Dubai welcomed 1,327,000 visitors from the UK in 2024, marking a 14% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This growth is part of a broader trend as international visitor numbers to Dubai reached 18.72 million, reflecting a 9% rise year on year.

Despite this increase, the UK remains Dubai’s largest international market. However, the city experienced even greater growth from northeast and southeast Asia, where visitor numbers rose by 24% last year. The DET noted that the hotel sector played a significant role in boosting the city’s tourism performance, with 11 new hotel openings in 2024, including notable names such as One&Only and The Lana Dorchester Collection.

By December 2024, Dubai’s hotel inventory surpassed 154,000 rooms, nearly matching London and outpacing major cities like New York, Paris, and Bangkok, as reported by global hospitality insight firm STR. Future hotel developments, including the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab and the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, are expected to meet the growing demand from visitors and residents alike.

The average hotel occupancy rate in Dubai increased from 77% in 2023 to 78% last year, while the average room rate saw a slight rise from AED536 (£116) to AED538 (£117). His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), emphasized that Dubai’s impressive tourism performance in 2024 can be attributed to the strategic efforts of various partners and stakeholders, along with the visionary leadership of the city.