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Dubai welcomed record-breaking 17 million tourists in 2023, sheikh hamdan says in a post on x that the city is at the 'forefront of the global tourism sector'.

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Published: Wed 7 Feb 2024, 11:49 AM

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Dubai witnessed a record-breaking year in tourism in 2023, as it welcomed 17 million international visitors.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, took to X to make the announcement today.

He said that the city is at the "forefront of the global tourism sector", and has one of the world's highest hotel occupancy rates of 77.4 per cent. Hotel capacity also reaches more than 150,000 rooms.

The Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aims to position the city as one of the top 3 cities for business and tourism.

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Middle East Tourism Set to Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2023

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

January 25th, 2023 at 2:00 AM EST

UNWTO may not be too far off the mark on its recovery prediction for the Middle East considering the number of hotel openings and new projects in the region. However, the road to recovery is fraught with economic and geopolitical risks.

Peden Doma Bhutia

Middle East Travel Roundup

Get the latest news from the Middle East in one easy-to-digest newsletter.

Having witnessed a stronger than expected recovery in 2022, the Middle East could see international tourist arrivals return to pre-pandemic levels this year, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Data from the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer noted that while all regions enjoyed significant increase in international arrivals in 2022 over the previous year, the Middle East recorded the strongest relative increase as international tourist numbers climbed to 83 percent of pre-pandemic numbers last year. “The region welcomed large events such as Expo 2020 Dubai and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, as well as a highly attended Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia,” noted UNWTO in its report.  “UNWTO anticipates a strong year for the sector even in the face of diverse challenges including the economic situation and continued geopolitical uncertainty,” Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili said. UNWTO noted that over 900 million tourists travelled internationally in 2022, which was double the number of those who travelled in 2021 though still 37 percent below 2019.

Passengers travelling on Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Saudia , would soon be able to avail a free four-day tourist visa , according to local media reports. Saudia is set to announce the “Your Ticket is a Visa” program, which enables tourists on board its flights to enter Saudi Arabia for a period of 96 hours, the airline’s spokesperson, Abdullah Al-Shahrani said to the local media. While a date has not been announced for the launch but Al Shahrani said that those coming to Saudi Arabia, through Saudia, would be able to travel across the kingdom and also perform Umrah . The airline has allocated over 25.3 million seats for international flights in 2023 across almost 90,000 flights , up 40 percent from 2022. Seat capacity on domestic flights for 2023 has also been increased by about half a million seats to reach over 17.8 million , with the total number of domestic flights exceeding 102,100 . 

Saudi Arabia’s megaproject Red Sea Destination would not be imposing any restrictions on tourists visiting the destination and would be governed by international standards , according to Loredana Pettinati , Red Sea Global‘s senior travel trade director. Pettinati made the statement at a briefing about the project in United Arab Emirates where she was taking questions from the audience, as per a report by Hotelier Middle East. She said that hotels would not be asking for marital status to men and women wanting to book a room at Red Sea and women would be able to wear bikinis. Since women in Saudi Arabia are required to cover their bodies in public, bikinis are not acceptable in public beaches. Touted to be a luxury tourism destination, the Red Sea Destination is being developed on the western coast of the country. Managed by Red Sea Global, the project forms part of the Saudi Vision 2030 program. This year, the project will witness the opening of an international airport as well as the first three hotels — St Regis Red Sea Resort, Nujuma Ritz Carlton Reserve and Six Senses Southern Dunes .

Dubai tops the list for medical tourism in the Middle East and North Africa region and ranks sixth in the world , with the city ranking fifth globally on the sub-index of quality of facilities and services, according to the latest Medical Tourism Index . The emirate’s private health facilities hit a record 4,482 in 2022, a 45 percent growth in five years, according to official statistics released by the Dubai Health Authority for 2022. Along with the growth in the number of healthcare facilities, Dubai has also witnessed an impressive 61 percent increase in licensed medical professionals to reach 55,208 in 2022.

Egypt hopes to double its tourism figures to reach 25-30 million by 2028. Ahmed Issa , the tourism minister, made this remark during a debate at the senate. However, he highlighted that to accommodate an increasing number of tourists the country would also need to double its hotel room capacity , offer low-cost air travel options and diversify its tourist products . Issa said the government is currently giving a lot of incentives to the private sector to double Egypt’s inbound traffic. “Egypt has 1,200 tourist hotels, 1,300 tourist restaurants, 12,000 tourist guides, 2,200 tourist companies, 130 archaeological sites and 31 museums currently,” he said. The minister went on to say that Egypt is currently concentrating on attracting more Chinese tourists to the destination. “I can say that there are around 30 million Chinese who are interested in visiting Egypt over the next few years,” he said.

United Arab Emirates’ Al Habtoor Group is looking to spend up to $3 billion this year to expand its real estate and hotel business. The group which owns residential properties and hotels is looking at markets in Europe , including Budapest and Slovakia , for expansion. “We are investing around $2.8 billion to $3 billion this year for expansion,” UAE businessman Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor said speaking to Bloomberg TV. Al Habtoor Group has at least 14 hotels in its portfolio, including Waldorf Astoria on the Palm Jumeirah, Metropolitan Hotel and Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City in the UAE. The group also has hotels in the UK, Lebanon and Hungary. In its earnings report for the first half of 2022, the group had noted an 82 per cent increase in revenues for its hospitality arm Habtoor Hospitality , over the same period in 2021. The company had attributed this to an overall increase in bookings in town and an average daily rate-focused policy.

Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts , which operates 26 properties across the Middle East, Europe and Asia, has become the latest hospitality company to join the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance . With this, “Jumeirah has become part of the responsible hospitality network, with a reach of over 7 million rooms, along with strategic and supply chain partners to create shared solutions for environmental and social challenges,” a release from the company stated. The alliance’s work includes climate action, water stewardship and responsible resourcing, alongside human rights, employability and equity, diversity and inclusion. Highlighting Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to incorporating sustainable and inclusive practices across the business ecosystem, Thomas Meier , chief operating officer of the hotel group, said, “We believe we have the opportunity with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance to bring about transformative change, by working alongside our industry peers and finding practical solutions that will ultimately set the foundations for long term value creation and sustainable growth.”

The grand reveal of ultra-luxury resort Atlantis The Roya l took place during the weekend. The event was marked by a 60-minute performance of American singer Beyonce , her first live show since 2018.  “Eight years in the making, Atlantis The Royal has been specifically designed to challenge the boundaries of imagination and reshape what ultra-luxury travel means,” a release from the company said. Reservations are now open for stays from February 10 onwards. “We are excited to begin welcoming guests in February and treat them to an experience that will completely redefine their perspective of luxury,” said Tim Kelly , managing director of Atlantis Dubai. The 43-storey high and spanning 406,000 square metres , Atlantis The Royal, is shaped like Tetris blocks and is located on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah.

The Middle East and Africa was the only region to show an increase in overall hotel pipeline activity at the end of the fourth quarter , according to December 2022 data from hotel data giant STR . A total of 238,635 hotel rooms were under contract in the region in December 2022, an increase of a little over 1 percent compared to the same period in 2021.  Saudi Arabia with 40,742 rooms and United Arab Emirates with 27,456 rooms have the highest number of rooms in construction in the region. Around 41,086 rooms were in the final planning stage in December, up by 6 percent from December 2021, while another 74,863 rooms were in the planning phase . 

Around 20 percent of the infrastructure work at Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion futuristic city Neom has been completed, according to Nadhmi Al-Nasr , Neom’s CEO. The work progress has been on schedule to deliver infrastructure, Al-Nasr told Al-Arabiya TV from Davos. Sindalah , the first luxury island destination in Neom and one of the most important projects supporting Saudi Arabia’s national tourism strategy is expected to open in 2024 . Last week a progress film was also released showing footage of the large-scale construction across Neom. “We want to show the world that Neom is really happening,” a release stated. This is said to be the first film in what will be an ongoing series showing progress at the megacity. Hospitality brand Yotel also announced its first hotel signing at Neom. Scheduled to open in  2025 , the Yotel property will also be the first hotel to open at Oxagon in Neom.

The Expo Centre Sharjah has announced its event calendar for 2023 , which includes 49 economic, commercial, and cultural exhibitions , an increase of 23 percent from the 40 events held in 2022. The calendar also features events to be hosted by its affiliate centres in Khorfakkan and Al Dhaid. The 2023 calendar includes eight exhibitions and conferences to be organised in Sharjah for the first time. The Expo Centre’s 2023 events calendar has been carefully planned to reflect the improved investment climate in Sharjah and enhance the emirate’s business environment, Abdullah Sultan Al Owais , chairman of the Expo Centre, said. Equipped with modern, world-class facilities, advanced technologies, and high-quality services for event organisers from different countries, the expo centre attracts over 2.5 million visitors annually , according to Saif Mohammed Al Midfa , CEO of the Expo Centre.

Emirates has successfully completed the ground engine testing for one of its GE90 engines on a Boeing 777-300ER using 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel . The objective of the ground testing and analysis is to demonstrate the capability of the GE90 engine to run on the specially blended 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel without affecting its performance, requiring no modifications to the aircraft systems, or special maintenance procedures on the aircraft or engine to operate. The ground test results will now pave the way for the airline’s first experimental test flight using 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel in one engine, which is due for take-off this week. Emirates is on the steering committee of the World Economic Forum’s Clean Skies for Tomorrow initiative, which seeks to promote sustainable aviation fuel deployment worldwide.

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Tags: asia monthly , atlantis , china outbound , Chinese tourists , dubai , egypt , emirates air , jumeirah , red sea , saudi arabia , saudia airlines , Skift Pro Columns , str , uae , unwto

Photo credit: Events such as Expo 2020 Dubai and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar helped the Middle East to witness a stronger than expected recovery in 2022. tommaso picone / Pexels

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• Premium Statistic Middle Eastern countries with the most international tourist arrivals 2022
• Basic Statistic Inbound visitor growth in the Middle East 2011-2025
• Basic Statistic Outbound visitor growth in the Middle East 2011-2025
• Premium Statistic Targets of international tourist arrivals GCC 2023, by country
• Premium Statistic Number of pipeline hotel rooms GCC 2023-2028, by country

Middle Eastern countries with the most international tourist arrivals 2022

Middle Eastern countries with the largest number of international tourist arrivals in 2022 (in millions)

Inbound visitor growth in the Middle East 2011-2025

Inbound visitor growth in the Middle East from 2011 to 2025

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Outbound visitor growth in the Middle East from 2011 to 2025

Targets of international tourist arrivals GCC 2023, by country

Targets for international tourist arrivals in the Gulf Cooperation Council as of 2023, by country

Number of pipeline hotel rooms GCC 2023-2028, by country

Number of rooms of pipeline hotel projects in the Gulf Cooperation Council between 2023 and 2028, by country (in 1,000s)

Contribution of tourism to UAE economy

• Premium Statistic Share of the GDP of the tourism sector in the United Arab Emirates 2013-2028
• Premium Statistic Absolute economic contribution of tourism in the United Arab Emirates 2014-2029
• Premium Statistic International tourism receipts per capita in the United Arab Emirates 2006-2029
• Premium Statistic Per capita spending on restaurants and hotels in the UAE 2014-2029
• Premium Statistic Expenditure per capita on international tourism in the United Arab Emirates 2006-2029

Share of the GDP of the tourism sector in the United Arab Emirates 2013-2028

Share of the GDP of the tourism sector in the United Arab Emirates from 2013 to 2028

Absolute economic contribution of tourism in the United Arab Emirates 2014-2029

Absolute economic contribution of tourism in the United Arab Emirates from 2014 to 2029 (in million U.S. dollars)

International tourism receipts per capita in the United Arab Emirates 2006-2029

International tourism receipts per capita in the United Arab Emirates from 2006 to 2029 (in U.S. dollars)

Per capita spending on restaurants and hotels in the UAE 2014-2029

Per capita consumer spending on restaurants and hotels in the United Arab Emirates from 2014 to 2029 (in U.S. dollars)

Expenditure per capita on international tourism in the United Arab Emirates 2006-2029

Expenditure per capita on international tourism in the United Arab Emirates from 2006 to 2029 (in U.S. dollars)

• Premium Statistic Number of international tourist arrivals in the United Arab Emirates 2014-2029
• Premium Statistic Number of hotel guests UAE 2022, by region of origin
• Premium Statistic Annual growth in number of hotel guests UAE 2022, by region of origin
• Premium Statistic Share of visitor arrivals to Dubai 2022, by region
• Premium Statistic Share of tourist trips UAE 2022, by purpose

Number of international tourist arrivals in the United Arab Emirates from 2014 to 2029 (in millions)

Number of hotel guests UAE 2022, by region of origin

Number of guests at hotels and hotel apartments in United Arab Emirates in 2022, by region of origin (in 1,000s)

Annual growth in number of hotel guests UAE 2022, by region of origin

Annual growth in number of guests at hotels and hotel apartments in United Arab Emirates in 2022, by region of origin

Share of visitor arrivals to Dubai 2022, by region

Share of visitor arrivals to Dubai in 2022, by region

Share of tourist trips UAE 2022, by purpose

Share of tourist trips in the United Arab Emirates in 2022, by purpose

Tourism attitudes

• Premium Statistic Travel product bookings in the UAE 2023
• Premium Statistic Travel frequency for private purposes in the UAE 2023
• Premium Statistic Travel frequency for business purposes in the UAE 2023
• Premium Statistic Attitudes towards traveling in the UAE 2023

Travel product bookings in the UAE 2023

Travel product bookings in the UAE as of March 2023

Travel frequency for private purposes in the UAE 2023

Travel frequency for private purposes in the UAE as of March 2023

Travel frequency for business purposes in the UAE 2023

Travel frequency for business purposes in the UAE as of March 2023

Attitudes towards traveling in the UAE 2023

Attitudes towards traveling in the UAE as of March 2023

Hotel supply

• Premium Statistic Number of hotels UAE 2008-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of rooms in hotels UAE 2008-2022
• Premium Statistic Share of hotel key supply UAE 2023, by hotel class

Number of hotels UAE 2008-2022

Total number of hotels and similar establishments in the United Arab Emirates from 2008 to 2022

Number of rooms in hotels UAE 2008-2022

Total number of rooms in hotels and similar establishments in the United Arab Emirates from 2008 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Share of hotel key supply UAE 2023, by hotel class

Share of hotel key supply in the United Arab Emirates in 2023, by hotel class

Hospitality indicators

• Premium Statistic Revenue of hotel industry UAE 2022 by type
• Premium Statistic Revenue per available room in the UAE 2022, by emirate
• Premium Statistic Change in hotel revenue per available room in the UAE 2022, by emirate
• Premium Statistic Hotel room occupancy rate UAE 2000-2022
• Premium Statistic Occupancy rate in the UAE 2022, by emirate
• Premium Statistic Average length of stay in hotels in UAE 2002-2022
• Premium Statistic Average daily rate in UAE 2022, by emirate

Revenue of hotel industry UAE 2022 by type

Revenue of hotel industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2022, by type (in million UAE dirham)

Revenue per available room in the UAE 2022, by emirate

Revenue per available room of hotels in the United Arab Emirates as of 2022, by emirate (in UAE dirhams)

Change in hotel revenue per available room in the UAE 2022, by emirate

Change in revenue per available room of hotels in the United Arab Emirates as of 2022, by emirate

Hotel room occupancy rate UAE 2000-2022

Occupancy rate of rooms in hotels and similar accommodation establishments in the United Arab Emirates from 2000 to 2022

Occupancy rate in the UAE 2022, by emirate

Occupancy rate of hotels in the United Arab Emirates as of 2022, by emirate

Average length of stay in hotels in UAE 2002-2022

Average length of stay in hotels and similar accommodation establishments in the United Arab Emirates from 2002 to 2022

Average daily rate in UAE 2022, by emirate

Average daily rate of hotels in the United Arab Emirates as of 2022, by emirate (in UAE dirhams)

• Premium Statistic Number of pipeline luxury hotels GCC 2023, by country
• Premium Statistic Share of pipeline hotel rooms UAE 2023-2028, by hotel class
• Premium Statistic Expected revenue of hospitality industry in the UAE 2021-2026
• Premium Statistic Share of hotel projects in Dubai UAE 2022, by phase
• Premium Statistic Share of hotel projects in Dubai in the UAE 2022-2025, by completion date

Number of pipeline luxury hotels in the Gulf Cooperation Council as of 2023, by country

Share of pipeline hotel rooms UAE 2023-2028, by hotel class

Share of rooms of pipeline hotel projects in the United Arab Emirates between 2023 and 2028, by hotel class

Expected revenue of hospitality industry in the UAE 2021-2026

Forecasted revenue of the hospitality industry in the United Arab Emirates from 2021 to 2026 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Share of hotel projects in Dubai UAE 2022, by phase

Distribution of hotel projects in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in 2022, by phase

Share of hotel projects in Dubai in the UAE 2022-2025, by completion date

Distribution of hotel projects in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from 2022 to 2025, by planned completion date

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UAE’s tourism sector to generate 23,600 new jobs in 2024: WTTC

Travel & tourism.

International tourists are projected to spend Dh192 billion in UAE this year

Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s travel and tourism sector is poised to add 23,600 new positions this year, bringing the total workforce to nearly 833,000, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) announced Thursday.

The WTTC, in its UAE 2024 Economic Impact report, said last year that jobs supported by travel and tourism grew by 41,000 to reach more than 809,000, representing one in nine jobs in the country.

“Although the jobs lost during the pandemic were fully recovered in 2022, today’s announcement shows sector jobs have increased 11 per cent since the 2019 high point,” said WTTC’s President and CEO, Julia Simpson.

“In 10 years, there will be about a million jobs in the travel and tourism sector, and it will likely be worth Dh275 billion. These include jobs in the hotel and hospitality sector as well as those in aviation, travel agents, online travel agents, and more,” she explained.

Moreover, WTTC, a global tourism body, forecasts that the sector will continue to grow in 2024, with a GDP of over Dh236 billion.

International visitor spending is projected to grow by nearly 10 percent to reach Dh192 billion, and domestic visitor spending is forecast to increase by 4.3 percent to reach almost Dh58 billion.

Record-breaking year of travel and tourism

WTTC’s report has revealed a record-breaking year for the sector in the UAE, with new records achieved across key metrics, including the sector’s GDP contribution, jobs, and visitor spending.

Simpson said the sector is now soaring past all previous records. Last year, it grew by more than a quarter (26 percent) to contribute a record-breaking Dh 220 billion to the UAE’s GDP, representing 11.7 percent of the entire economy.

She explained, “This exceeded the previous record set in 2019 by almost 15 percent and underscores the sector’s pivotal role in the nation’s economic framework.”

Visitor spending

According to the WTTC, domestic visitor spending fully recovered in 2022; it continued to grow last year to reach more than Dh55.5 billion, almost 40 per cent higher than in 2019.

Moreover, international visitor spending surged by almost 40 per cent in 2023 to reach over Dh175 billion, 12 per cent above 2019 levels.

Simpson said, “The UAE’s travel and tourism sector has not only recovered; it soared to new heights. The remarkable growth in employment and visitor spending is a testament to the UAE’s strategic vision and commitment to enhancing the sector.”

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Blog / infographics / DUBAI TOURISM STATISTICS 2024 (INFOGRAPHICS)

DUBAI TOURISM STATISTICS 2024 (INFOGRAPHICS)

Posted by gmi blogger posted in infographics.

The post-pandemic world has seen many changes and struggles especially for the tourist sector.

Dubai has bravely faced these challenges through its innovation and dedication.

In 2024, the city’s exceptional performance in tourism has been underscored by various accolades like the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024 (third year in a row) and being ranked as the world’s No.1 city destination in the Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023 by Euromonitor International.

These achievements are a result of programmes by the Dubai government like the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

These initiatives aim to channel Dubai’s charm along with its world-class amenities and infrastructure to attract both visitors and workers.

In the past year, the city has entered into collaborations with icons like Real Madrid Club de Fútbol (opening a real-madrid theme park) and the artistic genius of Hans Zimmer who created “Sounds of Dubai” (a musical piece that shows the city’s vibe). 

It has also graciously hosted several global events including Gulfood and Gitex Global Dubai drawing crowds from far and wide.

All these have helped in reaffirming the city’s position as a top tourist destination.

Let’s look at the tourism statistics of 2024 and try to understand the region’s reputation as a must-visit destination on the global tourism map.

Dubai Tourism Statistics 2024 (Key Points)

Total International Visitors in the month of January 2024 alone is 1.77 Million

According to the research done by GMI Team , a total of 17.15 million people visited Dubai between January and December 2023.

There was an approximate 19.43% increase in international visitors to Dubai in 2023 compared to 2022 (14.36 million).

Dubai boasts a substantial accommodation infrastructure, with 821 hotels catering to tourists.

Visitors to Dubai have access to a vast array of accommodation options, with 150,291 rooms available across the city.

The average daily rate for rooms in Dubai is 536 AED, offering tourists a range of choices to suit their budgets.

Dubai Tourism Statistics 2024 (Infographics)

Accommodation Available in Dubai [Jan to Dec 2023]

As tourism in Dubai grows, so does its hospitality industry.

In 2023, the emirate saw a significant rise in both the number of hotels and available rooms.

The total number of hotels for accommodation rose to 821, up from 804 in 2022 and 755 in 2021.

This represents a growth of approximately 2.1% from 2022 and a substantial 8.7% increase from 2021.

The number of available rooms in Dubai also saw a steady rise over these years.

In 2023, there were 150,291 rooms available, an increase from 146,496 in 2022 and 137,950 in 2021.

This indicates a growth of about 2.6% from 2022 and a notable 8.9% rise from 2021.

The average daily rate for rooms in Dubai remained constant at 536 AED in 2022 and 2023, showing a commitment towards competitive pricing.

However, there was a significant increase of 18.8% from the 2021 rate of 451 AED.

These figures highlight that Dubai’s hospitality industry is growing in tandem with the rise in tourism.

Top Sources of Visitors to Dubai [Jan to Dec 2023] *

Note: * Calculations made by the GMI research team based on growth percentages.

Dubai was buzzing with tourists in 2023, and guess what?

India took the lead, sending over 2.2 million eager explorers to the city!

They made up a whopping 12.83%(2,200,345) of all visitors.

Oman wasn’t far behind, with its army of adventurers making up 9.13%(1,565,795) of the crowd.

Saudi Arabia, who added their flair to the mix, accounted for 8.47%(1,452,605) of visitors.

The UK, Russia, and the US brought in their fair share of tourists too, adding to the vibrant tapestry of cultures.

The UK contributed 7.26%(1,245,090) of the total visitors, while Russia accounted for 5.28%(905,520)  and the US added 4.11%(704,865) to the total.  

Germany, France, Pakistan, and Iran all had their moments in the Dubai sun.

Germany’s tourists represented 2.94%(504,210) of the total, while France made up 2.53%(433,895).

Pakistan and Iran also played significant roles, with Pakistan contributing 2.48%(425,320) and Iran bringing in approximately 2.28%(391,020).

Additionally, a multitude of other countries collectively accounted for a substantial portion of Dubai’s tourist arrivals- 42.69%(7,321,335).

Dubai truly is a melting pot of cultures and experiences, drawing in people from all corners of the globe.

Source of Visitors by Region [Jan to Dec 2023]

Dubai’s tourism scene is truly a global affair, with visitors pouring in from all corners of the world.

The reasons could be many, such as the emirate’s sunny landscapes, towering skyscrapers, renowned shopping, and entertainment offerings.

Western Europe takes the lead with a solid 19% share, sending over 3.25 million tourists.

South Asia follows closely behind, contributing an impressive 18% share, that is, over 3 million visitors.

The GCC region, including neighboring countries, makes up 16% of the crowd, with approximately 2.74 million visitors.

Eastern Europe, MENA, and North Asia & South East Asia each play significant roles, adding 13% (22,29,500), 12% (20,58,000) and 9% (15,43,500) respectively.

The Americas contribute 7% (12,00,500), Africa 4% (68,6000), and Australasia 2% (34,3000).

All these figures showcase Dubai’s global appeal as a premier destination for travelers worldwide.

International Tourists in Dubai [Jan to Dec 2023]

Dubai’s allure as a top tourist destination has steadily grown over the years, with a notable surge in international visitors.

In 2023, the city welcomed a staggering 17.15 million international tourists, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s 14.36 million arrivals.

This upward trend reflects Dubai’s continued efforts to attract visitors from across the globe.

Looking back, the numbers tell an intriguing story: in 2021, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Dubai still managed to host 7.28 million international tourists, showcasing its resilience and appeal as a travel destination.

And if we rewind to 2019, we see a peak of 16.73 million tourists, highlighting Dubai’s long-standing popularity among travelers.

Over the years, Dubai has consistently drawn in millions of visitors, solidifying its position as a premier tourist hotspot in the Middle East.

With each passing year, the city’s tourism industry continues to flourish, offering travelers unforgettable experiences and memories to cherish.

Dubai Tourism Statistics 2023 (Key Points)

According to the research done by GMI Team , a total of 15.37 million people visited Dubai between January and November 2023.

Of all the countries, India contributed the highest number of visitors to Dubai in January-October 2023, with 2.0 million.

Dubai welcomed 8.55 million international visitors in the fiirst half of 2023.

Dubai’s total international visitors for Q1 2023 is 4.67 million.

Dubai’s total international visitors for Q2 2023 is 3.88 million.

Dubai’s total international visitors for Q3 2023 is 3.85 million.

The majority of Dubai’s international visitors in Q1 2023 came from India (612K visitors).

Total number of international visitors in 2022 was 14.36 million.

Dubai saw an increase of 7.08 million visitors in 2022, which is a 97% increase from 2021.

Number of hotels available for accommodation in Dubai as of the end of 2022 were 804, with 146,496 rooms.

Average daily rate for a hotel room in Dubai is 536 AED.

India was the major source of visitors in 2022 with 1.8 Million visitors.

GCC and Western Europe were the two regions that contributed the highest percentage of visitors, each contributing 21%.

Dubai Tourism Statistics 2023 [Infographics]

Accommodation Available in Dubai [Jan – Dec 2022]

From luxurious resorts like The Ritz Carlton to affordable hostels like Backpacker 16, anyone planning to visit Dubai can easily find accommodations based on their budget and preferences. By the end of 2022, there were 804 hotels available with 146,496 rooms. The average daily hotel room rate in Dubai is 536 AED.

Top Sources of Visitors to Dubai [Jan – Dec 2022]

Based on our Dubai tourism data research, India is one of the top sources of visitors to Dubai, with 1,842,000 Indians touring the region in 2022.

Oman is in the second position with 1,311,000 visitors, and Saudi Arabia occupies the third position with 1,216,000.

Source of Visitors by Region [Jan – Dec 2022]

Looking at the region-wise distribution of tourists in 2022, we can see that the GCC and Western Europe together supplied 42% of the total visitors.

The second position is occupied by South Asia with 17%, and MENA comes in the third position with 12% visitors.

International Tourists in Dubai [2015 -2022]

According to GMI research Team, Dubai has seen a steady influx of international tourists over the past several years, except between 2019 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

While 16.73 million visitors came in 2019, the number drastically reduced to 7.28 million in 2021.

However, with the help of strict COVID guidelines and attractive marketing strategies, ‘safe’ travel was once again introduced to international visitors. Thus, by 2022, the number had again risen to 14.36 million.

Top 5 International Destinations

According to Travel Medium , Dubai is the fourth most visited city in the world after Bangkok, Paris and London. Bangkok ranked first on the list, and has an average visitor count of more than 22 million.

Paris, the second most visited city in the world, attracts visitors with its classic buildings, arching Parisian bridges and elegant boulevards. The city has an average of 19.10 million visitors.

Renowned for its Gothic architecture, London is the 3rd most visited city in the world. The city attracts more than 19 million tourists.

With around 16 million international visitors, Dubai ranks fourth on the list. The city is popular for its highrises, mega-malls, and desert trips.

Singapore comes fifth on this list with around 15 million visitors. This green and innovative city is a tourist hotspot with its unique hawker centers, street markets and fine dining restaurants. 

Top Tourist Destinations in Dubai

Dubai is a dream city with the tallest skyscrapers, shopping malls, mammoth aquariums, indoor ski slopes and a number of other tourist spots. The city attracts thousands of visitors every day. 

As per the list of most popular tourist destinations in Dubai by Trip Advisor, the Burj Khalifa is the most visited site. The list claims that the Burj Khalifa is more popular than the Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall as well as the Dubai Miracle Garden. 

Burj Al Arab, the most popular luxury hotel in Dubai, came first on the list of ‘Top Sites To See In Dubai’ on Lonely Planet, another travel portal. In this list, the Burj Khalifa ranks fourth after IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Museum.

Most Famous Buildings & Artificial Islands in Dubai

Being the favourite tourist destination and the most searched place in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is, without doubt, the most famous building.

Burj Al Arab is the next most famous building, followed by Atlantis the Palm, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Cayan Tower, and the Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

The world’s largest artificial island, Palm Jumeirah is in Dubai. The island is shaped like a palm tree and is filled with luxury hotels, beachfront villas, and apartments. World Islands, an archipelago of small artificial islands, is located off the coast of Dubai. 

Dubai Tourism Statistics 2022

• Total International Visitors from Jan to Nov 2022 is 12.82 Million.
• India was the highest number of international visitors in Jan – Nov 2022, with 1.6M visitors.
• Total International Visitors from Jan to Oct 2022 is 11.40 Million.
• India was the highest number of international visitors in Jan – Oct 2022, with 1.4M visitors.
• Total International Visitors from Jan to Sep 2022 is 10.12 Million.
• India was the major source of tourists in Jan – Sep 2022, with 1.2M visitors.
• Total International Visitors from Jan to June 2022 is 7.12 Million.
• India was the major source of tourists in Jan – June 2022, with 858K visitors.
• Total International Visitors from Jan to May 2022 is 6.17 Million.
• India was the major source of tourists in Jan – May 2022, with 707K visitors.
• Total International Visitors from Jan to April 2022 is 5.10 Million.
• Oman was the major source of tourists in Jan – April 2022, with 590K visitors.
• Total International Visitors from Jan to March 2022 is 3.97 Million.
• Oman was the major source of tourists in Jan – March 2022, with 463K visitors
• Total International Visitors from Jan to Feb 2022 is 2.19 Million.
• Saudi Arabia was the major source of tourists in Jan – Feb 2022, with 194K visitors
• Total Visitors in the Month of January 2022 alone 979.7K
• Saudi Arabia was the major source of tourists in January 2022, with 105K visitors
• Total International Visitors in 2021 – 7.28 Million
• Total Number of Hotels for Accommodation 2021 – 755
• Available Rooms in Dubai 2021 – 137,950
• Average Daily Rate for Rooms in Dubai 2021 – 451 AED

Accommodation Available in Dubai (Jan – Dec 2021)

With hotels dotted everywhere in Dubai, finding a good place to stay is no big deal. From five star resorts to budget hotels, you can choose accommodation based on your travel preferences. 

As of 2021, there are 755 hotels and nearly 137,950 rooms available for tourists in Dubai. The average rate of rooms is AED 451 per day. 

67% is their average occupancy level and the average length of stay is 4.6 nights.

International Tourists in Dubai

In 2015, the total number of international tourists accounted for 14.2 million. The figure rose gradually over four years, touching 16.73 million in 2019. However, the pandemic put a damper on the tourism sector, causing a sudden plunge in the annual visitations. According to official estimates, only 5.51 million tourists came to Dubai in 2020. Now, the UAE government is taking necessary measures to revive the tourism sector again.

Top Sources of visitors to Dubai (Jan-Dec 2021)

The UAE tourism sector under the effective guidance of the government undertook ‘revival’ strategies to open its doors to visitors. Innovative solutions were designed to adjust to the ‘new’ normal and make the visitors feel safe while travelling. These efforts to rekindle the tourism sector did not go in vain. 

 Around 7.28 million foreign nationals visited Dubai between Jan and Dec 2021. Of which, nearly 0.91 million were Indians. India was (and continues to be) the primary source of visitors to Dubai and UAE. Saudi Arabia came in second with 0.49 million visitors followed by Russia with 0.44 million. You can check the chart for the top ten sources of visitors to Dubai.

Sources of Visitors by Region (Jan – Dec 2021)

When we take the region-wise distribution into account, from January to December 2021, Western Europeans dominated the tourist category with 22% of the total visitors. South Asians followed close with 18%. The third position was occupied by Eastern Europeans with 15%. While 13% of tourists were from the MENA and GCC region and 8% of tourists came from the African region.

Most Searched ‘Dubai’ Places on Google

Unsurprisingly, Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, is the most searched place on Google. Nearly 1 million people search Burj Khalifa every month, which is almost  6 times higher than Burj Al Arab, the second spot with 1,60,000 searches. The Dubai mall is the third most searched place in Dubai with 99,000 searches per month and Global Village comes in fourth place with 52,000 monthly searches. Moreover, 35,000 people search for Ski Dubai, 25,000 people search for Dubai Frame and 15,000 people search for Dubai Miracle Garden every month. 

Events that Promote Tourism in Dubai

Apart from the architectural marvels, Dubai hosts a lot of festivals and events every year. Dubai Shopping Festival, Dhow Race, Dubai International Film Festival, Dubai World Cup, etc. are some of them. Every year these events attract thousands of tourists from all corners of the world. 

The year 2021 saw the grand opening of the most-awaited Dubai Expo 2020. Let’s take a look at the two main attractions of 2021 that generated the maximum visitations.

Dubai Expo 2020 

The Dubai Expo 2020 was a 6-month long event that started on 1st October 2021 and ended on 31st March 2022. 24 million visitors from over 178 countries travelled to witness the breathtaking architecture, groundbreaking technological advances and thrilling live performances staged at the expo For the first time in world expo history, each country showcased itself through a pavilion. The theme of the expo was Connecting Minds and Creating the Future. 

For those who could not visit the Expo and those wishing to revisit their experiences, the Virtualexpodubai.com became a boon. This first-time initiative allows people to indulge in a virtual tour of the Expo. To date, this platform has received 250 million visits with the majority of traffic from India, China and the UAE.

Dubai Shopping Festival 2021

The 27th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival started on 17th December 2020 and continued till 30th January 2021. The shoppers were enthralled with the power-packed performances of international celebrities. The celebrations kickstarted at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai with a performance by Balqees Fathi and Mohamed Hamaki. 

An impressive collection by local artisans and mouthwatering delights by food trucks filled the hunger and impressed the minds of the visitors. The DSF Drone Light Show at Bluewaters Island returned this year with more dazzle and pomp. Dubai Lights also debuted this year throughout the city. It included 7 interactive lighting installations. Not to forget the huge discounted offers from leading brands that welcomed shoppers. 

Many visual delights like aerial acrobatics enthralled the visitors. Harry Potter’s magical world and Madagascar were also recreated here. To sum up, the DSF was truly an unforgettable experience for shoppers and visitors alike. If you missed out this year, you can be a part of the next DSF, which is expected to take place from 15th December 2022 to 29th January 2023.

Global Tourism Campaigns

Dubai has been engaging global audiences through international campaigns for several years. The notable ones are ‘Dubai Presents’ and ‘Stay more Pay less’. While the former promotes the city’s attractions through movie-style trailers featuring Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities, the latter shows Dubai as a summer destination and draws people to the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival. These campaigns are designed to portray Dubai as the destination of choice for all kinds of travellers from across the globe.

Modes of Transportation

Dubai city is the most travel-friendly city since it provides several means of affordable transportation for tourists. 

For long-distance travel, the metro is the best option for tourists. Metro trains are available every few minutes. If you are staying in Dubai for a long duration, you can buy a red NOL card. You can recharge this card with a sufficient amount of money and use it for any public transport facility.

If you want to travel along the coastal route then you can take the tram. The tram in Dubai has 11 stations and runs along Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road.

The bus network in Dubai covers 87% of the urban area and has 1,518 buses. The internal lines connect to metro stations and the intercity lines can be used to travel to another emirate.

The taxi is the cheapest mode of transportation available to tourists. However, you may have to face the peak hour traffic, sometimes. But with proper planning, this situation can be avoided to a good extent.

Various modes of Marine transport are available to tourists for a comfortable trip around Dubai. These include the water bus, the Dubai ferry, Abra and the water taxi. 

• Abra is the most traditional transportation facility that is part of the city’s heritage (you can opt for a traditional Abra or an air-conditioned/petrol heritage Abra).
• A ferry can take you on a striking journey along the coastline and give you a view of the historical sites alongside.
• The water taxi is the perfect alternative to the city’s busy traffic. Tourists can either explore the impressive skyline between Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina or the heritage between Creek and Dubai Water Canal.
• The water bus provides a comfortable air-conditioned ride for tourists to enjoy the charms of the scenic Dubai Marina area.

If you visit the official website of the Government of Dubai, you can access the timetables of the various transports. You also have the option of entering the ‘From’ and ‘To’ sections under: ‘Plan your Journey’ to view the time taken by each transport service. 

Awards and Recognitions – A Testimony to Dubai’s Travel-Friendliness

• Julius Baer’s Global Wealth and Lifestyle report placed Dubai as no.1 in the MEASA region and no.12 globally for providing exceptional experiences and maintaining an outstanding quality of life.
• The Global Talent Competitive Index placed Dubai in the 3rd position as the most desirable place to live and work.
• Gallup Global Law and Order gave the first position to the UAE in terms of night safety and the second position in terms of overall safety.
• At the TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards, Dubai was voted as the No.1 destination for ‘City Lovers’ and the No. 4 destination for ‘Food Lovers’.

Visa Initiatives

The Dubai Government has taken many initiatives to make travel a hassle-free experience for visitors. As part of this, it has introduced several easy entry procedures for travelers like

• Five-Year Multi-Entry Visa – Employees of international companies can access this visa. 
• Golden Visa Initiative – Retired professionals, acclaimed personalities, investors and entrepreneurs can access this visa.

These steps were undertaken to encourage people to extend their visits and also multiply their visits to Dubai.

Post-Covid Travel Requirements

The Dubai government has issued certain travel requirements from 26 February 2022 for tourists to create a safe environment for travelers while they enjoy the city. All passengers arriving from any country should present one of the three documents mentioned below:

• Vaccination certificate with a QR code that proves they are fully vaccinated. Vaccines should be approved by the WHO or the UAE.
• Negative PCR test with a QR code given by an approved health provider. It should be issued within 48 hours from the time of sample collection to the flight time.
• A Valid medical certificate with a QR code given by relevant authorities that shows you have recovered from Covid-19 within a month before the date of travel.

The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan is an initiative to turn Dubai into a city that is the preferred destination for businesses, tourists and investors. These friendly and strategic steps are definitely yielding results as visitors continue to throng the city to witness its delights. Below you can read the Tourism Statistics for Dubai 2019

Dubai Tourism Statistics 2019 (Infographics)

Rooms for Everyone

In 2020, in spite of the pandemic, Dubai had a whopping 5.51 million visitors from around the world. In addition to a plethora of sights and delights that attracted these high number of people, Dubai is also well-equipped in terms of accommodations for dealing with this kind of inflow. The emirate has more than  740 hotels , offering a total of  127,814 rooms . These rooms are available across a whole spectrum of price ranges, catering to everyone from the luxury tours to the budget traveler. The average daily rate for rooms in Dubai is  343 AED .

International visitors for the first 6 months of 2019 (Jan-Jun) is recorded as  8.36 million .

Popular Places

Being home the tallest skyscraper in the world to the biggest shopping mall, Dubai is literally a wonder. These prominent tourist hotspots attract thousands of visitors daily. Dubai had attracted a record 16.7 million tourists in 2019 – an increase of 5.1 % compared to the previous year –

According to a  list  of most popular tourist sites in Dubai by  Trip Advisor , the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building is the most visited site in Dubai. The list claims that the that the Burj Khalifa is more popular than Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain as well as the Dubai Miracle Garden.

Burj Al Arab – the famous hotel of celebrities, was at the top of the  list  of ‘Top Sites To See In Dubai’ on  Lonely Planet  – another travel portal. In their list, Dubai Museum and IMG Worlds of Adventure rank ahead of the Burj Khalifa.  

These are the top 10 destinations according to the list:

1. burj khalifa.

Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building, standing at a height of 828 meters. It is a mixed-use structure that hosts the Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, Dubai Fountain, etc. besides numerous hotels and residential apartments.

2. The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is the most popular free tourist attraction in the city. It is built on Burj Khalifa Lake in downtown Dubai. The fountain shoots water sprays as high as 15 meters, illuminated by over 6000 lights, color projectors, and lasers.

3. The Dubai Mall

Raised in Downtown Dubai, this is the largest shopping mall in the city, home to over 1000 stores and restaurants. The mall offers a number of tourist destinations including an ice rink, multiplex cinema, and an aquarium.

4. Dubai Miracle Garden

Open to visitors in 2011, this ambitious project began with the aim to be the world’s largest garden. The Miracle Garden is a seasonal attraction, open from October to April each year. It is located in Al Barsha South.

5. Global Village

The Global Village is a seasonal shopping extravaganza where multiple countries come together to showcase their regional culture, cuisines, etc. It is claimed to be the world’s largest tourism, shopping, leisure entertainment program. Global Village is open to visitors during the winter months in Dubai.

6. Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame is the latest addition to Dubai’s already awe-inspiring line of tourist attractions. This impressive feat of engineering has two 150 meter towers connected by Sky Deck, a 93-meter bridge. Dubai Frame is located in Zabeel Park.

7. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

This large waterpark is a part of the Atlantis Resort, Palm Jumeirah. The park hosts a private beach, river rides, and numerous waterslides. The park opens daily at 10 am and closes at sunset.

Lamer is a popular beachfront tourist destination in Jumeirah. Visitors can indulge in a wide range of leisure facilities like restaurants, shops, cafes, and more. Lamer attracts tourists for its magnificent street art and industrial-inspired zone.

9. Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is located on its own island near Jumeirah Beach. This ultra-luxury hotel offers premium suites overlooking the sea besides fine dining restaurants. The magnificent hotel has a guest list of VIPs and celebrities from across the world.

10. Ski Dubai

This is an indoor ski resort spread across a large area of 22,500 sq km. Professional instruction is available for beginners, while all equipment and clothing are included in the entry fee. For non-skiers, there is a large snow park offering wide-ranging activities for families and children

Dubai Tourism – Some Interesting Facts

• IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai, is the world’s largest indoor-themed entertainment center.
• The Dubai Aquarium Tank, with a 10 million liters capacity is the largest suspended aquarium in the world.
• Around 85% of Dubai’s Population Is Foreign
• The Emirates Mall in Dubai allows you to ski indoors!
• Almost all popular food chains in the world have a branch in Dubai
• Dubai has air-conditioned shelters for those waiting for public transport
• Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport, is the world’s largest airport terminal
• The world’s longest automated metro (75 km) is in Dubai
• Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest flower garden.

World’s Busiest Airports

The Hub of Global Air Travel

Dubai’s global popularity could be attributed to its geographical location. The city is located in a conveniently central location that is equidistant from both the east and the west. This makes it an important hub for travellers from Asia travelling to Europe and North America.

In 2018, Dubai International Airport welcomed  89.1 million  travellers, making it the  3rd most popular airport in the world  behind Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta and the Capital International Airport in Beijing. During the  first half of 2019 , Dubai International Airport has already seen  41.28 million visitors . Last year, in spite of the travel restrictions, the DXB had 25.9 million visitors. 

Top 10 Sources of Visitors for Dubai

Visitor Nationality

The UAE government’s new policies to boost tourism have worked like a charm, and the city has played host to tourists from all over the globe. Unsurprisingly, Indians were atop the list of nationalities visiting the city.

The most number of visitors to Dubai in the last year came from India. A total of 865,000 Indians visited the city between January to December. Saudi Arabia was second behind India with 400,000 visitors and the UK was in the third position just ahead of Russia, followed by Oman, Pakistan, the USA, and China.

International Tourist in Dubai

Urban Paradise

‘The City of Gold’ has been quickly climbing the list of the most explored tourist destinations in the world. While London and Bangkok have been shuttling in the number one position, Dubai is likely to take over the spot in the coming year according to a recent article in the Telegraph.

It is the only city from the MENA region in the top 10 of this list. Bangkok, with 21.9 million visitors, is at the top of this list; followed by  London and Paris with 20.42 and 17.95 million visitors respectively.

Most Searched ‘Dubai’ Places On Google Search

What’s Popular On The Web

Besides being on top of the list of most popular tourist sites in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa also dominates the internet. The famous tower accounts for nearly 1 million Google searches every month, nearly 4 times higher than Burj Al Arab at 2nd spot with 246,000 searches. The Dubai Mall is the 3rd most Googled destination in Dubai, while Global Village is at the fourth spot with 135,000 monthly searches. The newly opened Dubai Frame has been extremely popular on the internet with 74,000 searches every month.

Almost all the prominent hotels and resorts from the world over have opened up a branch in the city in recent years. The UAE government is offering visa-on-arrival for tourists from more and more countries as they expand capacity for tourism in the city. 

The Expo 2020 coming up in October and running till March 2022, would be a catalyst for tourism growth. The Expo will further enhance the national economy besides boosting retail and real estate activity as the Covid-19 immunization program progresses.

2020 will be a crucial year for the tourism sector in Dubai. Several huge projects started during this administration are expected to be completed including the Museum of the Future, Jewel of the Creek, Dubai Water Canal Project and several more. The city will also host its first World Expo in 2020. It is definitely exciting times ahead for the Dubai Tourism Sector.

Looking for strategies to make the most of the tourism boom in Dubai? Think digital, think social, think GMI. Reach out to us and let us chart out the right  digital marketing strategy  for you. 

Find out our Dubai Tourism Statistics Infographics in 2018.

Disclaimer:  GMI acknowledges that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented on this infographic. The information represented is based on information researched from various sources on the internet. We are not liable for any errors, financial loss, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of, or reliance on, the information herein.

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Travel and tourism sector to contribute $49bn to UAE’s economy this year, WTTC says

The industry is expected to create 7,000 new jobs in emirates.

Kite surfers in action at the Kite and Surf beach in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

The travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute Dh180.6 billion ($49.18 billion) to the UAE’s economy this year, representing nearly 10 per cent of the total, says the World Travel and Tourism Council.

The estimate for 2023 is only 1.6 per cent lower than the 2019 high of Dh183.4 billion, the global tourism body said in itslatest Economic Impact report on Wednesday.

WTTC expects the sector to cross the pre-pandemic employment levels , reaching more than 758,000 jobs, including nearly 7,000 new positions, this year.

“The sector is recovering at a rapid pace, proving the UAE continues to grow in popularity amongst international travellers,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC president and chief executive.

“The UAE is home to one of the world’s busiest and most successful airports, Dubai International , which acts as a gateway to the Middle East.”

Last year, the travel and tourism sector ’s contribution to the UAE’s gross domestic product grew by more than 60 per cent to reach nearly Dh167 billion, representing 9 per cent of the country’s economy, WTTC said.

The sector created more than 89,000 jobs last year, bringing the total to about 751,000 on a countrywide level.

“2022 saw the return of international travellers to the UAE, with India, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UK leading as source markets for international arrivals,” the report said.

Last year, international visitors contributed Dh117.6 billion to the Emirates' economy, marking a 65.3 per cent year-on-year growth, but still down 19 per cent from 2019 levels.

Meanwhile, domestic spend surged by nearly 36 per cent to reach Dh46.9 billion, up 10.6 per cent from pre-pandemic levels.

“The future for the sector looks positive. By the end of this year, the sector’s contribution will level that of 2019, and over the next decade, growth will outstrip the national GDP and create more than 114,000 new jobs, representing one in nine jobs,” said Ms Simpson.

Dubai International Airport remained the world's busiest international hub for passengers last year for the ninth year in a row, as long-haul travel demand surged, rankings by the Airports Council International showed in April.

The tourism sector, an important pillar of Dubai’s economy, has strongly rebounded from the coronavirus-induced slowdown.

The emirate recorded 14.36 million international visitors in 2022, inching closer to the 16.73 million tourists welcomed in 2019, according to data from the Department of Economy and Tourism.

It aims to exceed the pre-pandemic annual number of international visitors this year, after the emirate recorded a 17 per cent increase in the tourist numbers in the first quarter of 2023, Issam Kazim, chief executive of the Dubai Department for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, told The National earlier this month.

“Our report highlighted the appeal tourist destinations across the country, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, continue to hold for international travellers. These cities have shown an incredible resilience and strong leadership,” said Ms Simpson.

The WTTC expects the sector to grow its GDP contribution to Dh235.5 billion by 2033, representing 10.2 per cent of the country’s economy.

Over the next decade, the travel and tourism industry is projected to give employment to more than 872,000 people in the UAE, accounting for about 12 per cent of the total workforce, the WTTC said.

The UAE, the Arab world’s second-largest economy, is estimated to have grown by 7.6 per cent last year , marking its highest expansion in 11 years, after GDP rose by 3.9 per cent in 2021, according to the UAE Central Bank.

It is expected to grow by 3.9 per cent this year and accelerate further to 4.3 per cent in 2024.

Meanwhile in the Middle East, the WTTC expects travel and tourism sector's GDP contribution to exceed Dh1.5 trillion, nearing the 2019 high.

The sector will recover almost all of the jobs lost during the pandemic by the end of 2023, the report said.

In the Mena region, real GDP grew by 5.3 per cent in 2022, reflecting strong domestic demand and a rebound in oil production, according to the International Monetary Fund. However, growth is expected to decelerate this year to 3.1 per cent before picking up slightly to 3.4 per cent next year.

Dubai's post-pandemic boom has made it one of the most visited places in the world today. Further to that, the city has seen tens of thousands of new residents arrive to settle down. Reuters

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6 pillars of CEE | Global insights | Leading in the UAE | Hall of fame | Top 3 movers | Leading in the age of AI | Local insights | AI implementation | Looking ahead

The KPMG Customer Experience Excellence (CEE) annual report underscores the pivotal role of orchestrated experiences in shaping the landscape for leading companies and brands. Customers, empowered by digital technologies, now demand a more fluid and cohesive journey, with little tolerance for subpar experiences. As the ubiquity of AI continues to permeate organizational frameworks, the potential for its transformative influence on redefining the paradigms of customer experience excellence across industries becomes increasingly pronounced.

While trendsetters have already successfully built practical use cases for AI applications, many organizations are still assessing how AI can be successfully implemented in a context where both regulators and customers are increasingly concerned with transparency, data privacy, and ethical use of AI. We anticipate that organizations in the UAE will be early adopters, spurred by the UAE's 2017 National AI Strategy, which aims to catalyze innovation in both the private and public sectors. The strategy aspires to make the UAE a global leader by 2031 through AI integration into customer services to enhance citizen life and government efficiency.

In addition, despite concerns about the cost of living, most consumers prioritize environmental and social responsibility in brands, as evidenced by 58% of young GCC Arabs willing to boycott environmentally neglectful firms. Customers are showing increased interest in eco-friendly practices, as well as a willingness to pay the right price for goods and services that are consistent with their personal values. The UAE's prominent role in COP28 and its commitment to global environmental issues are anticipated to amplify consumer awareness and expectations regarding brands' sustainability credentials locally.

Customers in the UAE are becoming savvier and demanding more from their brands: more personalized experiences, more value for their dollar, and more seamless, omnichannel processes. Once again, we see customer perceptions of value formed by how they feel about service and support. They are also formed by how organizations demonstrate their purpose, relevance, and ability to have a positive long-term impact on the environment and society. Companies that approach this journey with a strategic and forward-looking mindset will not only thrive in the UAE but also set global standards.

The six pillars of customer experience excellence

Personalisation.

Using individualised attention to drive an emotional connection.

Being trustworthy and engendering trust.

Time and effort

Minimising customer effort and creating frictionless processes.

Expectations

Managing, meeting and exceeding customer expectations.

Turning a poor experience into a great one.

Achieving an understanding of the customer's circumstances.

Global insight

Insights from Global Customer Experience Excellence report

Leading in the UAE

Customers interviewed, brand evaluations, market view.

Despite global economic challenges, disruptions in supply chains, and high inflation, the UAE economy has remained remarkably resilient. While oil continues to be a significant contributor to the UAE's robust economy, other sectors are also on the rise. The country has made substantial investments in various sectors such as tourism, real estate, retail, and technology. This diversified approach has helped the economy grow and remain strong. For instance, in 2022, the non-oil sector expanded by 6.6%, fueled by thriving real estate and tourism industries.

The real estate sector is experiencing a boom, with property sales hitting a 12-year high. Sales increased by 60% compared to the previous year, reaching a total value of AED 265 billion. This surge can be attributed to several factors, including government initiatives, a positive economic outlook, and the country's attractiveness to high-net-worth individuals as a secure investment destination.

Tourism in the UAE has also seen significant growth, primarily driven by the reopening of international travel and major global events like EXPO 2020 and the FIFA World Cup in neighboring Qatar. Additionally, government initiatives such as visa reforms and the launch of the National Tourism Strategy 2031 have further boosted tourist arrivals. As a result, the total number of international visitors to the UAE more than doubled, reaching 14 million.

From a consumer perspective, even though the cost of living has increased, optimism about the economy is growing. The UAE boasts one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, providing consumers with greater purchasing power.

Customers in the UAE are becoming savvier and demanding more from their brands: more personalized experiences, more value for their dollar, and more seamless, omnichannel processes. Once again, we see customer perceptions of value formed by how they feel about service and support. They are also formed by how organizations demonstrate their purpose, relevance, and ability to have a positive long-term

impact on the environment and society. As seen also in the global insights, higher customer demands have led to an overall drop in the UAE CEE metrics score this year compared to last year (-1.5%).

Some of the key insights of this UAE report include:

• This year’s CEE ranking is led by airlines. Emirates maintains its leadership for the third time in a row, and it is now challenged by Etihad Airlines in the third place.
• Financial services are coming back in the top-ranked organizations driven by improved digitized capabilities, wider and rewarding service offering, and more humanized customer service support.
• Despite the decline of the CEE metric, 17% of the brands witness an increase compared with last year.
• Air Arabia, HSBC, and Deliveroo lead the top three movers in the ranking with an increase of 3% on the CEE metric, mainly due to their efforts on minimizing customer effort while enhancing their experience and creating frictionless processes as well.
• The Six Pillars of experience continue to define world-class experiences and maintain a high degree of explanatory power for advocacy and loyalty.
• Integrity, Personalization, and Expectations are the core of both advocacy and loyalty: organizations are expected to fully understand their customer needs while instilling trust and meeting or exceeding their expectations.
• The Expectations (and Empathy) pillars are the ones with the largest year-on-year decline. Customers attribute this decline to an overall failure of brands to meet their expectations. Technology also contributed to the fall, specifically in the way companies implemented technology that shepherded customers into low-cost and low-satisfaction channels which lacked empathy and the human touch.
• Among the top ten in the CEE rankings, five organizations have Integrity as their highest-performing pillar; for the remaining, it is Time & Effort.

Trust is the essential quality of every relationship. Overall, the score for Integrity fell by 1.6 percent, in line with the global trend (-2%).  

Time and Effort

Organizations are struggling to make their customers’ lives easier. Time and Effort scores fell by less than 1% percent.  

Resolution scores fell only by 1.6 percent when compared with the global average (-3%) – as companies failed to deal proactively and effectively with customer issues.  

Personalization

Despite the huge investment companies have made in personalization technologies, the Personalization score dropped by 1.6% in the UAE, in line with the global average (-2%).  

With the rise of advancing technologies, businesses will likely need to manage customer expectations within the realities of their business. This is especially important as customer expectations have already seen a decline closer to 2 percent, although below the global average (-4%).  

Empathy is down closer to 2 percent, tying for the largest year-over-year decline with Expectations and in line with a global trend (-4%).  

Our analysis identifies several critical success factors pivotal for organizations aiming to deliver enhanced customer experiences.

Firstly, significant emphasis is placed on technology investment, with companies actively enhancing customer experience through digital advancements such as user-friendly mobile applications, real-time tracking, and comprehensive digital platforms. These technologies streamline customer interactions, offering easy access to products and services.

Another cornerstone of success is a strong customer service focus, where companies not only prioritize but excel in delivering high-quality service, often exceeding customer expectations. Leveraging the right combination of technology and human interactions along the customer experience. Indeed, although leading organizations have successfully implemented the right digital support tools such as chatbots, their key differentiator is largely attributed to the access to well-trained staff members who are dedicated to customer wellness and embody the brand's values in every interaction, serving as the foundation of exceptional customer service.

Additionally, the provision of diverse offerings is essential. Companies strive to succeed by catering to varied customer needs through a broad spectrum of products and services, sometimes extending their reach through strategic partnerships. This adaptability ensures a wider appeal and satisfaction across different customer segments.

A data-driven approach also plays a crucial role, with companies leveraging customer feedback and analytics to refine and personalize their services continuously. This includes offering customized promotions, upgrades, or tailored service experiences that resonate with individual preferences.

Lastly, operational efficiency is a key focus area, with companies striving to streamline and automate processes to enhance responsiveness and ease of customer interaction. This not only improves the customer experience but also positions companies to maintain competitive pricing, a critical advantage given the current economic climate marked by a rising cost of living.

Together, these factors assist in delivering enhanced customer experiences, underlining the importance of technology, customer service, diversity in offerings, data insights, and operational agility.

Hall of fame

The lifting of global travel restrictions related to the pandemic, along with the ongoing recovery of both business and individual international travel, has positioned the UAE as a major travel hub and a top tourist destination. The country's strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as an increasing number of available routes, further enhances its appeal. This has enabled the two local top airlines – Emirates and Etihad Airways – to see their passenger carrying capacity used at about 80%, a huge increase compared to the previous year. In this year's survey, we have seen a significant rise in the rankings of low-cost carriers. - but also to marked improvements in service quality, including route options, punctuality, in-flight entertainment, comfort, and digital platforms for travel planning and booking. Government investments are also supporting this growth, as illustrated by the opening of a new state-owned terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport in early November - The Midfield Terminal - which was designed to complement the growth of Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways as it competes with neighboring global carriers Emirates and Qatar Airways.

Hall of fame brands

This year's top rankings in the CEE report showcase the continued dominance of airlines, with Emirates maintaining its leadership position for the third consecutive year. However, the landscape is shifting, with Etihad Airlines challenging the leader and bagging the third spot. Financial services organizations are making a strong comeback, propelled by enhanced digitization, expanded service offerings, and a more personalized approach to customer service.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

Etihad Airways

Top three movers

In this year's CEE report, three companies – Air Arabia, HSBC and Deliveroo - have made remarkable strides, positioning themselves at the forefront of customer satisfaction and efficiency. Each witnessed a notable increase of 3% on the CEE metric. Their ascent can be attributed to concerted efforts in minimizing customer effort and establishing frictionless processes. Moreover, they have demonstrated a remarkable ability to transform poor experiences into exceptional ones, showcasing a commitment to excellence and innovation in their respective industries. As leaders in their fields, these companies serve as exemplars of what it takes to not only meet but exceed customer expectations in today's competitive landscape.

Leading in the age of AI

AI and customer experience: insight from the UAE

In the UAE, the adoption of AI reflects and amplifies the global trend towards enhancing customer experience (CX), with the region emerging as a leader in AI integration across various sectors. From aviation to retail, the UAE's public sector and businesses are using AI to exceed citizen and customer expectations, establishing a standard for both regional and global markets.

The UAE is actively integrating AI into CX strategies, with companies embracing digital transformation not just as a response to the pandemic, but as a strategic initiative to improve customer engagement and keep pace with changing consumer behaviors. This shift underscores the critical role of AI in transforming customer interactions.

The use of cloud computing and AI in CX strategies marks a significant advancement for the UAE's business environment, making advanced technologies more accessible to a wider range of organizations and fostering innovation and competition across sectors. Despite these advancements, there's still a gap in technology adoption among businesses, indicating room for growth in the UAE's CX domain. As more companies integrate cloud and AI into their strategies, the expectation is for a more inclusive market where excellent customer service is a standard feature.

The emergence of data-driven personalization in the UAE

In the UAE, AI's impact on customer experience (CX) has evolved beyond simple automation to include advanced, data-driven personalization. Businesses are using AI to analyze customer data and deliver tailored experiences that align with individual preferences and behaviors. This approach is enhancing the quality of customer interactions, improving CX metrics, and adding significant business value. This progress highlights a key phase in the UAE's move towards an AI-enabled future, embodying the global view of AI as a driver of innovative, customer-focused business models.

The UAE exemplifies the transformative power of AI in CX strategies, demonstrating its ability to meet current market demands and predict future trends.

In this report, we have selected case studies highlighting how AI is innovatively used to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty locally.

Emirates Airline's (#1 in the UAE CEE report) commitment to AI-driven customer service sets a high standard in the aviation industry. Their approach includes crafting personalized journey experiences for each passenger. By leveraging AI, Emirates can analyze customer data to offer tailored travel recommendations, custom in-flight entertainment options, and personalized service touches. Furthermore, their innovative loyalty programs, powered by AI algorithms, predict customer preferences and offer rewards that are more aligned with individual customer needs. This strategic use of AI not only enhances the overall travel experience but also fosters deeper customer loyalty and engagement.

IKEA's (#4 in UAE CEE Report) approach in the UAE exemplifies how AI can bridge the gap between digital and physical retail experiences. Post-pandemic, IKEA has adeptly used AI to enhance in-store experiences, employing technology for inventory management, personalized product recommendations, and efficient customer service. Simultaneously, their online platforms leverage AI to provide a seamless shopping experience, from virtual room planning tools to AI-driven customer support. This blend of digital and physical shopping, enhanced by AI, has elevated IKEA's customer engagement and satisfaction levels, showcasing the potential of AI in retail innovation.

Carrefour's (#6 in UAE CEE Report) use of AI in omnichannel strategies reflects a deep understanding of the modern retail landscape. By integrating AI across both physical and digital platforms, Carrefour has enhanced customer interaction at every touchpoint. In-store, AI aids in personalizing shopping experiences, managing inventory, and optimizing store layouts. Online, AI enhances the customer journey with personalized product recommendations, predictive search functionalities, and efficient customer service chatbots. This holistic application of AI ensures a consistent and satisfying customer experience, regardless of the shopping channel. Carrefour's strategy, as highlighted in the report, is testament to the increasing necessity of AI in contemporary retail.

AI implementation

The 12 principles of successful AI implementation

PDF (495 KB)

Looking ahead

Integrating AI into customer experience has shifted from a mere trend to a critical strategy for companies, especially within the UAE's dynamic market. Insights from our report highlight how effective and ethical AI can support companies with driving higher customer satisfaction and growth. As the UAE solidifies its position as a technology leader, AI's role in customer experience is expected to grow. Companies that skillfully use AI are more likely to meet current needs and anticipate future customer expectations, leading in technological adoption and customer journey innovation. The UAE's government and businesses have shown foresight in adopting AI, showcasing its ability to improve customer interactions and streamline operations. Moving forward, evolving and refining AI strategies will be crucial for staying competitive and offering outstanding customer experiences. Integrating AI into customer experience is a journey of continual innovation and improvement. Companies that approach this journey with a strategic mindset will not only thrive in the UAE but also set global standards.

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Dubai SME expands role in driving SME growth with over AED233 million worth of support in 2023

D UBAI, 16th April, 2024 (WAM) -- The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), a subsidiary of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), expanded its role as a key driver of the emirate’s small and medium enterprise (SME) sector’s growth, with the total value of its incentives and services reaching AED233.4 million in 2023.

Dubai SME achieved significant milestones in 2023, reflecting its commitment to contributing to the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, with the aim of doubling Dubai’s economy by 2033 and consolidating its position among the world’s top three cities for business and tourism.

According to Dubai SME’s annual report, the organisation facilitated the establishment of 2,937 new businesses in 2023 and provided vital support and guidance services to 1,186 Emirati entrepreneurs. The report also revealed that the Mohammed Bin Rashid Fund for SME, a key initiative of Dubai SME, provided AED11.8 million worth of funding to 16 projects, highlighting its pivotal role in supporting entrepreneurial initiatives. Furthermore, 46 Emirati entrepreneurs with start-ups in the technology sector received support from the Business Incubation Department services at Hamdan Innovation Incubator (HI2). Technology projects play a key role in fostering innovation, boosting productivity and contributing to competitiveness, economic growth and the creation of new job opportunities. Moreover, around 100 businesses benefited from Dubai SME’s entrepreneurship promotion services in 2023.

Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, said: “Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai SME strives to support entrepreneurship and the development of small and medium enterprises, which are the backbone of the emirate’s economy. Following the launch of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, 2023 marked an exceptional year for Dubai SME, with the organisation continuing to help accelerate the goal of positioning the emirate as the most competitive environment for entrepreneurial ideas and start-ups. As revealed in our 2023 annual report, we are committed to providing financial and technical support to Emirati entrepreneurs and new businesses. As we look forward to 2024 and beyond, we are determined to identify and leverage investment opportunities to further drive growth in the SME sector.”

Key achievements from 2002 to 2023

Since its inception in 2002, Dubai SME has supported 16,443 national companies, while 50,131 entrepreneurs have benefited from its services. By 2023, the cumulative value of incentives and services provided to Emirati entrepreneurs and national companies reached AED1.5 billion.

Stand-out statistics from 2002 to 2023 also included 46,209 entrepreneur trainees benefiting from Dubai SME’s training services and diploma programmes. A total of 118 projects received financial support worth AED103.14 million from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Fund for SME while 3,400 businesses benefited from its entrepreneurship promotion services.

Major developments and initiatives in 2023

In June 2023, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, approved the adoption of the future model of Dubai SME. Through this strategic model, which is aligned with the D33 Agenda, Dubai aims to support the establishment of 27,000 new Emirati businesses and provide growth support to 8,000 Emirati entrepreneurs, enabling them to create 86,000 new job opportunities and contributing approximately AED9 billion to the emirate’s GDP. This aligns with the ambitious targets set by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to double Dubai SME’s accomplishments of the past 20 years - from 13,000 to 27,000 new businesses.

Business Incubator Network

Dubai SME adopts a diverse range of initiatives and programmes, spanning from identifying talented entrepreneurs and nurturing business ideas to providing ongoing support for businesses throughout their growth and expansion journey. The certified incubator network in Dubai, consisting of 17 accredited incubators, welcomes all innovative ideas for testing and provides the necessary resources for their development, transforming these concepts into profitable business ventures. Notably, six of these incubators operate within educational institutions, including universities and schools. This strategy aligns with the sixth pillar of Dubai’s Fifty-Year Charter, which emphasises the transformation of local and private universities into economic and creative free zones, encouraging student innovation and entrepreneurship through university-based incubator programmes. By integrating business incubators within universities, Dubai SME has introduced a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure within educational institutions. This initiative seeks to cultivate the potential of young talents, stimulate their creativity and innovation and instill an entrepreneurial mindset from an early age. By providing essential support at the inception of their ventures, these programmes will empower students to establish their own companies and embark on successful entrepreneurial journeys.

Focus on Hatta

To enable youth in the eastern region to start projects and turn their ideas into reality, Dubai SME established a new business facilitation centre, Tasheel, at the Hatta Community Centre to support young entrepreneurs and SME owners, who can utilise smart services to issue tax-free business licences, including an Intelaq Licence via the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform. The centre also offers multi-use halls and a meeting room that serves as a hub for entrepreneurs.

Dubai SME also organised workshops and certified professional diplomas in entrepreneurship for the commercial and agricultural sectors, due to their economic importance in the Hatta region. More than 100 Emirati participants managing more than 50 projects attended the workshops. With a focus on training young potential entrepreneurs in Hatta, Dubai SME organises courses and specialised programmes, providing valuable advice, guidance and information. This included organising 19 workshops attended by more than 400 participants, as well as two specialised programmes and numerous training courses targeting entrepreneurs, focusing on creative thinking in entrepreneurship, innovation-based management and e-commerce. The aim is to develop the skills of trainees and refine their skills.

Readiness of local companies

In Q4 2023, Dubai SME launched the Supply Chain Readiness Programme in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). The programme, designed to empower Emirati SME suppliers according to global supply chain standards, conducted focus groups for a total of 41 SMEs to capture feedback from Emirati SME suppliers. Additionally, Dubai SME conducted two buyers’ roundtable discussions with 32 procurement leaders and experts from 25 public and private entities to gather valuable insights. Based on the outcomes and recommendations, Dubai SME is set to launch new projects to integrate SMEs into local supply chains. These projects will include the Supply Chain Capacity Building Programme to enhance SME supply chain capabilities and competitiveness through advisory services and training workshops to foster a thorough understanding of market dynamics, customer behaviour and industry trends; and the Digital Suppliers Hub to establish a centralised platform for profiling and rating members, allowing reviews from buyers, while promoting knowledge-sharing and innovation among SMEs.

Other notable projects

Other major Dubai SME initiatives in 2023 included India Accelerator launching iAccel Gulf Business Incubator LLC in Dubai and The Co-Kitchen being accredited as the first kitchen incubator under the umbrella of the Dubai Business Incubator Network (DBIN). In cooperation with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Dubai SME also showcased the city’s F&B entrepreneurial ecosystem at the 28th edition of Gulfood. Dubai SME was represented at the event, the largest of its kind in the world, by 10 companies.

Promoting businesses of Dubai SME members

Gulfood 2024

Dubai SME represented the food and beverage entrepreneurial ecosystem at Gulfood, the world's largest food exhibition, by showcasing 10 Emirati businesses. This presence underscores Dubai SME’s longstanding participation at Gulfood, spanning more than a decade during which it has supported more than 120 of its members during this leading annual exhibition.

Global Village

Dubai SME strengthened its collaboration with Global Village, the region’s leading family destination for culture, shopping and entertainment, through a partnership to support Emiratis during the 28th edition of Global Village, which runs until April 2024.

Since 2005, Dubai SME has continued to support entrepreneurs through its ongoing participation at Global Village, with more than 730 beneficiary projects to date. Moreover, Dubai SME seeks to empower local product suppliers and enhance their presence in various local and international forums. Global Village is one of the most significant platforms for innovative and ambitious entrepreneurs seeking to compete and sustain their business in the future.

Expand North Star 2023

Dubai SME was a significant participant in Expand North Star 2023, the ultimate super connector event for global startups and investors. At its 2023 edition, it forged strategic ties with government stakeholders, investors, and accelerators.

The Dubai SME pavilion at the event proudly showcased the best UAE start-ups and incubators from its extensive network, empowering them with the exposure and tools they need to excel in Dubai's competitive business sector.

• Multimedia Newsroom

Saudi Arabia Highlights Investment Initiatives in Tourism at International Hospitality Investment Forum

• RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Wednesday, 17. April 2024

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism is currently taking a prominent stage at the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF), presenting a unique opportunity for global investors to dive into the thriving tourism landscape of the Kingdom. With the spotlight on the Tourism Investment Enablers Program (TIEP), that was recently announced, Saudi Arabia is aggressively pushing towards its Vision 2030 goal of being a top global tourism destination for investors and tourists alike. ​

This strategic presentation comes at a time when Saudi Arabia's tourism sector celebrates an incredible milestone of 100 million visitors in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule, marking a significant stride towards economic diversification and emphasizing the sector's growing contribution to the national GDP. The flagship Hospitality Investment Enablers (HIE), one of TIEP’s initiatives, aims to leverage this momentum, planning an investment infusion the hospitality sector of up to SAR 42 billion in key destinations, which alone is anticipated to create 120,000 new jobs by 2030.

The IHIF audience is getting a close look at Saudi Arabia's plans to expand its accommodation capacity dramatically. The Kingdom is targeting an increase in hotel rooms to over 500,000 and aiming to welcome 150 million visitors annually by 2030. The HIE stands at the core of these ambitions, designed to energize the hospitality sector by introducing a new wave of supply in targeted tourism hotspots, significantly enriching the Kingdom's diverse tourism offerings.

The initiative is supported by a suite of strategic enablers, including access to government-owned land under favorable terms, streamlined project development processes, and regulatory adjustments aimed at reducing barriers to market entry and operational costs. This comprehensive approach is expected to catalyze a significant socio-economic transformation within the Kingdom, with private sector investments projected to reach SAR 42.3 billion and a forecasted annual GDP increase of SAR 16.4 billion by 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s active participation in IHIF aims to showcase the Kingdom as an enticing investment frontier for international investors, emphasizing the lucrative opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sectors. This global stage provides the perfect platform for the Ministry of Tourism to forge lasting partnerships and highlight the Kingdom's commitment to elevating its tourism industry standards, fostering sustainable growth, and offering robust support to investors. ​

Through this engagement, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism is not just showcasing investment opportunities; it is inviting the world to be a part of Saudi Arabia's ambitious journey towards redefining global tourism norms. Investors are encouraged to seize this unparalleled chance to collaborate with the Kingdom, as it paves the way for a new era of tourism excellence aligned with Vision 2030's transformative objectives. ​

Najla Alkhalifa

Media and Communications

[email protected]

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Tourism Performance Report January - October 2023

Performance reports

Mon, November 20, 2023

Dubai welcomes 13.90M overnight visitors in Jan- Oct 2023, with the highest number of international guests from India at 2.0M.

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Total international visitors

• 13.90 M in 2023
• 11.40 M in 2022
• 13.50 M in 2019