Dubai welcomes 8.68 million global visitors during first 5 months

Dubai attracted 8.68 million international tourists during the first five months of 2025, from January through May, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2024, which recorded 8.12 million visitors.

According to the Tourism Performance Report January - May 2025, released today by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the city welcomed 1.53 million international visitors in May alone.

Western Europe led the list of source markets, accounting for 22% of total visitors, approximately 1.917 million tourists. Following closely were Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, and Eastern Europe, contributing 1.396 million visitors (16%).

South Asia ranked third with 1.242 million tourists (14%), while the GCC region followed with 1.275 million visitors, representing 15% of the total.

The Middle East and North Africa came fifth with 989,000 visitors (11%), followed by Northeast and Southeast Asia, which contributed 771,000 tourists (9%).

The Americas accounted for 601,000 visitors (7%), while Africa brought in 346,000 tourists (4%). Australia contributed 141,000 visitors, representing about 2% of Dubai’s total international arrivals during the period.

As of the end of May 2025, Dubai’s hotel sector comprised 825 establishments offering 153,356 rooms, compared to 822 hotels with 150,202 rooms at the end of May 2024.

Average hotel occupancy during the first five months of 2025 stood at 83%, up from 81% during the same period last year.

The total number of occupied room nights reached 19.09 million, an increase of 4% from the 18.34 million recorded during the same period in 2024.

Guests stayed an average of 3.8 nights per visit. The average daily room rate rose to Dhs620, marking a 5% increase compared to Dhs590 in 2024. Revenue per available room also saw a 7% boost, reaching Dhs513 compared to Dhs478 in the same period last year.

RTA explores adoption of quantum technologies: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is exploring the adoption of quantum technologies across three core domains: quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum cybersecurity.

The initiative targets key sectors such as transportation, mobility systems, and smart infrastructure. It aims to enhance the performance of intelligent systems, accelerate the transition to smart mobility, and reinforce digital security, while also advancing data protection, fostering sustainability and innovation, and anticipating the future.

RTA organised a specialised scientific workshop titled “Quantum Communication and Its Applications in Smart Infrastructure”, in collaboration with Cisco, the global leader in networking technologies and cybersecurity.

The workshop featured expert speakers in the field of quantum communication and was attended by representatives from various technical and engineering departments within RTA, as well as participants from external entities.

The workshop focused on the foundational principles of quantum communication, highlighting key research developments and real-world applications of this emerging technology. It addressed several core topics, including the objectives of quantum communication, an overview of quantum mechanics, quantum computing, quantum networks, and quantum cybersecurity, in addition to sharing insights from leading global research in the field.

The findings of the workshop reaffirmed the strategic value of quantum communication as a forward-looking solution in the communications domain. The technology enables unparalleled levels of data security and transmission speed, supporting streamlined operations and greater system integration across key agencies.

Through this initiative, RTA positions itself among the first government entities in the region to explore the application of quantum technologies within the transport sector. These cutting-edge technologies have the potential to deliver transformative impact across multiple industries by harnessing innovative solutions grounded in the principles of quantum physics, one of the most complex and exact fields of science. Quantum technologies stand out for their exceptional capabilities in security, data analysis, and high-speed processing.

RTA’s adoption of quantum technologies and its exploration of their potential in the transport sector align with the Government of Dubai’s vision of future readiness. The approach reflects a commitment to embracing secure, efficient digital solutions, staying ahead of global advancements, and proactively deploying cutting-edge technologies in infrastructure management and transport systems.

In collaboration with strategic partners and specialised research institutions in quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum cybersecurity, a dedicated RTA team is actively examining the application of quantum technologies across various sectors and operational domains. The objective is to support the development of a more secure, resilient, and sustainable digital infrastructure that keeps pace with the accelerating trajectory of global technological advancement.

WAM