3.14 million South Asian tourists visited Dubai in 2024
Strengthening its position as a preferred destination for Indian travellers, Dubai recently showcased its diverse attractions at SATTE, a leading travel trade event that concluded on Friday in Delhi.
In a press statement, Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) says that aiming to reinforce its appeal among Indian tourists, it highlighted its multicultural experiences, iconic landmarks, varied accommodations, and seamless connectivity.
The statement adds that its strategy aligned with its broader strategy to attract a diverse range of Indian travellers, be it luxury shopping, family-friendly attractions, and high-profile business events.
In 2024, Dubai welcomed 3.14 million overnight visitors from South Asia, contributing to the city’s total of 18.72 million international visitors, a 9 pc year-on-year increase.
The DET adds that to strengthen tourism and business collaborations, it actively engaged with key Indian travel stakeholders including airlines, destination management companies, and hotels at the event.
It says that the ongoing collaboration with India’s travel industry supports the city’s vision of becoming a global hub for tourism, business, and lifestyle. The city’s appeal has been further boosted by the UAE’s expansion of its visa-on-arrival programme for Indian nationals, says DET.
The statement adds that with effect from February 13, Indian passport holders with valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from six additional countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea are now eligible for visas on arrival at all entry points to the United Arab Emirates. This eligibility was previously applied to those with visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Bader Al Habib
“Dubai deeply values its long-standing relationship with India, and 2024 has further strengthened this bond. Following another record year for the city, Dubai’s tourism sector has reached new heights, and as we continue to advance the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, India will remain an essential partner in solidifying Dubai’s status as a global hub for business, tourism, and investment. Furthermore, Dubai is reinforcing its position as a premium lifestyle destination, offering exclusive fashion collaborations and world-class experiences that resonate with India’s discerning travellers,” says Bader Ali Habib, Director, Proximity Markets, Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism.
Meanwhile, DET claims that Dubai has cemented its reputation as a global hub for shopping and lifestyle. As per the city’s tourism department, the city was named the world’s leading shopping destination and World’s leading exhibition destination at the 31st annual World Travel Awards in November 2024.
It also collaborated with renowned Indian designer Gaurav Gupta to launch an exclusive capsule collection. Inspired by Dubai’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, this five-piece collection celebrates Dubai’s vibrant culture and strengthens its status as a global luxury and fashion destination.
Additionally, DET also mentions that Dubai is also ranked among the top five safest cities with a safety index of 83.7, thus, it is a favoured second home for many Indian travellers.
According to DET, the hotel inventory reached 154,016 rooms across 832 establishments by December 2024, which increased from 150,291 rooms in 2023.
In 2025, aiming to elevate its luxury hospitality offerings, Dubai is set to welcome iconic properties like Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Mandarin Oriental Downtown, and Ciel, Vignette Collection by IHG.
As per DET, the Michelin guide Dubai 2024 featured 106 restaurants across 35 cuisines, an 18 pc increase from the previous year.
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