Key Takeaways
- Dubai welcomed nearly 7 million international visitors during the first eight months of 2026, according to data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
- The figure reached 6.97 million visitors, down around 44% compared with 12.54 million during the same period in 2025.
- Dubai received around 869,000 visitors in August alone, the highest monthly figure since February 2026.
Dubai welcomed nearly 7 million international visitors during the first eight months of 2026, according to data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
The figure reached 6.97 million visitors, down around 44% compared with 12.54 million during the same period in 2025. However, recent numbers show signs of recovery in the tourism sector.
Dubai received around 869,000 visitors in August alone, the highest monthly figure since February 2026. The emirate has also recorded double-digit growth in visitor numbers since March.
Hotel and hotel apartment occupancy improved to 66% in August, compared with just 36% in March, although it remained below the 89% recorded in August 2025.
Western Europe remained Dubai’s largest source market, contributing around 1.39 million visitors, or 20% of the total. South Asia followed with 1.18 million visitors, while GCC countries contributed around 1.11 million.
The latest figures indicate that while Dubai’s tourism sector has faced a challenging year, the steady improvement in monthly arrivals and hotel occupancy suggests that activity is gradually recovering.
