According to recently published figures from 2023 the emirate welcomed more visitors than ever before.
Dubai marked a remarkable milestone in tourism as it welcomed over 17 million international tourists last year, achieving an all-time record. The data, published by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), reveals a substantial year-on-year growth of 19.4%, with 17.15 million overnight visitors in 2023 compared to 14.36 million in 2022.
This surge in tourism further solidifies Dubai’s position as a premier global holiday destination. The city’s diverse offerings, from iconic landmarks to luxury experiences, continue to attract visitors from around the world, making Dubai a key player in the international tourism landscape.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “Dubai’s ability to constantly generate diverse and refreshingly novel travel and tourism experiences catering to a wide range of visitors has been a key factor behind this exceptional performance”.
The record-breaking tourism figures in Dubai not only surpassed pre-pandemic levels but also exceeded the previous high set in 2019 at 16.73 million tourists. This notable progress aligns with the objectives outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum over a year ago.
The Dubai Economic Agenda D33 aspires to position Dubai as the ultimate city to visit, live, and work in, with the goal of solidifying its status among the top three global cities for both business and leisure.
Additional noteworthy statistics include the high hotel occupancy rates, which continue to rank among the world’s best. The average hotel occupancy for 2023 reached an impressive 77.4%, and the hotel room inventory at the end of December 2023 reached 150,000 rooms at 821 establishments. Occupied room nights set a new record, totaling 41.70 million.
Dubai’s commitment to excellence and continuous growth is evident in these impressive numbers, reinforcing its reputation as a global hub for tourism, business, and leisure.
Dubai’s allure extends beyond tourism, as it claimed the top spot as the best city in the world for executive nomads in the previous year. The study conducted by Savills took into account various factors, including quality of life, climate, air connectivity, internet speed, and the prime residential rental market.
Several factors contributed to Dubai’s recognition, including its year-round sunshine, low crime rates, tax-free environment, vibrant dining scene, luxurious hotels, and pristine beaches. These attributes make Dubai an ideal destination for those seeking an exceptional quality of life and a dynamic environment.
In addition to its appeal for executive nomads, Dubai International Airport was crowned the World’s Busiest Airport for most international travellers last year. Moreover, the UAE secured the first position globally for mobile internet speeds, further solidifying its status as a global leader in connectivity and lifestyle.
Here’s to another year in the record-breaking desert city.
