Dubai tourism records highest visitor numbers since February as Arabian Travel Market opens

Dubai welcomed about 869,000 international overnight visitors in August, its highest monthly tally since February, as the emirate’s tourism sector continued to recover ahead of the Arabian Travel Market, WAM reported, citing data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

Why did Dubai visitor numbers hit their highest level since February?

August's arrivals brought Dubai's international visitor numbers to 6.97 million in the first eight months of 2026, with monthly figures recording double-digit growth since March. The recovery reflects rebuilding air connectivity and rising hotel occupancy, alongside a diverse mix of source markets that has helped sustain demand.

Hotel occupancy also increased, reaching 66% in August, compared with 36% in March. The August occupancy rate was equivalent to 89% of the level recorded in the same month last year.

Dubai had nearly 149,000 hotel rooms by the end of August, while hotels recorded 21.61 million occupied room nights during the first eight months of the year, the data showed.

Which markets send the most visitors to Dubai?

Western Europe was the largest source region for visitors between January and August, accounting for 20% of total arrivals, followed by South Asia with 17%, the Gulf Cooperation Council at 16%, and the Commonwealth of Independent States and Eastern Europe at 14%. The diverse source-market mix has helped Dubai maintain visitor demand while expanding its reach across established and emerging tourism markets, the department said.

"The results so far this year reflect the continued efforts of everyone who contributes to Dubai's visitor economy," said Issam Kazim, chief executive of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. "Dubai continues to welcome international visitors at significant scale, supported by a source market mix that remains consistently diverse, extensive hospitality infrastructure, and an evolving destination offering," Kazim said.

What is happening at the Arabian Travel Market 2026?

The figures were released as the 33rd Arabian Travel Market opened at Dubai World Trade Centre on Monday. The four-day event, running from September 14 to 17, brings together travel companies, tourism authorities, hotels, airlines and other industry representatives from around the world.

Dubai's tourism department is participating in the event alongside more than 115 co-exhibitors from across the emirate's tourism industry, including hotel groups, attractions, destination management companies, aviation partners and government entities. The department is also hosting more than 300 international travel trade professionals from more than 40 countries through its hosted buyers program, allowing them to meet Dubai tourism operators and explore new products and experiences.

At the event, Dubai is promoting its tourism offering across hospitality, food, culture, entertainment, wellness, accessibility, sustainability and family travel. The emirate is also highlighting initiatives such as Dubai Sustainable Tourism and Dubai Can, as well as measures aimed at improving accessibility for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors.

How is Dubai supporting its tourism sector recovery?

Dubai has continued to promote the destination through international campaigns, travel-trade engagements and market roadshows. A recent campaign, "A Dubai Invite," encouraged residents from nearly 200 nationalities to invite family and friends to visit the emirate, with more than 90,000 residents applying for benefits under the program.

The tourism sector has also received government support amid regional disruptions that affected international travel. Dubai's government announced an AED2.5 billion package earlier this year to support the tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors.

Dubai has since restored much of its international air connectivity, led by Emirates, which has reinstated 97% of its global network, while passenger load factors at Dubai International Airport continue to approach 2025 levels, according to the tourism department.

Kazim said the Arabian Travel Market provided an opportunity for Dubai to strengthen ties with travel-industry partners and identify new sources of demand. "Our focus remains on close collaborations with our industry, strengthening demand across established and emerging markets, and continuing to give visitors compelling reasons to choose Dubai," he said.

The tourism department will hold meetings and industry discussions with international partners throughout the four-day event as Dubai seeks to sustain visitor growth through the remainder of 2026.