Dubai attracts 16.79 million tourists between Jan to Nov 2024

According to the latest data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism’s 2024 Performance Report, the emirate experienced a 9 per cent increase in international tourist arrivals for the first 11 months of 2024, with a total of 16.79 million visitors between January and November, up from 15.37 million during the same period in 2023.

November saw 1.83 million international tourists, while January and February attracted 1.77 million and 1.9 million tourists, respectively.

Other months showed equally strong performance, with October reaching 1.67 million visitors.

Regional breakdown

Western Europe remained the top source region for international visitors to Dubai, contributing 20 per cent of the total arrivals with 3.3 million tourists. South Asia followed closely, accounting for 17 per cent of the total, with 2.86 million visitors.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries ranked third, contributing over 2.5 million tourists, or 15 per cent of the total, while the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eastern Europe saw 2.35 million visitors, accounting for 14 per cent.

Other regions also made notable contributions: the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) accounted for 12 per cent with 1.93 million tourists, while Northeast and Southeast Asia contributed 10 per cent with 1.62 million.

Visitors from the Americas, Africa, and Australia made up 7 per cent, 5 per cent, and 2 per cent of total visitors, respectively, with figures of 1.12 million, 791,000, and 319,000.

Hotel industry performance

Dubai’s hotel sector has mirrored the tourism growth, with the total number of hotel rooms reaching 153,390 by the end of November, an increase from 149,685 at the end of 2023.

The growth of hospitality establishments was also reflected in a 3 per cent rise in hotel room bookings, which exceeded 39.19 million during the first 11 months of 2024, compared to 38.01 million in the same period the previous year.

The average length of stay for guests was recorded at 3.6 nights, suggesting continued demand for both short-term and extended stays.

The breakdown of hotel room categories shows a clear dominance of higher-end properties. Five-star hotels accounted for 35 per cent of the total rooms, with 53,977 rooms in 168 establishments.

Four-star hotels followed, with 43,345 rooms across 194 properties. Budget accommodations and mid-range hotels also contributed, with 29,701 rooms across 278 establishments in the one- to three-star category.

Also, Dubai’s luxury hotel apartments comprised 13,944 rooms in 80 establishments, while mid-level hotel apartments numbered 12,423 across 108 properties.

Dubai’s hotel sector has also benefited from rising rates. The average daily rate (ADR) for the first 11 months of 2024 was Dhs520, a 2 per cent increase from Dhs510 in the previous year.

The average revenue per available room (RevPAR) showed a 3 per cent rise, reaching Dhs405 compared to Dhs394 in 2023.

At a glance: Dubai’s 2024 tourism performance

• Total international visitors (January-November 2024): 16.79 million
• Monthly breakdown: November – 1.83 million, October – 1.67 million, January – 1.77 million
• Top source regions: Western Europe (3.3 million), South Asia (2.86 million), GCC (2.5 million)
• Hotel rooms available (end-November 2024): 153,390
• Hotel bookings (January-November 2024): 39.19 million room nights
• ADR: Dhs520 (up 2 per cent YoY)
• RevPAR: Dhs405 (up 3 per cent YoY)