Dubai hails third successive year of record arrival figures

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has hailed the third successive year of record-setting international arrival figures.

The Gulf state saw total annual visitors reach almost 19.6 million, up 5% on the previous year.

December saw 2.04 million international overnight visitors, up 6% year on year.

The previous record month was January 2025, with 1.94 million visitors.

UK travellers to Dubai grew by 11% year on year in 2025 to reach 1.47 milliion. 

Dubai’s hotel inventory reached 154,264 rooms across 827 properties by the end of the year, putting it “well ahead” of global peer cities such as Bangkok, New York, Paris and Singapore, and almost on par with London, according to the DET.

Average occupancy for hotels in Dubai stood at 80.7% in 2025, up from 78.2% the previous year, according to DET’s hospitality metrics. 

Dubai International retained its position as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for the 11th consecutive year, according to Airports Council International (ACI).

The hub achieved its highest quarterly traffic last summer, handling 24.2 million passengers between July and September, up 1.9% year on year.

The total for the first nine months of 2025 was 70.1 million, a 2.1% increase.​

Issam Kazim, chief executive of Visit Dubai, part of DET, said: “Guided by visionary leadership, Dubai’s record international visitation is a testament to global confidence in the destination.

“As we look forward, our priorities will be to continue enhancing Dubai’s global competitiveness through digital innovation and providing exceptional guest experiences at every touchpoint, with powerful momentum after surpassing the 2 million figure for a single month in December for the first time.

“In partnership with stakeholders across the public and sectors, we remain dedicated to sustained investment in capacity, infrastructure development, and initiatives to make Dubai the world’s best city to visit, live and work in.”