Dubai welcomed 8.55 million international visitors, exceeding the pre-pandemic figure, in the first six months of 2023

Tourists are coming to Dubai in unprecedented numbers. The city attracted 8.55 million international visitors in the first six months of 2023, beating the pre-pandemic total of 8.36 million tourists in H1 2019. This is a 20% increase year over year. According to the most recent data given by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, the city is constantly progressing towards its goal of being the world's most visited destination. The first half of 2023 will be the industry's strongest H1 performance ever.

In H1 2023, the emirate's hotels beat pre-pandemic levels across all hospitality parameters. The average hotel occupancy rate was 78%, which was among the highest in the world. The record H1 performance maintains Dubai's position as the world's fastest rebounding destination, and well exceeds the United Nations World Trade Organization's forecast that international visitor arrivals might regain 80-95 percent of pre-pandemic levels this year.

"The remarkable surge in international visitors witnessed by Dubai in the first half of 2023 further demonstrates its emergence as one of the brightest spots not only in the worldwide tourism sector but also in the broader global economic landscape," said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. This achievement was made possible by the foresight of Dubai's leadership, whose vision and sensible policies bolstered the city-state's resilience in the aftermath of global crises, allowing it to recover faster than other markets. While increased foreign visitation confirms Dubai's ascent as a major worldwide tourism destination, it also demonstrates the city's importance as a key centre for commerce, investment, and entrepreneurship.