The Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai has reported sustained strong performance in the tourism sector, driven by increased tourist arrivals, active air travel, and a rise in organized events and activities within the emirate. Monthly statistics revealed that Dubai welcomed 2 million international tourists in January, marking a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2025, which saw 1.94 million visitors.
Data showed that the total hotel nights booked by visitors in Dubai during January reached approximately 4.11 million, reflecting a growth of 2% compared to the 4.01 million nights recorded during the same month last year, with an average stay of 3.79 nights per visit.
Room Rates
The average hotel room rate in January was 775 dirhams, up from 683 dirhams during the same month in the previous year, representing a 13% increase. Additionally, the average revenue per available room (RevPAR) surged by 16%, reaching 668 dirhams compared to 576 dirhams in January 2025.
According to the data, the total hotel capacity in the emirate has reached 154.7 thousand rooms across various categories within 827 hotels and serviced apartment establishments, which is a 1% increase compared to 153.6 thousand rooms in January of the previous year.
Five-star hotels accounted for 37% of the total number of rooms, with 56.38 thousand rooms across 154 hotels. The number of four-star hotels reached 195, offering 43.65 thousand rooms, while there were 278 three-star hotels comprising approximately 29.49 thousand rooms.
The average occupancy rate in hotels during January was 86%, compared to 84% during the same period last year. Five-star hotels reported an average occupancy of 82%, while four-star hotels reached 89%, three-star hotels also had an occupancy rate of 89%, and luxury serviced apartments had an 88% occupancy rate. Mid-range serviced apartments saw an occupancy of 87%.
Visitor Origins
Data highlighted that Western Europe topped the list of visitor origins to Dubai, contributing 18% of total visitors in January, equivalent to approximately 364 thousand tourists. Russia, the CIS, and Eastern Europe accounted for 16% of the total visitors, with about 325 thousand individuals. The Gulf Cooperation Council countries also represented 16%, equating to 323 thousand visitors, followed by South Asia at 15%, with around 287 thousand visitors. The share from the Middle East and North Africa reached 12%, totaling 238 thousand visitors, while North and Southeast Asia contributed 9%, which is about 173 thousand. Visitors from the Americas numbered around 152 thousand, representing 8%, 4% from Africa (approximately 87 thousand), and 2% from Australia with about 46 thousand visitors.
The Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai successfully implemented a diverse strategy last year, resulting in an influx of both new and repeat visitors from traditional as well as emerging markets. This led to an increase in visitors from key regions and strengthened Dubai’s appeal to a broad range of permanent residents, investors, and new businesses.
Dubai continues to enhance its competitiveness by leveraging digital innovation while offering exceptional experiences to visitors throughout their journey.