According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the UAE has welcomed 9.31 million overnight travelers in the first half of 2024. This marks a 9% increase in the footfall in the nation, compared to 8.55 million in 2023. Dubai’s robust tourism sector is a reflection of its leadership, championed by Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Easing travel regulation aligns with the country’s ambitious goals under the Dubai Economic Agenda, which aim to position the UAE as a global business hub.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) engaged in strategic collaboration in Q1 of 2024 that highlighted Dubai for its “unique offerings, dynamic appeal, and exceptional connectivity.” Dubai’s diverse hospitality portfolio has added recognized names in the first six months of this year, such as The Lana, the first Middle East property from Dorchester Collection, SIRO One Za’abeel (Dubai’s first fitness-focused hotel), and Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences. Recent data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism focused on Dubai’s hotel sector’s performance: “The emirate’s average hotel occupancy reached 78.7 percent, a slight 1.0 percentage point increase compared to the same period in 2023. Occupied room nights grew by 3 percent, reaching 21.35 million by the end of H1 2024, up from 20.73 million in H1 2023. Average daily rate (ADR) rose 4 percent year-on-year to AED558, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased by 6 percent to AED439.”
As a flourishing entertainment hub, Dubai’s collaboration with Academy Award composer Hans Zimmer, who has become a vocal supporter of the emirate, Additionally, the city’s culinary offerings have gained global recognition, with Dubai featured in a 50-minute episode of the Netflix food travel show Somebody Feed Phil, hosted by Phil Rosenthal. In 2024, Dubai extended its year of sustainability, which allowed it to showcase the sustainable practices of nearly 70 hotels, categorizing them into Gold, Silver, and Bronze bands.
