Dubai welcomed 7.15 million international overnight tourists between January and April 2025, a 7 percent annual increase. This growth builds on the 18.72 million people who visited in 2024, the second consecutive year of record-setting growth for the city.
During its first City Briefing of 2025, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) also revealed that the city’s hotel sector offered 153,534 rooms at the end of April, with all key performance indicators demonstrating strong annual growth.
“Building on yet another record-breaking performance in 2024, the exceptional results achieved by the industry so far in 2025 are 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,” stated His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM).
Briefing outlines strategic priorities for the year
Held at the Coca-Cola Arena, the briefing brought together more than 1,300 industry leaders and professionals from across the hospitality, aviation, retail and F&B sectors, along with representatives from Dubai government entities, reaffirming DET’s commitment to creating a resilient and future-ready ecosystem for tourists.
Reflecting the UAE Year of Community’s focus on building a connected society grounded in belonging and shared purpose, the briefing highlighted the critical role that partners across the public and private sectors are playing in Dubai’s continued tourism performance.
The latest edition provided a comprehensive update on the city’s tourism performance, campaigns, festivals and events, and strategic priorities for the year ahead. The City Briefing serves as a pivotal instrument to align stakeholders with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and further enhance shared responsibility in propelling Dubai’s development as a welcoming global destination.
“In advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, our focus remains on strengthening the spirit of partnerships, embracing innovation, and creating future-ready experiences that enhance Dubai’s position as the world’s best city to visit, live and work in. We are also collectively driving initiatives that enhance social inclusion, talent development and quality of life, while strengthening community bonds, promoting values, and instilling a sense of belonging,” added Kazim.
Dubai advances accessibility and community initiatives
The City Briefing highlighted key initiatives that reinforce Dubai’s contribution to community, accessibility and sustainability. Central to these efforts is the city’s achievement in becoming the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere.
Under DET’s leadership, in collaboration with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), the initiative has already involved the training of more than 70,000 individuals through the Dubai College of Tourism’s autism and sensory awareness course. Meanwhile, more than 300 hotels in Dubai have actively engaged in the certification process to deliver accessible experiences to all tourists. This milestone directly aligns with the D33 Agenda’s key priorities of enhancing social inclusion, talent development and quality of life.
Another significant project that was highlighted at the event was the launch of the ‘MyDubai Communities’ digital platform in April. The initiative is designed to strengthen community bonds and promote the values of tolerance and coexistence, offering access to more than 100 interest-based communities. These groups provide users with a unique opportunity to connect over shared passions and interests, fostering a sense of belonging and creativity.
“The Certified Autism Destination and MyDubai Communities programs are both testaments to our collective drive to shape a future-ready society. These initiatives not only enhance Dubai’s destination offering – they speak to the heart of our identity as a city built on opportunity, diversity and strong community values, ensuring a richer experience for both residents and visitors,” Kazim added.
Dubai’s festival landscape vital in attracting tourists
His Excellency Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), also presented at the City Briefing and spoke about how Dubai’s robust year-round calendar of events and festivals continues to be a vital component in attracting tourists.
The return of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) – the city’s much-anticipated summer festival – was announced at the briefing. Taking place from June 27 to August 31, DSS will deliver a vibrant calendar of sales, prize draws, entertainment and cultural experiences for residents and visitors of all ages. This year’s DSS will also be structured into three retail periods – Summer Holiday Offers, The Great Summer Sale, and Back to School – to drive consumer engagement and maintain momentum.
In the second half of 2025, other major upcoming events on the city’s annual Retail Calendar include Dubai Home Festival, Dubai Fitness Challenge, and Dubai Shopping Festival. A growing pipeline of international business events, which attract thousands of delegates, was also announced at the City Briefing, reflecting Dubai’s status as a premier destination for meetings and exhibitions.
“Dubai’s vibrant calendar of festivals and events reflects our city’s bold vision and boundless ambition – a testament to our commitment to innovation, excellence, and global leadership. These world-class experiences are not only a key driver of visitation but also vital to nurturing the pillars of our economy, from retail and hospitality to aviation and business events. They continue to provide unique opportunities for our communities, including both visitors and residents, to enjoy the city’s offerings and engage with key destination pillars,” Al Khaja added.
Read: UAE tourists drive surge in Moscow arrivals with 62,100 visitors in 2024
Global gastronomy hub
Dubai’s food scene is a also key driver in attracting tourists, and as revealed in the Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report, published by DET, the city issued around 1,200 new restaurant licences in 2024.
The fourth edition of the MICHELIN Guide Dubai, unveiled last month, reflects Dubai’s fast-growing and diverse culinary scene. The 2025 Guide featured 119 restaurants across 35 cuisines, a 12.3 percent increase from 106 restaurants in 2024, including Dubai’s first MICHELIN three-starred restaurants, FZN by Björn Frantzén and Trèsind Studio.
This year’s Guide also included 3 MICHELIN two-starred restaurants, 14 MICHELIN one-starred restaurants, 22 Bib Gourmand restaurants, and 3 restaurants awarded a MICHELIN Green Star.
“As we look ahead to the second half of this year and beyond, we will harness the key elements that have driven the industry’s steady growth – a robust and diversified market strategy, a solid collaboration model between the government and private sectors, and global campaigns showcasing the ever-evolving diverse destination offering,” added Kazim.
