Before COVID-19, travel and tourism had become one of the most important sectors in the world economy, accounting for 10 percent of global GDP and more than 320 million jobs worldwide. The pandemic caused a massive implosion in the sector. And while 2022 announced a shy come-back, 2023 is expected to be the full-reconvey year, with the sector growing by 30%, pushing or even exceeding 2019 levels.

Known for its resilience, Dubai seems to be among the first economies to recover. In the first half of 2023, Dubai’s tourism sector welcomed 8.55 million foreign overnight guests, surpassing pre-pandemic levels of 8.36 million recorded in the first half of 2019.  

This is the best first-half performance in the city’s history. In the first half of 2023, the city saw a 20% increase in tourists year on year. This reinforces the emirate’s goal of ranking among the top three cities in the world, as outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033.  

This agenda set a new path for the city to further solidify its position as one of the world’s top metropolitan economies and tourism destinations. Furthermore, it underlines the emirate’s position as the world’s fastest-recovering destination.

Western Europe emerged as a big contributor to Dubai’s tourism sector during the first half of 2023, accounting for 20% of all international tourists. Meanwhile, the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as the Middle East and North Africa regions, accounted for 28 percent of regional tourism influx. South Asia accounted for 17% of all tourists to Dubai, with Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and Eastern Europe accounting for the remaining 14%.