Dubai has once again demonstrated its unparalleled allure as a premier global destination, welcoming a record 9.31 million international overnight visitors from January to June 2024. This impressive figure marks a 9% increase over the 8.55 million tourists recorded during the same period in 2023, as reported by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Sustained Tourism Momentum
Following a landmark 2023, which saw Dubai host 17.15 million international overnight visitors, the city has maintained its robust tourism momentum into the first half of 2024. This continued growth underscores Dubai’s commitment to becoming the best city in the world to visit, live, and work in. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in collaboration with various stakeholders and partners, has been pivotal in driving this growth.
Global Accolades and Industry Events
Dubai’s rise in international visitors is a result of comprehensive citywide strategies and collaborations between the public and private sectors. In January 2024, Dubai was named the No.1 global destination for the third consecutive year by the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, making it the first city to achieve this feat.
Key Source Markets
From January to June 2024, South Asia emerged as a significant source market, contributing 1.62 million visitors (17%). The share of visitors from North-East and Southeast Asia also grew, rising from 8% at the beginning of the year to 10% (896,000 visitors) by the end of H1 2024.
Hotels and Hospitality
World-class hotels and accommodations continue to be a cornerstone of Dubai’s tourism appeal. H1 2024 saw several high-profile openings, including:
- The Lana: Dorchester Collection’s first Middle East property
- SIRO One Za’abeel: Dubai’s first fitness hotel
- Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences
Elevating Standards
Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “Dubai has continued to stay ahead of the curve by further elevating standards with innovative and distinctive world-class infrastructure, experiences and attractions. An exceptional quality of life, safety, and accessibility have been consistently recognised across multiple global indices and we are committed to leveraging partnerships between the public and private sectors to showcase Dubai as a must-visit destination. The unwavering support of our partners and stakeholders will be crucial in driving our strong global and market-specific campaigns this summer, as we look to build on this positive growth throughout the rest of 2024.”
Strategic Partnerships and Campaigns
In collaboration with stakeholders, DET is creating new growth pathways beyond traditional tourism. This includes fostering investment, entrepreneurship, and attracting global talent, ensuring Dubai remains a hub of creativity and technological advancement.
Notable Collaborations
A highlight of H1 2024 was the opening of Real Madrid World at Dubai Parks and Resorts, the first theme park globally branded by the renowned Spanish football club. This opening aligns with a multi-year agreement between DET and Real Madrid, signed in October 2023.
Dubai has also forged partnerships with major names in the music and entertainment industries. Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer has become a vocal supporter of the emirate.
A Global Culinary and Cruise Hub
Dubai’s reputation as a global culinary capital was further cemented with the third edition of the MICHELIN Guide Dubai in July. The guide featured 106 restaurants, including:
- 4 awarded two stars
- 15 with one star
- 3 with a green star
- 18 Bib Gourmands
- 69 MICHELIN-selected restaurants
International Events Destination
Dubai’s status as an international events hub is reinforced by a year-round calendar of business, leisure, and sporting events. The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) organized some of the city’s largest annual events in H1 2024, including:
- Dubai Shopping Festival
- Chinese New Year
- Ramadan in Dubai
- Eid in Dubai
- Dubai Food Festival
Summer Highlights
The ongoing Dubai Summer Surprises event has made the city vibrant and lively during the summer, solidifying Dubai’s position as a leading summer destination for families. Upcoming events in 2024 include:
- Dubai Fashion Season Fall/Winter
- Dubai Fitness Challenge
- DP World Tour Championship (golf)
- Emirates Dubai 7s
- UAE Union Day
Sustainability Initiatives
The UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’ was extended into 2024, with Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sectors spearheading the city’s ecotourism strategy. In May, DET released the inaugural ‘Dubai Sustainability Report’, highlighting achievements that support global objectives such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiative.
Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp
As part of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism drive, the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp was awarded to 70 hotels in January, recognizing the highest levels of adherence to DET’s ‘19 Sustainability Requirements’. The scheme includes Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories.
Dubai Can Initiative
The Dubai Can initiative, launched in February 2022, has significantly reduced the usage of single-use plastic water bottles. By June 2024, it had cut the equivalent of more than 20.4 million 500ml plastic bottles and dispensed 10.5 million litres of water via 50 water fountains across the city.
Dubai Reef Project
A milestone in Dubai’s sustainability drive in H1 2024 was the launch of the Dubai Reef’s pilot reef modules in April. The Dubai Reef project aims to deploy 20,000 modules across 600 square kilometres of Dubai’s waters by 2027, making it the world’s largest marine reef development project.
Dubai’s continuous efforts to enhance its tourism sector, combined with its strategic partnerships and commitment to sustainability, have positioned it as a leading global destination. As we look to build on this positive growth throughout the rest of 2024, Dubai remains committed to showcasing its unique offerings to the world.
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