Dubai is one of the seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates. Known for its futuristic skyline, luxurious shopping and vibrant culture, Dubai stands out as a global destination. What makes this city truly unique is that around 85% of its population is made up of foreigners, creating a melting pot of cultures from all around the world.
Whether you're drawn to its towering skyscrapers, golden deserts or looking to learn of its rich heritage with a local Dubai tour guide, this one of a kind city offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. But don’t just listen to us, let’s go over why!
Key Tourism Statistics in Dubai for 2025
Let’s begin with how big Dubai's tourism industry is. The travel and tourism industry is projected to contribute US$62.8 billion to the UAE’s GDP by 2028!
As for what percentage of Dubai’s income is tourism, travel and tourism contributed to 9% of the total GDP for the UAE, or nearly AED 167 billion, in 2022. This increased to 11.7% in 2023 and is expected to reach 12% in 2024, showing that Dubai is growing as a tourist destination.
These figures show up in the tourism rankings for Dubai. The UAE, of which Dubai is part of, ranks 26th in terms of most visited countries in the world, at 16.7 million arrivals predicted for 2024!
So, how many tourists visit Dubai annually? In terms of how many tourists visit Dubai each year, the numbers have now exceeded pre-pandemic levels:
In 2023, Dubai International Airport saw 87m passengers (it is a major stopover hub, after all!).
But who visits Dubai the most? In 2023, Dubai’s visitors were split by region:
- Western Europe: 3,295,000
- South Asia: 3,081,000
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): 2,652,000
- Russia, CIS, Eastern Europe: 2,257,000
- Middle East and North Africa (MENA): 2,090,000
Africa saw the highest growth at 31% in arrivals, but, notably, no African country (except Egypt) ranked among the top 20 source countries. Meanwhile, the GCC and North Asia-Southeast Asia had the slowest growth at 15% and 13% respectively.
This can further be broken down into tourism in Dubai by country, with India leading in 2023:
- India: 2,200,345
- Oman: 1,565,795
- Saudi Arabia: 1,452,605
Travel Q&A: Is Dubai expensive to visit?
In 2023, international visitor spending reached over AED $175bn, which comes to about AED $10,204 or around US$2775 per person for their trip.
Dubai Tourism Quick Facts
- 17.5 million - The number of tourists that visited Dubai in 2023
- 12% - The percentage tourism is set to contribute to the UAE’s GDP in 2024
- India - The country leading in terms of tourism to Dubai
- 3.29 million - The number of tourists from Western Europe that traveled to Dubai in 2023
Now that you know more about Dubai as a tourist destination, let’s go over why you should head there!
Must-See Tourist Attractions in Dubai: From The Burj to the Souks
Dubai offers more than just malls and luxury hotels; it's a dynamic city with a blend of culture, history and modern thrills.
Ranked number one as the world’s top city destination for the third year in a row, it goes to show there’s plenty to do and see here!
So, what is Dubai best known for? Here are some must-see attractions and activities to do:
- Jumeirah Mosque: The only mosque open to non-Muslims, it’s stunning, especially at dusk, and offers an insightful and in-depth experience.
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood: Experience Dubai’s past in this charming area with traditional architecture and narrow alleys.
- Abra Ride Across Dubai Creek: Take a traditional wooden boat ride for a scenic, budget-friendly way to explore Old Dubai.
- Deep Dive Dubai: Dive into the world’s deepest pool, explore a sunken city or enjoy the region’s largest underwater film studio.
- Ain Dubai: Ride the world’s largest observation wheel for breathtaking views from 250 meters above Blue Waters Island.
- Dubai Spice Souk: Explore a vibrant spice market full of exotic flavors, alongside stalls offering lanterns, souvenirs and plenty more.
- The Dubai Mall: The world’s largest mall, drawing 100 million visitors yearly, is a hub for luxury shopping and escaping the heat. Make sure to see the Dubai Fountain nearby!
- Sky Views Dubai: For thrill-seekers, walk on a glass-bottom bridge, slide down a glass tube or try the Edge Walk high above Downtown Dubai.
- Perfume House: Discover traditional Arabic perfume-making and the history of the perfume trade.
- Aquaventure Waterpark: The world’s largest water park with record-breaking slides, family-friendly areas and close encounters with marine life.
- Al Seef: A mix of heritage and modern attractions along Dubai Creek, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a meal with a view.
- Etihad Museum: Learn about the UAE’s formation at this modern museum, located where the nation was founded in 1971.
Dubai’s Culinary Scene: Top Foods to Try
Dubai's culinary scene is evolving, with more Emirati restaurants showcasing local flavors.
Since Dubai was named one of the world’s top 10 cities for foodies in 2023, it goes to show there’s plenty here that you’re going to enjoy!
‘Casual dining’ is the most popular restaurant type in Dubai, with 84% opting to choose casual, followed by 75% choosing to eat at food courts and then 72% choosing to eat street food, rather than going to premium dining, cafés and fine dining locations.
So, make sure to check out the more casual locations when in Dubai, as this is where the locals go!
Here’s a quick guide to some must-try Emirati dishes:
- Luqaimat: Sweet, donut-like dumplings, served with date syrup and sesame seeds.
- Knafeh: A cheesy, syrup-soaked pastry, popular in the UAE.
- Camel: Try camel sliders, biryani or even camel milk ice cream!
- Samboosa: Pastry appetizers, often filled with cheese, inspired by Indian cuisine.
- Arabic Coffee & Dates: Make sure to grab a coffee and some organic dates, maybe even trying dibs, a date syrup often paired with sweet treats like luqaimat.
- Margoogat: A spicy, tomato-based stew with variations like chicken or lamb.
- Chebab: Emirati pancakes with cheese and date syrup, offering a sweet-sour flavor.
- Machboos: A fragrant rice dish with shrimp, lamb, or chicken.
- Khubz: Freshly baked Arabic bread, ideal with hummus or eggplant dip.
Dubai's Seasonal Tourism Peaks: A Statistical Overview
Dubai has an arid subtropical climate, with consistently warm weather year-round. Even winter nights are mild, with temperatures rarely dipping below the mid-teens.
Here’s what to expect:
Summer in Dubai
- Extreme Heat: From June to September, Dubai experiences intense heat, with temperatures reaching up to 41°C. The average temperature during these months ranges from the low to mid-30°s, peaking at 36°C in August. Daytime highs often exceed 38°C, with average lows staying above 26°C.
- Sea Temperatures: The sea offers little relief, averaging between 31°C and 33°C during summer.
- Rainfall: Rain is almost non-existent in the summer, with only about 30mm falling throughout the entire season.
- Sunshine: Expect around 12 hours of sunshine daily in June, with more than 10 hours from April to October.
Winter in Dubai
- Mild Winter: December to February brings cooler, more comfortable temperatures, averaging between 19°C and 21°C. Highs reach the mid-20s, while lows are in the mid-teens, making it an ideal time for those unaccustomed to extreme heat.
- Rainfall: Winter sees most of Dubai's annual 150mm rainfall, with February being the wettest month at around 40mm. Rain, however, is infrequent and short-lived.
- Humidity and Sea Temperature: Humidity is slightly higher in winter, averaging 60%. The sea remains warm at around 21°C.
- Sunshine: Winter days enjoy eight hours of sunshine on average, lower than summer but still ample.
Spring and Autumn in Dubai
- Transitional Seasons: Spring and autumn offer a balance between the extremes of summer and winter. Late spring and early autumn are particularly warm, with temperatures approaching summer levels.
- Rain and Sunshine: These seasons are dry and sunny, with occasional showers. Al Wasm, a cooler period with some rain, occurs from mid-October to early December.
- Sea Temperatures: The sea remains warm, ranging between 25°C and 28°C during these seasons.
- Sunshine: Autumn boasts 10 hours of sunshine in October and nine in November.
Navigating Dubai: Transportation Tips for Tourists
Dubai offers a well-developed and diverse transportation system, ideal for both tourists and residents.
Here's a quick guide to help for when you’re there:
- Metro: Affordable city-wide travel with two lines (Red & Green) connecting key areas and attractions. Operates from 5am to 12pm/1am.
- Bus: Great for local commutes, there are 1,518 buses on 119 routes, including double-decker and metro link buses. Operates from 4am to 1am and there are separate compartments for women and families.
- Taxi: Taxis are available 24/7, including holidays. Special services are offered for women, families and airport transfers.
- Abras: These are great for scenic, cultural rides, as they’re traditional wooden boats crossing Dubai Creek. They’re a cheap and charming way to experience Dubai’s heritage.
- Monorail: Best for sightseeing, especially the Palm Jumeirah. This is a scenic 5.5km route with stops at Palm Gateway, Atlantis Adventure, and more. It’s the only public transport on Palm Jumeirah.
- Tram: Offers connectivity between metro and monorail, and it links key transport modes with Wi-Fi access. Operates using ground-based electricity.
- Ride-sharing: Great for flexible, short-distance travel. In Dubai, Uber and Careem are widely available and ideal for groups or quick trips.
- Car Rental: If you’re looking for independence and flexibility, hiring a car allows for easy exploring, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours. You can also double up on the relaxation by hiring a private driving Dubai tour guide.
Planning Your Dubai Vacation: Essential Tips and Advice
Is Dubai tourist-friendly? It is, but when visiting Dubai, it's important to respect local customs and laws.
Here's a quick guide to the dos and don'ts to help you enjoy your trip without any issues:
Dos:
- Dress Modestly: Women should avoid revealing clothing outside resorts, and men should stay covered away from the beach. Women should also wear a headscarf when visiting religious sites.
- Respect Ramadan: If visiting during Ramadan, don’t eat, drink or smoke in public during the day. Expect local food vendors to be closed during this month.
- Use Public Transport: Dubai’s metro, buses and taxis are efficient and affordable. Just remember not to eat or drink on public transport.
- Check Hotel Policies: Unmarried couples should check if they can share a room, as it’s technically illegal, though often not strictly enforced for tourists.
Don’ts:
- Mind Your Medications: Some prescription drugs, including those with codeine, are illegal. Research and carry documentation if needed.
- Avoid PDA: Public displays of affection, even hand-holding, can lead to trouble, especially if you’re unmarried.
- Watch Your Language: Tourists in Dubai need to be careful, as swearing or using offensive language can result in fines or arrest.
- Be Discreet About Sexual Orientation: LGBTQIA expression and gender-fluid dressing is illegal, so avoid any public displays of affection and consider your dress code.
The Future of Tourism in Dubai
Dubai is rapidly growing as a global hub for business tourism, setting new records in 2023 with 17.15 million international visitors — a 19% increase from the previous year. Western Europe and South Asia are the top sources of these visitors, highlighting Dubai's appeal to a diverse range of travelers.
Looking ahead, Dubai is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable tourism. Following the UAE's hosting of COP28 in late 2023, the city is committed to becoming one of the world’s most sustainable destinations. This ambitious vision involves preserving Dubai’s historic attractions and cultural heritage while pioneering innovations in sustainable hospitality, ecotourism and smart city technology. As Dubai continues to evolve, it’s clear that sustainability will be at the heart of its tourism future.
Conclusion
Now you know a little about why Dubai is famous for tourism!
When there, why not hire a local Dubai tour guide to teach you more about the history of this city and to show you around? You can even book a private custom Dubai tour!
Tours can lead to some amazing memories from your travels, so explore the pages to see if any interest you!
