The tourism sector in Dubai has continued its strong performance since the start of this year, achieving positive outcomes in the first five months. The emirate welcomed 8.68 million tourists, reflecting a 7% increase compared to the same period last year, which saw 8.12 million international visitors.
According to data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the total accommodation capacity in Dubai’s hotels reached approximately 153,300 hotel rooms by the end of May, spread across 825 hotels and serviced apartment establishments. This marks a growth from around 150,200 rooms within 822 establishments at the end of May 2024, representing a 2% increase in the number of hotel rooms.
The average length of stay for guests was about 3.8 nights, and the total number of room nights (booked rooms) surpassed 19 million, an increase of 4% from 18.3 million nights during the same timeframe last year. The average daily room rate was recorded at 620 dirhams, up from 590 dirhams, while the average revenue per room reached 513 dirhams, compared to 478 dirhams in the previous year, translating to a 7% increase in average revenue and a 5% increase in daily rates.
Five-star hotel rooms accounted for 35% of the total hotel market in Dubai, with 54,100 rooms in 168 hotels. Four-star accommodations followed, accounting for 29% with 44,200 rooms across 198 establishments. Meanwhile, hotels with three stars and one star collectively represented about 19% of the market, offering over 29,200 hotel rooms in 276 establishments.
The number of mid-range apartment establishments stood at 102, comprising 11,700 apartments, while luxury apartments counted 81 establishments with 14,050 apartments.
The average occupancy rate of hotels and serviced apartments reached 83%, compared to 81% for the same period last year. Luxury serviced apartments reported the highest rate at 85%, followed by four-star hotels with an average occupancy of 84%. Mid-range serviced apartments shared an occupancy rate of 83%, while five-star hotels had an occupancy rate of 82%. Small to medium-sized hotels, classified as one to three stars, had an 81% occupancy rate.
Western Europe ranked first in terms of visitor sources, contributing 22% of the total in the first five months of the year, which equates to 1.91 million visitors. This was followed by the Commonwealth of Independent States, Russia, and Eastern Europe at 16%, accounting for 1.39 million visitors. Countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council accounted for 15%, equal to 1.27 million visitors, while South Asia contributed 14%, or 1.24 million visitors. The Middle East and North Africa’s share reached 11% with 989,000 visitors, and 9% came from Southeast Asia, approximately 771,000 visitors. Visitors from the Americas represented 7%, equating to 601,000, while Africa contributed 4% with about 346,000 visitors and Australia accounted for 2%, with around 141,000 visitors.