Dubai records 13% year-on-year increase in overnight UK visitors in first half of year

Dubai welcomed 711,000 overnight visitors from the UK in the first half of 2025, marking a 13% year-on-year increase.

In total the city welcomed 9.88 million international overnight visitors between January 1 and June 30, marking a 6% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). 

Average occupancy for hotels across the emirate stood at 80.6% over the six months, up from 78.7% compared with the same period in 2024.

Occupied room nights meanwhile increased by 4%, standing at 22.24 million at the end of the half, compared to 21.35 million last year. Guests’ length of stay averaged 3.71 nights.

Visit Dubai attributed the boost in tourism to a number of factors, including its “evolving accommodation portfolio offering quality at every price point”, the city’s “diverse culinary scene” and its campaigns and partnerships, such as the ‘Find Your Story’ marketing campaign led by Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi.

Issam Kazim, chief executive of Visit Dubai, said: “Dubai’s tourism performance reflects the strength of public-private partnerships and the power of community, which have been instrumental in showcasing Dubai’s destination offering to the world.

“Our residents, businesses and visitors have played a supporting role in our tourism success, with their authentic voices and genuine advocacy promoting the city and its unique experiences.”

He added: “Dubai has become even more accessible, with a robust infrastructure and a business-friendly environment that fosters collaboration, while a year-round calendar of leisure, trade and MICE events have further diversified the city’s visitor base and generated significant economic impact.”