Dubai’s Tourism Growth Continues with New Initiatives and Future Infrastructure Projects, Get the Details Here

Published on December 10, 2025

Dubai has achieved a significant milestone in its tourism growth by welcoming 15.7 million international visitors between January and October 2025, showing a year-on-year increase of 5 per cent. The trend shows that Dubai remains one of the world’s trendiest tourist destinations. Strong performance follows the record-breaking 18.72 million visitors the city achieved in 2024 as one of the world’s leading destinations for both leisure and business travel.

This was the outcome of the second City Briefing of 2025, held by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, which attracted more than 1,200 stakeholders across the tourism, aviation, hospitality, retail, and food and beverage sectors. It highlighted the key factors contributing to Dubai’s tourism success and the strategies in place for its continued growth.

A Thriving Hospitality Sector Driving Tourism Growth

Dubai’s hospitality sector continues to outperform expectations, with hotel occupancy rates reaching an impressive 79.4% between January and October 2025, up from 77% during the same period in 2024. The average daily rate (ADR) for hotel rooms has also risen by 6% to AED 531, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) grew by 9% to AED 421. These figures reflect the robust demand for hotel accommodations, with Dubai’s diverse tourism offering attracting visitors across various market segments. At the end of October, the city boasted 152,875 available hotel rooms across 820 establishments. This impressive hotel performance further solidifies Dubai’s reputation as a top destination for international travelers.

His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and resilience in driving tourism growth. “Our strategic market diversification, year-round campaigns, and focus on sustainability and accessibility have played a crucial role in strengthening Dubai’s position as a world-leading destination,” Kazim stated.

New Initiatives to Fuel Future Growth: Hotel Incentive Program

A key development in the tourism sector is the launch of the Hotel Incentive Program, introduced by DET in October 2025. This new initiative aims to stimulate hotel development in high-growth areas such as Dubai South, Palm Jebel Ali, and Dubai Parks. Under the program, investors can receive a 100% reimbursement of the Dubai Municipality fee on room sales and the Tourism Dirham for the first two years after opening. This initiative is expected to attract new hotels, resorts, and other hospitality facilities, contributing to the growth of Dubai’s tourism infrastructure.

The city’s tourism expansion is further supported by several high-profile projects, including the world’s tallest hotel, Ciel Dubai Marina, and the upcoming Mandarin Oriental Downtown and Therme Dubai wellbeing resort. Additionally, Dubai’s real estate and retail sectors are set to benefit from the opening of landmark attractions such as the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA) and the expansion of Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

Dubai’s Evolving Infrastructure to Support Growing Tourism

Dubai’s infrastructure is also evolving to meet the needs of its expanding population and growing number of tourists. The city’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is leading the construction of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, alongside the development of 226 kilometers of roads and 115 bridges and tunnels across key urban areas. The Dubai Walk Master Plan, a pedestrian-friendly initiative, will create 3,300 kilometers of new walkways and rehabilitate 2,300 kilometers of existing routes by 2040.

These developments are designed to ensure that Dubai remains accessible, efficient, and welcoming for tourists, providing smooth connectivity across the city and its attractions.

Focus on Ramadan 2026: A Balance Between Accessibility and Heritage

A major topic at the City Briefing was the city’s preparations for Ramadan in 2026. Dubai aims to strike a delicate balance between being open and accessible to international visitors while promoting its cultural identity and heritage during the Holy Month. Hotel occupancy data already indicates strong forward bookings, reflecting the city’s confidence in its ability to welcome guests and allow them to enjoy its world-class gastronomy, hospitality, and cultural experiences.

As His Excellency Kazim explained, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism is committed to redefining possibilities in tourism, advancing sustainable initiatives, and embracing digital transformation to enhance the visitor experience. These efforts will ensure that Dubai remains an exciting and dynamic destination for both residents and international tourists alike.

A Vision for the Future: Dubai’s Tourism Agenda for 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, Dubai’s tourism strategy continues to emphasize innovation, collaboration, and resilience. As Kazim concluded, the city is well-positioned for continued growth, with new developments, landmark openings, and a series of global events set to attract even more visitors. The ongoing trust and collaboration between public and private sectors will help Dubai maintain its momentum, making it one of the best cities in the world to visit, live, and work in.

Dubai’s Continued Growth as a Global Tourism Hub

Strong tourism growth in Dubai in 2025 simply reflects the successful blend of strategic development, innovation, and collaboration between the public and private sectors that the city has achieved. Ongoing investments in infrastructure, new tourism initiatives, and a focus on sustainability will continue to drive Dubai’s status as a leader in global tourism for years to come. Prolonged expansion and growth, with a target of millions of visitors annually, make Dubai’s tourism sector a very important driver in the UAE’s economy, and it is sure to be even more successful in 2026 and beyond.