Dubai welcomed 8.68 million international tourists in the first five months of 2025, up 7% year on year from 8.12 million in the same period in 2024. In May 2025 alone, the city welcomed 1.53 million tourists, according to the Tourism Performance Report (January–May 2025) issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). 

The surge follows Dubai’s outstanding tourism performance in 2024, when it welcomed 18.72 million international tourists, its second consecutive record-breaking year.

Western Europe contributed the largest number of tourists to Dubai during this period, accounting for 22%, or approximately 1.917 million visitors. Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and Eastern Europe followed with 1.396 million visitors. South Asia accounted for 1.242 million tourists, while the GCC area contributed 1.275 million. Other major markets included the Middle East and North Africa (989,000), Northeast and Southeast Asia (771,000), the Americas (601,000), Africa (346,000), and Australia (141,000).

Hotel occupancy increased to 83%, and occupied room nights totalled 19.09 million. The average daily rate jumped to AED620, while revenue per available room increased by 7% to AED513, indicating continued strength in hospitality performance.