Dubai welcomed 1,327,000 visitors from the UK last year, 14% more than in 2023, according to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Overall, international visitor numbers reached 18.72 million, up 9% year on year.
The UK remains Dubai’s top international market, although it saw greater growth from northeast and southeast Asia last year, with a 24% increase in visitor numbers.
The DET said hotels ‘contributed significantly’ to the city’s performance, following steady growth in 2024, during which there were 11 new openings, including the One&Only, One Za’abeel, SIRO One Za’abeel and The Lana Dorchester Collection.
By December 2024, Dubai had more than 154,000 hotel rooms, putting it almost on par with London, and ahead of several major cities including New York, Paris and Bangkok, according to global hospitality insight firm STR.
New hotels planned include the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab and the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, which the DET said ‘will ensure the city is able to cater to ever-growing demand from both visitors and residents’.
The average occupancy for Dubai hotels increased last year from 77% in 2023 to 78%, while the average room rate rose slightly from AED536 (£116) to AED538 (£117).
His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “Dubai’s remarkable tourism performance in 2024 reflects the sustained commitment and strategic efforts of our extensive network of partners and stakeholders, and the guidance of our city’s visionary leadership.
“Our market strategy, built on bespoke and diversified campaigns, has been pivotal in showcasing Dubai’s diverse tourism offerings to the world, and we have leveraged strong partnerships with private and public sector organisations and individuals to enhance our global reach and promote Dubai as a leading hub for business, leisure, and innovation.”
