourists (7%), Africa followed with 473,000 (4%), and Australasia rounded out the figures with 214,000 tourists (2%).
Hotel Sector Sees Growth in Occupancy and Revenue
Dubai’s hotel industry has expanded steadily to meet the growing influx of visitors. By the end of July 2025, the city had more than 152,300 hotel rooms spread across 821 hotel establishments, compared to 150,000 rooms across 825 establishments in July 2024.
Hotel occupancy averaged 79.1% in the first seven months of 2025, up from 77.1% in the same period last year. Luxury five-star hotels made up 35% of the total hotel capacity, offering 53,700 rooms across 167 properties, followed by four-star hotels at 29% with 43,700 rooms across 196 properties.
Mid-range and budget hotels, rated between three stars and one star, represented 19% of the hotel market with over 29,300 rooms, while hotel apartments accounted for 17%, offering 25,500+ units across 181 properties.
Longer Stays and Higher Revenues
Dubai is also seeing longer stays and increased spending by tourists. The average length of stay rose to 3.7 nights in July 2025, slightly up from 3.6 nights in 2024. The total number of occupied room nights reached 25.5 million, a 4% year-on-year increase.
The average daily room rate in Dubai reached AED 551 by the end of July 2025, compared to AED 527 during the same period last year, reflecting a 5% increase. Meanwhile, revenue per available room (RevPAR) jumped to AED 435, compared to AED 406 in 2024, reflecting a 7% growth.
Dubai’s impressive performance in the tourism and hospitality sector in 2025 highlights its global appeal, strategic marketing efforts, and world-class infrastructure. With continued investment in attractions and accommodation, the emirate is well on track to set new records and maintain its reputation as a top-tier international travel destination.
