August 6, 2025 | 11:01 pm
DUBAI attracted 9.88 million visitors during the first half of 2025, up 6 percent compared to the same period last year. Several factors are attributed to this achievement, including global campaigns and new destinations.
According to data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the highest number of visitors came from Western Europe at 2.12 million visitors (22%). South Asia contributed 1.44 million visitors (15%), while Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia contributed 894 thousand (9%) visitors.
Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai) under DET, said Dubai's tourism achievement reflects the strength of collaboration between the government and the private sector, as well as the active role of the community in introducing the city's attractions to the world.
Other factors include strong infrastructure, business ecosystems, ease of access, and year-round events ranging from entertainment and trade to MICE. Issam declared the city's commitment to improving the quality of life for visitors and residents. "This is through infrastructure development and sustained investment in capacity to attract new international audiences," said Issam.
Dubai's Tourism Campaigns
As a favorite tourist destination, Dubai offers a unique experience, safety, and connectivity. This is also supported by continuously increasing accommodation to meet the interests of international visitors. These include Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Umm Suqeim, Cheval Maison in Expo City, The Biltmore Hotel Villas in Al Barsha, and Vida Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai.
During the first half of 2025, Visit Dubai launched various attractive campaigns involving famous celebrities from various countries. For example, 'Dubai, Who's Ready?' with South Korean actors Park Seo Jun, Choi Woo Shik, and Park Hyung Sik. The 'Find Your Story' campaign with Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi, and 'Dubai, Ready for a Surprise?' with Indian celebrity couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma.
Dubai's Tourism Accolades
Dubai also received several global awards in the first half of 2025, one of which is being recognized as the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere. In terms of global tourism recognition, Dubai continues to rank at the top as one of the "best of the best" destinations in the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards 2025.
In a study conducted by travel insurance company InsureMyTrip, Dubai was named the best city in the world for solo female travelers, with the highest scores in the categories of 'feeling safe' and 'feeling safe walking alone at night' among the 62 cities surveyed.
The city's culinary diversity also received global recognition. The fourth edition of the MICHELIN Guide Dubai was launched last May, featuring 119 restaurants of 35 cuisines, including the first two Dubai restaurants to receive three MICHELIN stars: FZN by Björn Frantzén and Trèsind Studio.
The MICHELIN 2025 guide also includes 3 two-star restaurants, 14 one-star restaurants, 22 Bib Gourmand restaurants, and 3 MICHELIN Green Star recipients. In the list of The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 announced in June, two Dubai restaurants made the top 50: Tresind Studio ranked 27th and was named the best restaurant in the Middle East, and Orfali Bros returned to the list, ranking 37th.
Editor’s Choice: Dubai Food Guide: From Street Food to Matcha Delights
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
10 Best Places to Retire in Europe
1 jam lalu
The best places to retire in Europe present unique benefits that can elevate your golden years.
Today's Top 3 News: Government Sees Bright Future for Indonesian Palm Oil in Europe
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Government Sees Bright Future for Indonesian Palm Oil in Europe
2 hari lalu
The government assesses the increasing potential of Indonesia's palm oil market in Europe and the opportunity to significantly increase exports.
95% of Indonesian Exports to Europe Are Tariff-Free Under IEU-CEPA
2 hari lalu
The Indonesian government announced that, under the IEU-CEPA, 95% of the country's export products will be exempt from import tariffs in 2027.
No More Stickers: EU Moves to Digitalize Schengen Visa for Better Security
2 hari lalu
The EU is moving to digitalize the Schengen Visa. The trial phase was implemented during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
New Zealand to Charge Foreign Tourists Visiting Popular Nature Destinations
3 hari lalu
The charges will be imposed at popular natural tourist sites, such as Milford Track, Mount Cook, and Cathedral Cove in New Zealand.
KKP Unveils Rampant Illegal Mining Activities on Riau's Small Islands
5 hari lalu
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has sealed a number of locations on small islands that are used for illegal mining sites.
List of Israel's Allies That Have and Have Not Recognized the State of Palestine
5 hari lalu
Nations in the West are increasingly following France in recognizing the State of Palestine.
Indonesians Now Eligible for 5-Year Schengen Visa Under New Cascade Scheme
6 hari lalu
Indonesians who have traveled to EU countries two or more times are now eligible to apply for a multi-entry Schengen visa.
10 Richest Cities in the Middle East: Which City Holds the Crown?
6 hari lalu
Whether through traditional energy dominance or modern tech revolutions, the richest cities in the Middle East have long been the region's economy.
