Strong tourism growth in Dubai with 16.79 million visitors in 11 months

Dubai welcomed 16.79 million international tourists during the first 11 months 2024 between January and November, an increase of 9 per cent compared to the same period last year when the number of international tourists reached 15.37 million.

According to Dubai Tourism Sector 2024 Performance Report from January to November which was released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the emirate received 1.83 million international tourists in November, 1.77 million in January, 1.9 million in February, 1.51 million in March, 1.5 million in April, 1.44 million in May, 1.19 million in June, 1.31 million in July, 1.31 million in August, 1.36 million in September, and 1.67 million in October.

During the first 11 months of this year, Western Europe was the top source region for tourists to Dubai, accounting for 20 per cent of the total number of visitors, with 3.298 million tourists, followed by South Asia with 2.858 million tourists, accounting for 17 per cent of the total number of visitors.

GCC countries came third with more than 2.5 million tourists, accounting for 15 per cent of the total number of visitors, and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eastern Europe came fourth with 2.353 million tourists, accounting for 14 per cent.

The Middle East and North Africa ranked fifth in exporting tourists to Dubai with 1.933 million tourists accounting for 12 per cent, followed by North East and South East Asia with a 10 per cent share of 1.622 million visitors.

The number of visitors to Dubai from the Americas during the first 11 months of this year, according to data from the Department of Economy and Tourism, reached 1,117 visitors, accounting for 7 per cent of total visitors.

The number of visitors from Africa reached 791,000, about 5 per cent, and from Australia 319,000, accounting for about 2 per cent of the total international visitors to Dubai during the same period.

The number of hotel rooms in Dubai at the end of November stood at 153,390 hotel rooms in 828 hospitality establishments, compared to 149,685 hotel rooms in 820 hospitality establishments at the end of November 2023.

The number of hotel rooms booked during the first 11 months of last year exceeded 39.19 million, an increase of 3 per cent compared to the same period in 2023, when the number of hotel rooms booked reached 38.01 million.

The average length of stay for guests was 3.6 nights in the first 11 months of the year.

The number of available 5-star hotel rooms reached 53,977 rooms in 168 hospitality establishmentss, accounting for 35 per cent of the total number of hotel rooms in Dubai, while the number of 4-star rooms reached 43345 rooms in 194 properties.

The number of hotel rooms between one and three stars reached 29,701 hotel rooms in 278 hospitality establishments, while the number of luxury hotel apartments reached 13,944 rooms in 80 establishments, and the number of mid-level hotel apartments reached 12,423 rooms in 108 establishments.

The average daily rate (ADR) for the first 11 months was Dhs520, up 2 per cent compared to Dhs510 in 2023, while the average revenue per available room (RevPAR) was Dhs405, up 3 per cent compared to Dhs394 in 2023. Meanwhile  Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has unveiled its 2025 Retail Calendar, featuring an incredible line-up of citywide events and activities to further enhance the retail landscape.

The 2025 programme of festivals and events promises a continuous celebration of shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences that will delight all interests, and visitors and residents of all backgrounds.

Aligning with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure, and make it the best city to visit, live and work in, the 2025 Retail Calendar programme builds on this vision with 18 unique events. Among them will be: the iconic Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), the world’s longest-running retail festival; Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), a great time to visit Dubai providing the ultimate in summer fun with citywide offers; Ramadan in Dubai, a celebration of community and the spirit of togetherness, offering a seasonal backdrop of unique culinary experiences, retail offerings, and events; and Eid in Dubai, an important date in the Islamic calendar and celebrated by Muslims all over the world, with families customarily exchanging gifts and donating to the less fortunate during this time.

Each of these events is specifically curated to cater to different preferences with personalised experiences for millions of residents and tourists around the world.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said, “Driven by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to elevate the city’s position as a global events hub, the 2025 Retail Calendar is structured around a full year of carefully selected seasonal festivals and campaigns.

In addition to catering to the interests of our citizens and residents, and reflecting the diverse population of Dubai, the calendar is aligned with the preferences of business travellers and leisure tourists.

WAM