Dubai continues to cement its global leadership in tourism, as its Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) revealed remarkable growth figures and new strategic initiatives during its first partner meeting of 2025. Held at the Coca-Cola Arena, the event gathered over 1,300 leaders from key sectors including hospitality, aviation, retail, food and beverage, and government. This gathering underscored Dubai’s unique model of public-private collaboration and its role in achieving the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

According to DET, Dubai welcomed 7.15 million international visitors between January and April 2025, reflecting a 7% increase compared to the same period last year. This performance builds on the city’s 2024 achievement of attracting 18.72 million visitors—a new record for the second consecutive year. Hotel capacity reached an impressive 153,534 rooms by the end of April, further highlighting the strength of the emirate’s tourism infrastructure.

During the event, Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, emphasized that the city’s tourism success is the result of visionary leadership, consistent innovation, and seamless collaboration between public and private sectors. He stressed the importance of continuing efforts to diversify source markets, support innovation, and enhance Dubai’s global visibility through impactful marketing campaigns.

The tourism sector is also aligned with broader social and economic goals. Community development and quality of life have become central themes in Dubai’s tourism strategy. Among the most notable achievements was Dubai’s official recognition as the first “Autism-Certified Destination” in the Eastern Hemisphere. This milestone was made possible through collaborative efforts that included training over 70,000 individuals and working with over 300 hotels to improve accessibility.

In addition, the launch of the “Dubai Communities” platform, initiated by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in April, marked another important step in strengthening community ties and promoting social inclusion. The platform connects over 100 interest-based communities, encouraging greater interaction among residents and visitors alike.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, highlighted the city’s vibrant event calendar as a major draw for tourists. One of the centerpieces of the summer season is “Dubai Summer Surprises,” returning from June 27 to August 31. The program promises an array of shopping promotions, raffles, entertainment events, and cultural experiences for residents and tourists of all ages. For the first time, the retail sector will introduce three distinct shopping phases—summer holiday deals, the grand summer sale, and back-to-school offers—each packed with exclusive promotions and immersive mall activities.

Looking ahead, Dubai will host a rich lineup of events in the latter half of 2025, including the Dubai Furniture Festival, the Dubai Fitness Challenge, and the Dubai Shopping Festival. These events not only attract global visitors but also reinforce Dubai’s reputation as a world-class hub for leisure, culture, and business.

The culinary sector has also played a significant role in Dubai’s tourism growth. In 2024 alone, the city issued approximately 1,200 new restaurant licenses. The fourth edition of the Michelin Guide Dubai, released recently, features 119 restaurants representing 35 international cuisines. This includes Dubai’s first-ever three-star Michelin establishments—FZIN by Björn Frantzén and Trésind Studio—along with a variety of new additions across one and two-star categories.

DET also launched two global marketing campaigns aimed at increasing Dubai’s appeal to international visitors. The “Dubai. That’s How You Summer” campaign positions the city as a premier summer destination that blends relaxation with adventure. Meanwhile, “Find Your Story,” starring Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi, showcases the diverse experiences Dubai offers—from quick stopovers to immersive desert explorations.

With momentum clearly on its side, Dubai is poised for continued success in the second half of 2025 and beyond. Its strategy of blending economic innovation with community-focused values is not only attracting millions of visitors but also setting a new global standard for inclusive, sustainable tourism.