Dubai Hits Record with 17.15million International Tourists in 2023

By Monica MUEMA

Dubai welcomed more tourists than ever before in 2023, attracting 17.15 million international overnight visitors over the course of the year, according to the latest data published by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Representing a 19.4% YoY growth over the 14.36 million tourist arrivals in 2022, last year’s figure also exceeded the previous record of 16.73 million visitors registered in 2019.

Celebrating a record-breaking 2023, Dubai’s tourism industry performance further bolstered its ranking as the No.1 global destination for an unprecedented third successive year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024, the first city to achieve this unique accolade.

The repeated acknowledgement of Dubai as the world’s favourite destination is a testament to the city’s vibrant and diverse offerings – with an eclectic mix of luxury and affordable hotels and restaurants, as well as a range of attractions and cultural sites which pay homage to the heritage of the emirate.

Catering to travellers of all budgets and preferences, Dubai’s unique proposition and a year-round calendar of business, leisure and sporting events continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Key regions maintain momentum

The strong tourism performance in 2023 saw Dubai maintain its position as a first-choice travel destination for visitors, both from key traditional and emerging markets.

From a regional perspective, the GCC and MENA countries delivered a combined 28% of the share, demonstrating Dubai’s allure as a trusted and favoured destination for visitors from neighbouring markets. Western Europe and South Asia accounted for 19% and 18% of arrivals respectively, while CIS/Eastern Europe recorded a 13% share.

The North Asia and South-East Asia region accounted for 9% of arrivals, the Americas contributed 7%, Africa 4% and Australasia 2%.

Dubai’s luxury hotel landscape continues to expand rapidly. Atlantis The Royal, ranked No.44 on the World’s 50 Best Hotels list, debuted in February 2023, immediately enhancing the city’s opulent offerings.

Anticipated openings set to enhance Dubai’s hotel scene for 2024 include the affordable and edgy Mama Shelter Dubai, designed for millennials and ideal for solo travellers; SIRO One Za’abeel, focused on holistic fitness, recovery, and well-being; Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, signifying a new era in luxury hospitality for the Dubai-born brand; and The Lana, a Dorchester Collection hotel that promises a captivating rooftop scene that transitions from daytime pool to lively late-night lounge bar.

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “The extensive range of offerings and Dubai’s reputation as a secure and accessible destination have been consistently recognised across multiple global indices, culminating in the city being crowned the No.1 global destination for a third year in a row in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024.

The sustained success will further enhance visitors’ enduring trust, confidence and affinity for Dubai, as it accelerates towards the goal of becoming the best city to visit, live and work in.

We are strategically harnessing the significant momentum generated during a highly successful 2023 to drive growth across all segments of tourism and enhance capacity to showcase our unparalleled offerings tailored to cater to the diverse preferences and budgets of international travellers.”