Dubai is once again proving itself as a global magnet for travelers. Between January and April 2025, the city welcomed 7.15 million international overnight visitors, marking a 7% year-on-year increase. The figures, announced during the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism’s (DET) City Briefing, highlight the unstoppable momentum of Dubai’s tourism industry — and its wider impact on the city’s economic landscape.
Momentum Backed by Strategy and Vision
According to Issam Kazim, CEO of DCTCM, this growth builds on a record-breaking 2024 and reflects the success of Dubai’s ambitious D33 Economic Agenda. By nurturing public-private partnerships, embracing innovation, and delivering future-ready experiences, Dubai is positioning itself not only as the world’s most visited city — but also as one of the best places to live, work, and invest.
Dubai is also leading the way in inclusive tourism. It is now the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere, with over 70,000 professionals trained in sensory awareness. More than 300 hotels are now part of the city’s accessibility certification programme — clear steps toward a more open and accommodating destination for all.
A City That Never Sleeps — Festivals, Campaigns, and Culinary Icons
From Dubai Summer Surprises 2025, running June 27 to August 31, to new global campaigns like “Dubai. That’s How You Summer” and “Find Your Story” (featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi), the calendar is packed with excitement. The DSS festival is structured around three peak retail cycles, featuring massive city-wide sales, raffles, cultural shows, and family entertainment — a vibrant reminder that Dubai is as alive in summer as it is year-round.
Meanwhile, the city’s culinary scene is flourishing. In 2024 alone, Dubai issued over 1,200 new restaurant licences. The fourth edition of the MICHELIN Guide Dubai now includes 119 restaurants across 35 cuisines, with two 3-star establishments and several venues recognized for sustainability. Food is no longer just an experience here — it’s part of the city’s global identity.
Tourism fuels far more than hotels and shopping malls — it drives short-term rental demand, boosts occupancy, and increases ROI for investors holding property in the right locations. Areas linked to festivals, cultural events, and high footfall tourism zones often see faster value appreciation and higher rental yields. Simply put: where the people go, capital follows.
📩 Looking to invest in high-demand, tourism-driven districts in Dubai?
Reach out to SPI Dubai today. Our expert team will help you select properties positioned to benefit from Dubai’s booming tourism and short-let markets.
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