Annual visitor numbers surge to nearly 19 million as world descends on Dubai
Dubai attracted 18.72 million international tourists in 2024, up 9 per cent annually, as the emirate solidified its standing as a global tourist destination. The city's hotels also maintained an average occupancy rate of 78 per cent last year, compared to 77.4 per cent in 2023, the Dubai Media Office said in a post on social media platform X on Sunday. The number of hotel rooms in Dubai stood at 154,016 across 832 properties, a 2 per cent increase annually. Occupied room nights in Dubai amounted to 43 million in 2024, compared to 41.7 million the previous year, the Media Office said. The average revenue per available room (RevPAR) during the period rose 2 per cent annually to Dh421 ($114.6), according to the latest data. "These remarkable figures align with Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing Dubai's position as the best city in the world to visit, live and work in," it said. Dubai is looking to establish itself as one of the top three global cities over the next decade and double the size of its economy by 2033 as part of its economic agenda. The city is pursuing a strategy to diversify its non-oil sector with a heavy focus on tourism, aviation, hospitality, technology and trade. Dubai is simplifying visa procedures and building new infrastructure as it aims to attract more tourists to the emirate. Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled a record 92.3 million passengers last year, an annual increase of nearly 6 per cent. The world's busiest airport by international traffic beat its November forecast of 91.9 million annual passengers last year, up from 87 million in 2023 and exceeding its pre-Covid record of 89.1 million in 2018. To accommodate future growth in passenger traffic, Dubai is also expanding its second hub, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), with a $35 billion terminal that will have a capacity of 260 million passengers a year once the final phase is completed. That airport currently has a capacity of 32.5 million passengers − handling mainly cargo and some low-cost airlines. Dubai's economy grew by 3.1 per cent in the first nine months of last year, compared to the same period in 2023, reaching Dh339.4 billion. Growth was largely driven by sectors such as wholesale and retail trade, transport and storage, financial and insurance activities, information and communications, accommodation and food services as well as manufacturing.
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Arabian Post
6 hours ago
- Arabian Post
White Lotus Effect Fails to Revive Thailand Tourism
Thailand's tourism industry continues to grapple with significant challenges despite the temporary surge in visitor interest linked to the popularity of HBO's hit series set on Koh Samui. The so-called 'White Lotus effect' sparked a modest increase in Western tourists drawn by the picturesque island backdrop of the show. However, this spike has failed to reverse the broader downward trend that has gripped the sector, which remains weighed down by a complex mix of economic, geopolitical, and structural factors. Tourism, which historically accounted for approximately 20% of Thailand's GDP, has not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. The government's ambitious targets for visitor arrivals have consistently fallen short, with numbers lagging due to a combination of diminished demand from key markets, lingering travel restrictions in some regions, and competition from neighbouring countries aggressively courting tourists with attractive packages and incentives. Koh Samui, often portrayed as a tropical paradise in the series, experienced an influx of curious travellers eager to visit the filming locations. Hotels and local businesses reported short-term gains, but these have proven insufficient to restore the overall health of the industry. Analysts note that the White Lotus effect highlights the growing influence of media and entertainment in shaping travel preferences but also underscores the limitations of relying on such ephemeral boosts without broader strategic support. ADVERTISEMENT The pandemic fundamentally altered global travel behaviours, accelerating trends towards more cautious spending and preference for less crowded destinations. Additionally, the economic slowdown and inflationary pressures in Western countries have tightened discretionary budgets for leisure travel, further curbing outbound flows. 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Hi Dubai
2 days ago
- Hi Dubai
The New Layover Luxury: How Airports Are Becoming Destinations in Themselves
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They're lingering, shopping, dining and relaxing in spaces designed to captivate. Explore how airports are becoming lifestyle hubs, mini-cities and luxury retreats. From stunning architecture to wellness zones and curated layover experiences, here's how airports are rewriting the travel narrative. The Rise of the Airport Experience Economy Dubai International Airport / Image Source: Emirates Airports have always been about movement, but today they're about moments. Global travel trends, longer layovers and the rise of mega-hubs like Dubai have shifted priorities. With passenger numbers soaring— DXB handled 92.3 million passengers in 2024 —airports see idle time as an economic opportunity. Instead of letting travelers twiddle their thumbs, they're encouraging them to spend on dining, shopping and entertainment. This is the airport experience economy, where every moment is a chance to engage. The concept of 'slow travel' is gaining traction. Travelers, including Dubai's jet-setting residents, are choosing longer layovers to explore airports or nearby cities. Airlines like Emirates and airports like DXB capitalize on this by offering curated experiences, from city tours to in-terminal perks. The economic impact is massive. Airports generate billions in non-aviation revenue like retail, dining and services. For instance, DXB's duty-free shops alone raked in AED7.9 billion in 2024. This shift isn't just about profit; it's about reimagining the airport as a destination where travelers want to linger. Architecture, Art & Aesthetics: Instagrammable Airports Singapore Jewel Changi Airport / Image Source: Architecture Digest Step into Singapore's Changi Airport, and you're greeted by a 40-meter indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, surrounded by a lush forest. In Doha's Hamad International, a giant yellow teddy bear sculpture by Urs Fischer doubles as an art statement and a selfie magnet. 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The Hotel-ification of Terminals Oryx Airport Hotel at Hamad International Airport / Image Source: Qatar Airways Gone are the days of napping on hard airport benches. Today's terminals feel like boutique hotels. At DXB, Emirates' First Class Lounge offers private suites, fine dining and a spa with complimentary massages. Across the globe, airports are upping the ante. Doha's Hamad International boasts the Oryx Airport Hotel with a swimming pool and squash courts. San Francisco International has a yoga room for travelers to unwind. Sleeping pods, like those at DXB's Sleep 'n Fly lounges, provide cozy nooks for a quick nap. These amenities are a game-changer. Whether you're a frequent flyer or heading on a holiday, DXB's wellness offerings like in-terminal massages and quiet zones make layovers feel like mini-retreats. Other airports are catching up. Helsinki-Vantaa offers saunas, a nod to Finnish culture. Munich Airport has nap cabs and a rooftop terrace. 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These amenities make business trips seamless, whether you're closing a deal or catching a quick nap before a meeting. Airports are becoming extensions of the office, tailored to the needs of the modern professional. Layovers as Mini-Vacations Image Source: Economy Middle East Savvy travelers, including Dubai residents, are turning layovers into mini-vacations. Why rush through an airport when you can enjoy its perks? Airlines like Turkish Airlines offer free Istanbul city tours for layovers over six hours. DXB's stopover packages include hotel stays and desert safaris. A 12-hour layover at DXB could look like this: start with breakfast at Giraffe World Kitchen, relax with a massage at the Be Relax Spa, shop at duty-free boutiques, and catch a movie in the Zen Garden's media lounge. If time allows, take a shuttle to Dubai Mall or Burj Khalifa for a quick city adventure. This trend is global. Singapore's Changi offers free city tours, including a heritage trail. Doha's Hamad International arranges desert excursions. These experiences turn layovers into opportunities to explore, making airports gateways to both the terminal and the city beyond. DXB's proximity to iconic landmarks makes it easy to blend airport time with a taste of the emirate's glamour. Al Maktoum Airport's Game-Changing Blueprint Dubai is no stranger to setting global benchmarks, and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is poised to redefine the airport experience. Set to be the world's largest airport by 2050 , DWC will span 70 square kilometers, five times the size of DXB. With a $35 billion investment, the first phase, due by 2032, will handle 150 million passengers annually. When fully operational, it will accommodate 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo yearly, making it a global logistics powerhouse. DWC's features are futuristic. Biometric immigration and smart gates will eliminate check-in counters. AI-driven baggage systems and robotics will streamline operations. An automated people mover will whisk passengers across two terminals and seven concourses with 400 aircraft gates. Sustainability is central, with LEED Gold certification and solar-powered infrastructure. The airport will integrate with Jebel Ali Port, creating a multimodal logistics hub connecting air, land and sea. Beyond functionality, DWC will be a lifestyle destination. Plans include luxury hotels, high-end retail and entertainment zones. An 'aerotropolis' will surround the airport, housing one million people and hosting global logistics firms. For Dubai residents, DWC will be a source of pride and convenience, located just 30 minutes from downtown. Emirates and flydubai will relocate to DWC by 2034, ensuring seamless transitions. This mega-hub will not only elevate Dubai's aviation status but also set a new standard for airports worldwide, blending luxury, technology, and sustainability. Airports have transformed from stress-filled transit zones to luxury getaways. No longer just a means to an end, they're destinations where travelers shop, dine, relax and even work. For Dubai residents, this evolution is especially meaningful. DXB already offers a taste of this luxury, but Al Maktoum International will take it to new heights, blending cutting-edge technology with unparalleled comfort. This shift reflects the modern travel ethos: it's not just about the destination but the journey itself. As airports like DWC redefine what's possible, your next favorite destination might not be a city—it might be its airport. Also Read: Revealed: Dubai's New Airport to Have Monorails, Mini Forest And More Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is poised to become a city within itself, boasting its own transportation network, green spaces, entertainment zones, and retail outlets. Things to do in your leisure time at Dubai International Airport (DXB) If you find yourself with some time to spare at DXB, here are some things you can do to make the most of your layover. UAE Airports Set Global Standard with Smart Travel Innovations UAE airports are redefining the future of air travel with groundbreaking digital transformations, according to Selim Bouri, President for the Middle East and Africa at SITA. DWC Airport Unveils Futuristic Travel Experience Featuring AI, Robots and Seamless Check-In Dubai is set to redefine air travel with a cutting-edge experience at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), where artificial intelligence, autonomous robots, and biometric systems will work together to create one of the most seamless airport journeys in the world. Al Maktoum International Airport to Begin Operations by 2032 Dubai's aviation landscape is set for a dramatic transformation as Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) moves closer to becoming the new aviation hub of the emirate.
Hi Dubai
2 days ago
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Duty Free Posts Record-Breaking Dhs724.7 Million in May Sales
Dubai Duty Free recorded a strong performance in May 2025, reporting sales of Dhs724.7 million (US$198.5 million) — the highest monthly figure so far this year and a 12.5% increase over May 2024. The figures mark May 2025 as the second-highest sales month ever outside the peak December period, trailing only behind November 2024. Year-to-date revenue has now surpassed Dhs3.5 billion (US$1 billion), reflecting a 6.5% growth compared to the same period last year. Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi attributed the robust performance to consistent category-wide growth and the dedication of the retail team. According to internal estimates, May sales outpaced passenger traffic growth by 7–8%, with daily averages hitting Dhs23.3 million (US$6.38 million). Customer engagement metrics also improved significantly. Penetration rose to 28% from 26.3% in May 2024, and average spend per departing passenger climbed to US$46.7, up US$3 year-on-year. Confectionery led product category gains with an 81% surge in sales, totaling Dhs73.9 million (US$20.2 million), largely driven by the popularity of 'Dubai chocolate.' Perfumes posted a 15% increase to Dhs132.8 million, while cosmetics rose 10.8%. Sales of cigarettes and tobacco, gold, precious jewellery, liquor, electronics, and fashion also saw notable year-on-year growth. Sales by location showed strong gains, with Concourse B in Terminal 3 leading at 17.5% growth. Terminal 2 Departures posted the highest percentage increase at 20.8%, while refurbished Arrivals shops saw a 6.25% uptick. Regionally, all key passenger markets contributed positively, with Europe up 25.9%, and the Middle East and Russian region each posting 14% increases. News Source: Dubai Media Office
