Dubai’s tourism industry sustained its growth momentum this year, welcoming 13.95 million international visitors between January and September 2025—an increase from 13.29 million during the same period last year, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
The latest figures underscore Dubai’s global draw as a premier destination for leisure, business, and cultural travel. On average, more than 51,000 tourists arrived daily in the first nine months of 2025, about 2,300 more than last year’s daily average.
Hotel performance mirrored this surge, with room nights rising by 5 percent to 32.7 million. The average hotel occupancy rate also improved to 78.7 percent from 76.4 percent in 2024, despite an increase in hotel supply—reflecting solid demand across the sector.
“Despite the increase in hotel supply, occupancy levels remain high,” Emarat Al Youm quoted Husni Abdulhadi, CEO of Carlton Hotels, as saying. “Dubai’s hospitality industry continues to perform strongly, reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for both leisure and business travelers.”
Abdulhadi added that the steady influx of tourists, coupled with rising hotel capacity and consistent occupancy, reflects a resilient and adaptable market. He noted that Dubai’s diversification of source markets and expansion into new visitor segments have strengthened its global standing as a hub for leisure, business, and conference tourism.
Tourism revenues also climbed, reaching AED 13 billion in the first nine months of 2025—a 12 percent rise from AED 11.6 billion last year. Average daily room rates increased to AED 509, while revenue per available room grew by 8 percent to AED 401.
The DET report suggests that the momentum will likely accelerate through the last quarter of the year, driven by Dubai’s winter season, large-scale exhibitions, and festive events that traditionally boost arrivals and spending.
