The destination attracted 7.1 million international overnight visitors between January and June – a growth of 183% compared to the 2.5 million during the same period in 2021, according to latest data from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.

Average hotel occupancy reached 74% during the period and the number of tourists recorded was close to the figure achieved in the first six months of 2019, which saw 8.4 million tourists arriving.

Of the 7.1 million arrivals, western Europe accounted for a significant share, comprising 22% of total visitors, while MENA (Middle East and North Africa) and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nationals collectively contributed 34% of total international visitors. 

Those regions were followed closely by South Asia with a share of 16% and Russia, CIS (countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus) and Eastern Europe together accounting for 11% of total visitors.