Dubai’s Top Tourist Sources Revealed as Visitor Numbers Rise

Dubai is on a roll! From January to March 2025, the city welcomed a whopping 5.31 million visitors from around the world. That’s a 3% jump compared to the same time last year, according to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). And honestly, are we even surprised? Dubai just keeps getting bigger, better, and more exciting every year!

This early 2025 success builds on an incredible 2024, when Dubai saw 18.72 million international overnight visitors, marking a 9% growth overall. The city isn’t slowing down anytime soon, it’s setting new records and showing the world why it’s the ultimate travel hotspot.

And just in time, too! Dubai is gearing up for the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, happening from April 28 to May 1. DET, along with over 125 partners, will be showing off everything that makes Dubai a top destination, from luxury hotels to thrilling adventures.

Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement!

So, Where Are All These Visitors Coming From?

Glad you asked! Dubai’s visitor list is as diverse as it gets, thanks to its strategy of promoting tourism in more than 80 markets worldwide. Here’s the breakdown of the top regions sending travelers to Dubai between January and March 2025:

• Western Europe leads the pack with 1.15 million visitors (22% share).
• CIS and Eastern Europe follow closely with 891,000 visitors (17%).
• GCC countries bring in 772,000 visitors (15%).
• South Asia isn’t far behind with 752,000 visitors (14%).
• MENA region adds 620,000 visitors (12%).
• North-East Asia and South-East Asia contribute 474,000 visitors (9%).
• The Americas send 374,000 visitors (7%).
• Africa records 197,000 visitors (4%).
• Australasia rounds it out with 78,000 visitors (1%).

From every corner of the globe, people just can’t get enough of Dubai’s magic!

Dubai’s Hotels Are Loving It Too

With so many travelers in town, Dubai’s hotels are thriving. The city’s Average Daily Rate (ADR), basically the average cost for a night’s stay, climbed by 2% year-on-year, hitting Dh647.

And it’s not just about tourism vibes, the hospitality boom is fueling Dubai’s economy. The accommodation and food services sector grew by 3.7% in the first nine months of 2024, reaching a value of Dh11.5 billion. Talk about impressive!

Dubai Keeps Winning Big

Dubai isn’t just attracting visitors... It’s attracting investors, too. In 2024, the city was ranked #1 globally for attracting Greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects for the fourth year in a row! It also topped the world in the food & beverage and tourism sectors.

With record-breaking visitor numbers, booming hotels, and major international investments, it’s clear: Dubai is unstoppable. Whether you're dreaming of luxury shopping, desert adventures, world-class dining, or beachside relaxation, Dubai’s doors are wide open and ready to welcome you!