Dubai Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Tourism Levels in First Half of 2023

Dubai's tourism industry has achieved a notable comeback in the first half of 2023 by welcoming a record-breaking 8.55 million international overnight visitors. This figure surpasses the pre-pandemic levels of H1 2019 when 8.36 million tourists visited. The achievement is considered the best-ever H1 performance for Dubai's tourism sector and contributes to the city's ambition of becoming one of the world's top three destinations.

The growth of 20% year-over-year (YoY) in visitation aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033, a strategic plan launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The plan aims to enhance Dubai's position on the global stage.

This remarkable performance reflects the comprehensive marketing efforts made to promote Dubai's diverse offerings, supported by various stakeholders and guided by visionary leadership. The city's swift recovery in tourism demonstrates its resilience and agility, setting it apart as the world's fastest recovering destination. The accomplishment also exceeds the United Nations World Trade Organisation's projection for international tourist arrivals in 2023.

Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emphasized the city's emergence as a significant global tourism and economic player. He attributed this accomplishment to Dubai's leadership's foresight, resilient policies, and rapid rebound in the face of global challenges.

Dubai's status as the number one global destination for the second consecutive year, according to the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2023, further underscores the city's multifaceted appeal. Its ability to cater to diverse budgets and preferences contributes to its reputation. The city's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) played a crucial role in promoting Dubai's array of attractions, from heritage and entertainment to outdoor activities, gastronomy, shopping, festivals, and more.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, attributed the remarkable visitation growth to a well-coordinated, sustainable strategy backed by strong execution and visionary leadership. He highlighted the depth, scale, and resilience of Dubai's tourism ecosystem, which has propelled the city's growth strategy over the past decade and supported its ambitions for the coming years.

Dubai's hotels have also outperformed pre-pandemic levels across key hospitality metrics in H1 2023, including occupancy, Average Daily Rate (ADR), Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR), and length of stay. The average occupancy of 78% exceeded the same period in H1 2019, despite a 13% increase in hotel establishments and 26% rise in room capacity.

This outstanding performance showcases Dubai's enduring appeal and ability to attract diverse visitors. The city's robust performance in key markets, extensive partnership collaborations, and investment in the sector have contributed to its resounding success in the first half of 2023. Dubai remains committed to offering memorable experiences to guests, residents, and the business community, setting new global standards in excellence.