Dubai tourism numbers indicate 2025 could be record year
It's no secret that Dubai is one of the best cities in the world with so many amazing things to do, tasty places to eat and incredible attractions to see.
And the latest Dubai tourism numbers suggest that 2025 is set to be another record-breaking year when it comes to people visiting the emirate.
Between January and April this year 7.15 million people visited the emirate, according to statistics released by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism ahead of the summer season.
For context, this number is a seven percent increase on the same period in 2024. Overall, last year saw a nine percent increase in visitors from 2023.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (Credit: DET)
While the latest overall statistics apply to the first four months of the year, the latest stats for the Eid Al Adha period show that Dubai remains a popular destination for travellers – with 629,559 people recorded at entry and exit points during the public holiday.
Dubai's biggest airline Emirates will target specific regions with different promotions with free hotel stays, discounts on city attractions and more offered throughout the year.
Regular live events, such as concerts, target this specific audience with a significant portion of ticket buyers for the city's many EDM shows hailing from Europe.
It should also be no surprise that Dubai remains a popular tourist destination with its biggest airport, Dubai International Airport, being named the world's busiest international airport once again.
And in the first period of the year, Dubai also hosted cultural festivals for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr.
While major sporting events such as the ICC Champions Trophy T20 cricket tournament, Hero Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament, Dubai World Cup horse race and the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships all brought significant numbers of visitors to the emirate.
The latest Dubai tourism figures came during a City Briefing at Coca-Cola Arena on Tuesday June 10.
The City Briefing highlighted the initiatives such as Dubai's autism friendly certification and the MyDubai Communities programmes, as reasons the emirate is evolving as a destination.
And it is hoped that the return of Dubai Summer Surprises will bring more visitors to the city throughout the season.
Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, said that the aim remains to make Dubai the world's best city to visit.
He said: 'Building on yet another record-breaking performance in 2024, the exceptional results achieved by the industry so far in 2025 is a testament to the resilience and steadfast support of our stakeholders and partners.
'From hospitality and aviation to retail and gastronomy, every sector has played a critical role in solidifying Dubai's position as a global tourism leader.
'It is by coming together as a community that we have been able to navigate challenges, create compelling narratives about the city, and drive global trends.
Looking for things to do in Dubai?
All the sports events in Dubai in 2025 to sign up for
Make 2025 the year of your PBs
50 brilliant outdoor activities to try at least once in Dubai
Let's take this outside
The incredible Dubai hotels offering more than just a room
Did someone say freebies?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out Dubai
2 days ago
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai tourism numbers indicate 2025 could be record year
It's no secret that Dubai is one of the best cities in the world with so many amazing things to do, tasty places to eat and incredible attractions to see. And the latest Dubai tourism numbers suggest that 2025 is set to be another record-breaking year when it comes to people visiting the emirate. Between January and April this year 7.15 million people visited the emirate, according to statistics released by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism ahead of the summer season. For context, this number is a seven percent increase on the same period in 2024. Overall, last year saw a nine percent increase in visitors from 2023. Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (Credit: DET) While the latest overall statistics apply to the first four months of the year, the latest stats for the Eid Al Adha period show that Dubai remains a popular destination for travellers – with 629,559 people recorded at entry and exit points during the public holiday. Dubai's biggest airline Emirates will target specific regions with different promotions with free hotel stays, discounts on city attractions and more offered throughout the year. Regular live events, such as concerts, target this specific audience with a significant portion of ticket buyers for the city's many EDM shows hailing from Europe. It should also be no surprise that Dubai remains a popular tourist destination with its biggest airport, Dubai International Airport, being named the world's busiest international airport once again. And in the first period of the year, Dubai also hosted cultural festivals for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr. While major sporting events such as the ICC Champions Trophy T20 cricket tournament, Hero Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament, Dubai World Cup horse race and the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships all brought significant numbers of visitors to the emirate. The latest Dubai tourism figures came during a City Briefing at Coca-Cola Arena on Tuesday June 10. The City Briefing highlighted the initiatives such as Dubai's autism friendly certification and the MyDubai Communities programmes, as reasons the emirate is evolving as a destination. And it is hoped that the return of Dubai Summer Surprises will bring more visitors to the city throughout the season. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, said that the aim remains to make Dubai the world's best city to visit. He said: 'Building on yet another record-breaking performance in 2024, the exceptional results achieved by the industry so far in 2025 is a testament to the resilience and steadfast support of our stakeholders and partners. 'From hospitality and aviation to retail and gastronomy, every sector has played a critical role in solidifying Dubai's position as a global tourism leader. 'It is by coming together as a community that we have been able to navigate challenges, create compelling narratives about the city, and drive global trends. Looking for things to do in Dubai? All the sports events in Dubai in 2025 to sign up for Make 2025 the year of your PBs 50 brilliant outdoor activities to try at least once in Dubai Let's take this outside The incredible Dubai hotels offering more than just a room Did someone say freebies?
Time Out Dubai
2 days ago
- Time Out Dubai
This many people used Dubai public transport over Eid Al Adha
A public holiday in Dubai is always full of fun things to do, celebrations and special occasions that are some of the best in the world. And it's not just us that thinks so. In fact, 7.58 million people agreed, and all used public transport to get to their celebrations and over the long weekend. If you like this: UAE public holidays 2025: All the days off this year revealed According to figures released by the Road Transport Authority (RTA), a staggering 7,577,000 people used either public transport or taxis between Thursday June 5 to Sunday June 8. It seems more people than ever are making the most of all the incredible things the city has to see and do, as there was a 14 percent increase in the numbers since 2024. To really show you how many people were out hopping in Halas or swiping their Nol cards during Eid Al Adha, it's worth noting that on New Year's Eve 2024, the total number of passengers was 2.5 million. (Credit: Dubai Taxi Company) The number of metro passengers on both the red and green lines during the holiday reached 2,786,000, while the number of tram passengers reached 119,917. Out on the roads, public bus passengers reached 1,663,000, taxis carried 2,196,000, and shared transportation vehicles carried 504,159 passengers. Even marine transport was buzzing throughout the long weekend, with 307,684 people hopping on water taxis or abras. With such demand for public transport, it's no surprise that the latest metro line project is now well underway. Split into two routes, one spanning 21km and the other across 9km, the Blue Line will connect the north-east of the city with the existing Dubai Metro line and make it much easier and quicker to get around. It is scheduled to be completed by 2029, to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro, and will eventually reach around one million people. You can find all of the latest information on where all of the new stations will be and where the route will run here. In other Dubai news Mark your calendar: Dubai summer officially starts next week And the best things to do to stay cool A rare strawberry moon is visible from Dubai this week And this is how to see it DXB issues key travel advice ahead of summer Make sure you follow these tips
Time Out Dubai
2 days ago
- Time Out Dubai
Emirates launches free coach service for Economy passengers
Emirates has announced it will be offering a complimentary coach service for Economy passengers flying from an airport in the Philippines. In a move to make travel easier for Filipino passengers, the completely free service will be reserved for customers flying to and from Clark International Airport (CRK). Beginning on Tuesday June 10, the service will connect Trinoma in Quezon City with Clark International Airport in Pampanga, making the journey to Dubai easier and more cost effective. If you like this: This many people used Dubai public transport over Eid Al Adha The journey usually takes anywhere between one and a half to two hours, depending on traffic and the route chosen. To be eligible for the coach service, passengers must hold an Emirates-issued ticket with the ticket number beginning with 176. (Credit: Emirates) Travelers must also have a confirmed coach booking at least 48 hours in advance, as those without prior reservation or a valid Emirates ticket will not be allowed to board. If you're buying a ticket on the Emirates website, you should specify Trinoma (TRP) as your departure or arrival city to ensure the bus booking is included. Or if you're using an Emirates office or travel agent, be sure to request to book the bus before the ticket is issued. In June, the Dubai-based airline also launched two new roues to top Asian destinations, including Da Nang in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia. Both travelling via Bangkok, there will be dour weekly flights to Da Nang, while there will also be three weekly flights to Siem Reap. In July, a new route will also open to Shenzen, Chinese mainland's technology and innovation hub. Emirates will fly daily and directly non-stop to Shenzhen from Tuesday July 1, right in time for the summer holidays. In other Dubai news A rare strawberry moon is visible from Dubai this week And this is how to see it DXB issues key travel advice ahead of summer Make sure you follow these tips UAE public holidays 2025: All the days off this year revealed The important dates for your calendar
