Dubai Tourism Growth 2025: Q1 Performance, Visitor Trends, and ATM 2025 Highlights

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Dubai Tourism Growth in 2025

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), announced that Dubai tourism growth in 2025 has been strong, with the tourism sector recording a 3% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2024. 

During the first quarter of 2025, Dubai recorded around 5.31 million international visitors. In 2024, Dubai welcomed approximately 18.72 million travelers, which was a 9% increase from 2023. According to Kazim, the first quarter of 2025 has continued this momentum, reinforcing the positive trend of Dubai tourism growth in 2025. The tourist inflow also ensures that the UAE economy continues to grow in 2025, with a projected growth rate of 4.8%, driven by tourism and trade.

Dubai Tourism Statistics 2025

In terms of Dubai visitor demographics, Western Europe dominates Dubai’s tourism market, leading the way at 20%, as the UAE remains among the top 10 countries attracting German millionaires in 2025. South Asia, fueled by strong ties with India and Pakistan, contributed 17% of visitors. The Gulf countries accounted for 15%, while Russia, the CIS, and Eastern Europe brought in another 14%, showcasing Dubai’s expanding influence across dynamic markets. 

Visitors from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) made up 11%, while 10% came from the fast-growing North and Southeast Asia region. Americas added an estimated 6% while Africa added 5% to the mix, and Australasia contributed 2%. Together, these diverse demographics reinforce Dubai’s status as a global tourist destination.

Read More: Dubai travel industry data and tourism investment opportunities in the UAE

Dubai’s tourism success is attributed to visionary leadership and enduring public-private sector partnerships as it moves away from traditional tourism models by driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, new economic opportunities, and increased consumer spending among the UAE residents. Both Dubai and the UAE are making significant efforts to make the country a premier destination for medical tourism. Furthermore, Dubai recently launched the first of its kind international sports and entertainment free zone to enable individuals and entities to acquire licenses for various sports and entertainment-related activities.

Travel Technology Trends 2025

AI in travel planning is becoming increasingly important, with many travelers from the UAE and KSA now prioritizing eco-friendly accommodations and leveraging AI tools to plan their holidays. As the global travel technology market is expected to reach $18.6 billion by 2033, interest is surging in areas such as AI-driven personalization and data-powered travel solutions. In particular, Dubai is becoming a top choice for AI Startups in 2025, as entrepreneurs and SMEs (especially European) find Dubai a potential destination for long-term business growth with no income tax.

Arabian Travel Market 2025

During a press conference hosted by RX Global, the organizers of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Karim emphasized Dubai’s ambition to strengthen its position as a leading global destination for both business and leisure, a core objective of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. 

The Dubai travel trade show 2025 will take place from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring over 2,800 exhibitors. The ATM 2025 exhibitors will comprise 17% from the Middle East and 83% from international markets, with the event expected to welcome 55,000 attendees from 161 countries. In addition, over 300 buyers from 39 countries will experience Dubai’s world-class hospitality through the Hosted Buyers Program, creating an opportunity for new partnerships as well as shaping the future of global travel and tourism. 

The 32nd edition of ATM Dubai 2025 will revolve around the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” focusing on how cross-border, cross-industry, and community connections will shape the future of travel. ATM generates approximately USD 2.5 billion in industry deals annually and welcomed over 46,000 industry professionals and 33,500 visitors in 2024.

With its favorable business environment, Dubai is uniquely positioned at the heart of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets. It remains an ideal platform for global industry leaders to collaborate, innovate, and unlock new opportunities in travel and tourism.