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Data released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism showed that the August arrival figure built on double-digit month-on-month growth in visitor numbers since March, bringing the cumulative total for the first eight months of the year to 6.97 million. The department highlighted sustained performance across the hotel sector as a key indicator of the industry’s resilience amid broader recovery efforts. This update arrived on the eve of a major industry gathering, underscoring Dubai’s continued appeal to global travellers despite earlier regional disruptions.
Hotel establishments in the emirate recorded 21.61 million occupied room nights across the January-to-August period, according to the department’s figures. Room inventory had expanded to approach 149,000 by the end of August as several properties pursued renovation projects aimed at enhancing guest experiences. The department noted that these metrics reflected the scale of operations even as the sector navigated a challenging start to the year.
Visitor sources remained broadly diversified during the first eight months, the department’s breakdown indicated. Western Europe accounted for 20 percent of total visitation, ahead of South Asia at 17 percent, the GCC at 16 percent and CIS and Eastern Europe at 14 percent. Such balance has helped support demand recovery across both leisure and business segments.
The latest performance marks a notable step forward from earlier lows tied to regional conflict, with The National reporting that hotel occupancy climbed to 66 percent in August from a low of 36 percent in March. Dubai welcomed 19.6 million international visitors across all of 2025, according to multiple industry compilations, before this year’s events altered the trajectory toward an anticipated 20-million annual target. The department has pointed to ongoing collaboration with industry partners as central to strengthening demand in established and emerging markets.
Arabian Travel Market 2026 opens on September 14 at the Dubai World Trade Centre and continues through September 17, the organisers confirmed. The 33rd edition of the event assembles global travel and tourism professionals to explore innovation, technology and strategies for future growth. It coincides with a period of renewed focus on building a resilient visitor economy aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
Issam Kazim, chief executive of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, outlined priorities in remarks carried by the Emirates News Agency. “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 executive’s comments came as the sector prepares to engage with international counterparts at the four-day gathering.
