Dubai received 6.97 million international tourists in the first eight months of 2026, with approximately 869 thousand visitors in August, the highest monthly figure since February. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) of Dubai revealed that growth has been consistent since March, with double-digit increases month after month. Hospitality accompanied this recovery, with the occupancy rate reaching 66% in August and 21.61 million accommodation nights occupied in the first eight months of the year.
Tourist demand shows strong geographical diversification. Western Europe was the main source region, with 20% of visits, followed by South Asia, with 17%, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, with 16%. Diversification of source markets is one of Dubai's strategic bets to sustain tourism demand, combining the maintenance of traditional markets with expansion into emerging markets.
The data was released during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, held between September 14 and 17 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event featured the participation of DET and more than 115 co-exhibitors from the emirate's tourism ecosystem, including hotel groups and destination management companies. Through the ATM Hosted Buyers programme, more than 300 international professionals from over 40 countries were received.
Tourism performance comes in a context of international connectivity recovery, after Dubai made available a package of 2.5 billion AED to support the tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors. Emirates restored 97% of its global network and Dubai International Airport registered a recovery in flight occupancy rates.
