Dubai on track to be the world’s most visited destination according DET

The emirate welcomed 7.28 million international overnight visitors between January and December 2021

According to data published by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the city welcomed more than 3.4 million international visitors in the fourth quarter of 2021, achieving 74% of the total pre-pandemic tourist arrivals of Q4 2019.

A positive trend which is expected to continue throughout 2022 and beyond, the visitation figures recorded in 2021 underline the resurgence of the city’s travel and tourism sector.

Speaking about the findings, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism director general Helal Saeed Al Marri commented: “Under the visionary leadership and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, our ability and agility in achieving a remarkable turnaround amid continuing global challenges has cemented Dubai’s position as the destination of choice for international travellers. 

The outstanding performance also advances our journey towards becoming the most visited destination and the world’s best city to live and work in

“In leading the global tourism recovery with the support of our stakeholders and partners, Dubai constantly set precedents, demonstrating how to safely yet effectively open up to international visitors and, critically, stay open.

“Dubai’s well-coordinated, consistent, proactive and creative approach enabled it to lay the groundwork for an accelerated recovery that received a major boost with the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai and the UAE Golden Jubilee celebrations.”

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Overcoming the impact of international travel restrictions in key global markets, Dubai continued to be the first-choice as a safe tourism destination.

Dubai strongholds regained momentum to register positive growth during 2021, with the number one source market India delivering 910,000 visitors

The second biggest source market was Saudi Arabia with 491,000 travellers, while Russia and the UK delivered 444,000 visitors and 420,000 visitors respectively.

Al Marri added: “Dubai’s success in 2021 is testament to the carefully calibrated strategy and decisive measures that were put in place at the outset to counter and manage the pandemic across all sectors including trade and tourism.

“By meticulously following the highest standards of hygiene and safety, supported by diligence and cooperation from all stakeholders, Dubai has been able to reinforce the trust that UAE residents and global travellers place in the city as one of the safest in the world, allowing them to enjoy the diversity of the destination offering within a relaxed environment.

“As we move forward throughout 2022, we’re confident that the significant momentum now gathered will accelerate even further to continue to attract not just tourists, but also investors, entrepreneurs and innovators to Dubai, enabling them to enjoy and avail themselves of all that our multifaceted city has to offer.” 

For more information, visit www.dubaitourism.gov.ae