Dubai sees record tourism performance in H1 2024: Explore factors contributing to the spike

Dubai received a record 9.31 million international overnight visitors in the first half of 2024, a 9% increase over the 8.55 million tourist arrivals over the same period last year, according to data published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Dubai hosted 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023 and continues to sustain its strong tourism momentum. The performance noted from January to June 2024 puts the UAE megacity on track for record numbers at the end of the year.

Making Dubai one of top 3 global tourism destinations

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, took to X on Sunday to highlight the impressive numbers recorded in Dubai in H1 2024.

He underscored that the figures reflect HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, strategic vision … embodied in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s target to consolidate the city’s status as one of top three tourism destinations globally.

“We remain committed to … boosting the tourism sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP. By further developing our infrastructure and providing exceptional services for visitors, we aim to set new benchmarks and records in 2024,” His Highness added.

Factors boosting Dubai’s tourism scene

1. Best policies and global accolades

Starting 2024 on a high note, Dubai grabbed the title of No. 1 global destination for an unprecedented third successive year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards in January, making it the first city globally to achieve this unique accolade.

The D33 agenda’s objective is to make Dubai the best city to visit, live and work in. The emirate’s success stems from a *diversified market approach, strong public-private partnerships [and] liberal visa policies,” noted the Director-General of DET.

2. Hotels and hospitality

Promising hotels and accommodation continue to be one of the core pillars of Dubai’s destination offering, helping the city maintain its position as a first-choice travel destination for visitors from both key traditional and emerging markets.

Occupied room nights increased by 3% to 21.35 million at the end of H1 2024, compared to 20.73 million in H1 2023. Total available rooms reached 150,879, compared to 148,689 in June 2023, and the number of establishments stood at 823, up from 810.

3. International events and sustainability initiatives

Dubai has become a global entertainment hub, thanks to its year-round calendar of business, leisure and sporting events. The ongoing Dubai Summer Surprises is one of the emirate’s major shopping and entertainment events, making the city incredibly lively and vibrant.

In relation to DET’s ongoing Dubai Sustainable Tourism drive, 70 hotels received the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp in January, and more are to be named in the coming months. The stamp recognises adherence to DET’s 19 ‘Sustainability Requirements’.