Dubai continued to solidify its status as a global tourism hub by welcoming 16.79 million international tourists between January and November 2024, reflecting a 9% increase compared to the 15.37 million visitors during the same period in 2023.
Monthly Tourism Trends and Source Markets
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism’s 2024 Performance Report revealed the monthly influx of international visitors:
- January: 1.77 million
- February: 1.9 million
- March: 1.51 million
- April: 1.5 million
- May: 1.44 million
- June: 1.19 million
- July: 1.31 million
- August: 1.31 million
- September: 1.36 million
- October: 1.67 million
- November: 1.83 million
Western Europe topped the charts as the leading source region, contributing 20% of total visitors (3.298 million). South Asia followed with 2.858 million visitors (17%), while GCC countries accounted for 15% with over 2.5 million tourists. The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eastern Europe together contributed 14% with 2.353 million visitors.
Other regions included:
- Middle East and North Africa (MENA): 1.933 million visitors (12%)
- North East and South East Asia: 1.622 million visitors (10%)
- The Americas: 1.117 million visitors (7%)
- Africa: 791,000 visitors (5%)
- Australia: 319,000 visitors (2%)
Hospitality Growth and Hotel Statistics
Dubai’s hospitality sector saw steady growth, with the number of hotel rooms increasing to 153,390 across 828 establishments by the end of November 2024, compared to 149,685 rooms in 820 establishments at the same time in 2023.
Key highlights include:
- 5-star hotel rooms: 53,977 across 168 establishments (35% of total rooms)
- 4-star hotel rooms: 43,345 across 194 properties
- 1 to 3-star hotel rooms: 29,701 across 278 establishments
- Luxury hotel apartments: 13,944 across 80 properties
- Mid-level hotel apartments: 12,423 across 108 establishments
The total number of hotel rooms booked reached 39.19 million, a 3% increase from 38.01 million in 2023. Guests stayed for an average of 3.6 nights per visit.
Revenue and Rates on the Rise
Dubai’s hospitality sector recorded growth in key metrics:
- Average Daily Rate (ADR): AED 520, up 2% from AED 510 in 2023
- Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR): AED 405, up 3% from AED 394 in 2023
The emirate’s robust tourism performance underscores its ongoing appeal as a world-class destination for leisure, business, and cultural exploration.
