Monitoring Desk
DUBAI: Dubai has received as many as 8.55 million tourists in the first six months of 2023, surpassing the pre-COVID pandemic figure of 8.36 million in the first half of the year in 2019, according to Khaleej Times.
According to the latest data released by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, the emirate witnessed 20% year-on-year growth and is on the path to becoming the world’s most visited destination.
The city’s average hotel occupancy stands at 78% — the highest in the world, the report added.
The record performance reaffirms Dubai’s position as the fastest-recovering destination globally and far exceeds the projection made by the United Nations World Trade Organisation that international tourist arrivals could reach between 80-95% of pre-pandemic levels this year.
Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said: “The remarkable surge in international visitors witnessed by Dubai in the first half of 2023 further demonstrates its emergence as one of the brightest spots not only in the worldwide tourism sector but also the broader global economic landscape.
“This accomplishment has been made possible by the foresight of Dubai’s leadership, whose vision and prudent policies fortified its resilience in the wake of global challenges and enabled it to rebound more swiftly than other markets. While the growth of international visitation reinforces Dubai’s rise as a major global tourism destination, it also signifies its status as a pivotal hub for trade, investment and enterprise.
“The Dubai Economic Agenda D33, spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has outlined an ambitious new trajectory for the city to further consolidate its status as one of the world’s top urban economies and tourism destinations. As a major pillar of Dubai’s economy, the tourism sector will continue to play a key role in realising its future aspirations,” the crown prince added.
