Dubai welcomes record number of tourists in first nine months of 2019

Dubai continues to consolidate its reputation as one of the world’s most popular destinations, with a record 12.08 million business and leisure tourists visiting the city in the first nine months of 2019.

The figure eclipsed the previous benchmark of 11.58 million set during the same period in 2018.

India retained its position as the city’s top source market, with 1.393 million arrivals during the nine months to September.

Saudi Arabia (1.255 million), the United Kingdom (851,000), Oman (778,000) and China (729,000) rounded out the top five.

Oman also ranked among Dubai’s top five fastest growing source markets, placing in third position with arrivals up 28% year on year. Nigeria topped the list with year-on-year growth of 34%, followed by Philippines with 29% growth.

The GCC and Western Europe proved Dubai’s top regional source markets, accounting for 20% of all arrivals respectively, followed by South Asia with 12%.

Dubai’s hotel sector benefitted from the influx of visitors, with occupied room nights reaching 23.12 million during the period, up from 21.89 million a year prior.

Meanwhile, Dubai has been named ‘World’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2019’ and ‘World’s Leading MICE Destination 2019’ at this year’s prestigious World Travel Awards.

Discussing the awards success, Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim, said: “Dubai continues to accelerate towards becoming a preferred global business and investment destination, hosting world-class strategic conferences, meetings and incentive groups as well as offering business travellers a holistic and innovative environment to connect and collaborate.

“The city’s most recent wins at the World Travel Awards 2019 are testament to the continued efforts in showcasing Dubai’s capabilities on the global stage, bringing to the forefront the city’s focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth while maximising its potential through a continuously evolving business-enabling ecosystem.”