Dubai recorded a remarkable influx of 16.79 million international tourists during the first 11 months of 2024, marking a 9% increase compared to 15.37 million visitors during the same period in 2023, according to the Dubai Tourism Sector 2024 Performance Report released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
The report highlighted a steady monthly tourist inflow, with November seeing 1.83 million visitors. January brought in 1.77 million tourists, followed by 1.9 million in February, 1.51 million in March, 1.5 million in April, and 1.44 million in May. The summer months of June, July, and August recorded 1.19 million, 1.31 million, and 1.31 million visitors, respectively. September welcomed 1.36 million tourists, while October attracted 1.67 million.
Tourist Origins
Western Europe led as the top source region, contributing 3.298 million tourists (20% of the total), followed by South Asia with 2.858 million visitors (17%). GCC countries accounted for 2.5 million tourists (15%), while the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eastern Europe contributed 2.353 million visitors (14%).
The Middle East and North Africa accounted for 1.933 million tourists (12%), while North East and South East Asia brought in 1.622 million visitors (10%). The Americas recorded 1.117 million tourists (7%), with 791,000 visitors from Africa (5%) and 319,000 tourists from Australia (2%).
Hospitality Sector Growth
Dubai’s hotel industry expanded, with 153,390 hotel rooms across 828 establishments by November 2024, compared to 149,685 rooms in 820 properties at the end of November 2023. The number of hotel rooms booked rose to 39.19 million, a 3% increase from 38.01 million bookings during the same period in 2023.
The report also detailed the distribution of hotel accommodations:
- 5-star hotels: 53,977 rooms in 168 establishments (35% of total rooms)
- 4-star hotels: 43,345 rooms in 194 properties
- 1 to 3-star hotels: 29,701 rooms in 278 establishments
- Luxury hotel apartments: 13,944 rooms in 80 establishments
- Mid-level hotel apartments: 12,423 rooms in 108 properties
The average daily rate (ADR) for hotel rooms was AED 520, a 2% increase from AED 510 in 2023, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) climbed 3% to AED 405 compared to AED 394 in 2023.
With an average guest stay of 3.6 nights, Dubai continues to solidify its position as a leading global tourism hub, showcasing resilience and growth in its hospitality sector.