Dubai Records Three Percent Growth in International Visitors for Q1 2025 with Nearly Six Million Million Arrivals as the City Prepares for ATM 2025 and Expands Global Tourism Partnerships

Published on April 28, 2025

Dubai welcomed 5.31 million international visitors in Q1 2025, marking a 3% growth, as the city strengthens global tourism ties ahead of ATM 2025.

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has reported an impressive performance for the first quarter of 2025, marking the emirate’s continued success in attracting international visitors. Between January and March 2025, Dubai welcomed a total of 5.31 million international tourists, reflecting a solid 3% year-on-year growth. This growth underscores the city’s resilient and expanding tourism sector, solidifying Dubai’s position as a premier global destination.

The figures were unveiled ahead of the highly anticipated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, which runs from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. DET is preparing to take a prominent role in the event, leading a delegation of over 125 partners, including government bodies, hotel groups, tour operators, and attractions. This involvement highlights Dubai’s ongoing commitment to nurturing international partnerships as a cornerstone of its tourism strategy, aligned with the ambitious Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).

Dubai’s Tourism Growth Trajectory

Dubai’s tourism sector has experienced consistent growth, building on the record-breaking years of 2023 and 2024. The first quarter of 2025 continues this upward momentum, positioning the city for another year of strong tourism performance. With global travel gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels, Dubai’s strategic initiatives and infrastructure investments have paid off, setting the stage for even more impressive numbers as the year progresses.

The participation of DET in ATM 2025 reflects the city’s proactive approach to further boosting its tourism industry. The event’s theme, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” emphasizes the importance of accessibility and connectivity in fostering international travel. At its stand (ME1120/ME1150), DET will be joined by key government and private sector representatives, including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai), Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Dubai Culture, alongside major hotel groups, tour operators, and other travel-related companies.

One of the key features of Dubai’s participation will be its Hosted Buyers Programme at ATM, which will welcome more than 300 travel trade professionals from 39 global markets. These key players will play a significant role in promoting Dubai’s diverse travel offerings to international audiences.

Strategic Partnerships and Economic Integration

In Q1 2025, Dubai’s tourism strategy focused heavily on forming new, strategic partnerships with global players in the travel and hospitality industries. Notable agreements were reached with Amadeus, Premier Inn Middle East, and Hyatt Hotels, reinforcing Dubai’s global position as a top destination for business and leisure tourism. These new partnerships align with the broader vision of Dubai’s leadership to continually enhance the emirate’s appeal and competitiveness on the world stage.

In addition to these partnerships, DET’s collaboration with the Dubai College of Tourism and Marriott International has resulted in the launch of a Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme. This initiative aims to integrate young Emiratis into the private sector workforce, contributing to the D33 target of employing 65,000 Emiratis. This program aligns with Dubai’s long-term economic and workforce development goals, ensuring that the city continues to innovate and adapt to future demands in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Key Market Performance

Dubai’s tourism growth is driven by a diverse mix of international visitors. The first quarter of 2025 saw Western Europe maintain its position as the largest source market, contributing 1.15 million visitors, or 22% of total arrivals. Following close behind, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eastern Europe accounted for 891,000 visitors, or 17%, while the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region contributed 772,000 visitors, or 15%.

Other significant markets included South Asia, which sent 752,000 visitors (14% of total arrivals), and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, contributing 620,000 visitors (12%). Additionally, North-East Asia and South-East Asia saw 474,000 visitors, while the Americas contributed 374,000. Despite being smaller in volume, Africa and Australasia also made important contributions, with 197,000 and 78,000 visitors, respectively.

This broad and diversified visitor base reflects Dubai’s efforts to tap into emerging markets while maintaining strong relationships with established source countries. These figures also highlight the ongoing recovery of global tourism, particularly in regions like South Asia and the GCC, which have traditionally been strong sources of visitors to Dubai.

Hospitality Sector Performance

The hotel industry in Dubai has been a major contributor to the emirate’s overall tourism success. In Q1 2025, the hospitality sector continued to perform robustly. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for hotel rooms increased by 2% compared to the previous year, reaching AED 647. Occupied room nights saw a total of 11.19 million, while Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) stood steady at AED 528, reflecting the continued demand for hotel accommodations across the city.

These performance indicators underscore Dubai’s balanced approach to hotel development. The city continues to see both luxury and mid-tier offerings catering to a wide range of international visitors. The ongoing growth in Dubai’s hotel sector further supports its overall economic success, as tourism continues to contribute significantly to the city’s GDP.

Sustainability and Economic Impact

Sustainability remains a key focus for DET, as evidenced by the ongoing success of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative. In February 2025, 153 hotels were awarded the DST Stamp, a recognition for meeting DET’s 19 sustainability requirements. This marks a significant 118% increase from the previous cycle, reflecting the growing commitment within the industry to align with global sustainability goals.

Dubai’s tourism sector also plays a vital role in the emirate’s broader economic growth. The accommodation and food services sector saw a 3.7% increase during the first nine months of 2024, reaching AED 11.5 billion. This highlights the contribution of tourism not only in terms of visitor numbers but also in terms of its direct economic impact.

Moreover, Dubai’s continued leadership in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects is a testament to its appeal as a global business hub. The emirate ranked first worldwide in attracting Greenfield FDI projects in both the food and beverage and tourism sectors in 2024, further consolidating its reputation as a dynamic and prosperous city.

Looking Ahead: Future Growth Prospects

As Dubai enters the second quarter of 2025, the city’s tourism outlook remains highly optimistic. DET’s strategy will focus on consolidating its core markets, while also exploring new opportunities in emerging regions. The ongoing development of world-class infrastructure, the expansion of tourism offerings, and the enhancement of accessibility will be crucial in maintaining the city’s competitive edge.

In addition to strengthening public and private sector partnerships, Dubai’s marketing efforts will continue to promote the emirate’s diverse tourism experiences. The recent launch of the “Find Your Story” campaign, featuring celebrities Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi, is an example of DET’s innovative approach to engaging new audiences and showcasing the wide range of experiences Dubai offers to all types of travelers.

In conclusion, Dubai’s tourism industry continues to thrive, driven by strong market performance, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. With its robust growth trajectory and forward-looking initiatives, Dubai is well-positioned to remain a top global destination for both business and leisure travel. As the city prepares to showcase its offerings at ATM 2025, the outlook for the rest of the year looks bright, promising even greater achievements in the months to come.