Dubai continues to assert its status as one of the world’s top travel destinations, with the city welcoming 8.68 million international tourists between January and May 2025. According to the latest tourism performance report released by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, this marks a 7% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 8.12 million tourists visited the city.

May Tourism Snapshot

In May alone, Dubai attracted approximately 1.53 million international visitors, reinforcing the city’s reputation for consistent tourism demand throughout the year.

Where Are Tourists Coming From?

Western Europe maintained its lead as the top source region, accounting for 22% of visitors—around 1.917 million people. Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and Eastern Europe followed with 1.396 million tourists, or 16% of the total. South Asia contributed 1.242 million visitors (14%), while the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries brought in 1.275 million tourists (15%).

Other notable markets included:

• Middle East and North Africa: 989,000 visitors (11%)

• North and Southeast Asia: 771,000 visitors (9%)

• The Americas: 601,000 visitors (7%)

• Africa: 346,000 visitors (4%)

• Australia: 141,000 visitors (2%)

Hospitality Sector Performance

Dubai’s hospitality industry also saw solid gains. By the end of May 2025, the city hosted 825 hotel establishments offering a total of 153,356 rooms—an increase from 822 hotels with 150,202 rooms in May 2024.

Key hospitality highlights:

• Average hotel occupancy reached 83%, up from 81% during the same period in 2024.

• Total booked room nights rose to 19.09 million, a 4% increase from 18.34 million in early 2024.

• Average guest stay was 3.8 nights.

• The average daily room rate hit AED 620, a 5% rise from AED 590.

• Revenue per available room increased by 7% to AED 513, up from AED 478 last year.

Dubai’s strong start to 2025 underscores its ability to maintain momentum in the global tourism market through strategic marketing, world-class hospitality, and its ever-expanding cultural and leisure offerings. With continued growth across key tourism metrics, the city remains a top choice for travelers from every