The city welcomed 7.15 million visitors in the first four months of 2025, as revealed at the DET City Briefing. Key tourism updates include record growth, new campaigns, Dubai Summer Surprises and the expanded MICHELIN Guide.
Dubai’s tourism sector continues its record-breaking momentum in 2025, with the city welcoming 7.15 million international overnight visitors between January and April – a seven per cent year-on-year increase, according to updates shared at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism’s (DET) first City Briefing of the year.
Held at the Coca-Cola Arena, the bi-annual briefing gathered more than 1,300 stakeholders from the hospitality, aviation, retail and F&B sectors, along with key government representatives.
Issam Kazim, CEO of Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “Building on yet another record-breaking performance in 2024, the exceptional results achieved by the industry so far in 2025 is a testament to the resilience and steadfast support of our stakeholders and partners. In advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, our focus remains on strengthening the spirit of partnerships, embracing innovation and creating future-ready experiences that enhance Dubai’s position as the world’s best city to visit, live and work in. As we look ahead to the second half of this year and beyond, we will harness the key elements that have driven the industry’s steady growth – a robust and diversified market strategy, a solid collaboration model between the government and private sectors and global campaigns showcasing the ever-evolving diverse destination offering.”
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Dubai’s vibrant calendar of festivals and events reflects our city’s bold vision and boundless ambition – a testament to our commitment to innovation, excellence and global leadership. These world-class experiences are not only a key driver of visitation but also vital to nurturing the pillars of our economy, from retail and hospitality to aviation and business events.”
