Dubai welcomed more than 5.5 million international overnight visitors in Q1 2026 — a quarterly record and a 12% increase year-on-year — placing the city firmly on track to surpass 10 million international visitors for the full year and extending Dubai’s position as the world’s second-most visited city, behind only Bangkok in total international arrivals.
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism reports that hotel revenues, average daily room rates and occupancy all reached historic highs in Q1 2026, with the luxury and ultra-luxury hotel segments driving the strongest percentage growth as Dubai successfully shifts its tourism mix toward higher-spending visitors — a core objective of the D33 economic agenda targeting AED 650 billion in tourism revenue by 2033.
Key Source Markets Driving Growth
India remains Dubai’s single largest source market, accounting for approximately 20% of total international arrivals and benefiting from visa-free access for Indian passport holders — a policy that transformed bilateral tourism flows when introduced. The UK, Saudi Arabia, Russia and China complete the top five source markets, with notable growth in emerging markets including Nigeria, Kazakhstan and the Philippines as Dubai visa liberalisation expands market reach.
MICE Tourism: Conferences and Exhibitions Add Billions
Business tourism through Dubai’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector contributed an estimated AED 28 billion to the emirate’s tourism economy in 2025, with major events including GITEX, Gulfood, Arabian Travel Market, Arab Health and INDEX all drawing combined hundreds of thousands of international delegates annually. Dubai World Trade Centre’s calendar is at capacity through 2028, with new exhibition space under development to accommodate overflow demand.
World Cup 2026 is expected to contribute meaningfully to Q2 and Q3 2026 tourism performance, as international sports fans use Dubai as a base for following the tournament from a convenient time zone — a pattern already established during EURO 2024 when Dubai’s sports bars recorded unprecedented viewership revenue throughout the European championship.
Also Read: Doha Named GCC Tourism Capital 2026: Qatar Records 1.13 Million Visitors in Q1
Also Read
- UAE Central Bank forecasts 5.6% GDP growth in 2026
- DIFC reaches 6,500 companies as Dubai leads global finance
- UAE hospitality targets AED 2 billion in World Cup revenue
- Dubai property hits AED 120 billion in Q1 2026
Read next: Why Dubai Remains One of the World’s Safest Cities for Visitors and Residents in 2026
Primary sources: Experience Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s official tourism body, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the UAE Government portal.
