Dubai, UAE – Dubai welcomed 6.97 million international overnight visitors between January and August 2026, according to the latest Tourism Performance Report from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
August alone brought around 869,000 visitors, the highest monthly figure since February, pointing to a recovery in travel demand heading into the peak winter season.
Top source markets (January–August)
- Western Europe: 20%
- South Asia: 17%
- GCC: 16%
- CIS and Eastern Europe: 14%
Hotel sector
- Occupied room nights: 21.61 million in January–August
- Hotel room inventory: around 149,000 rooms at the end of August
DET’s visitor figures are adjusted to account for travellers arriving through other emirates, transit passengers and visitors staying with friends or relatives.
Outlook for the winter season
With the cooler months bringing major events such as Global Village, the Dubai Fitness Challenge, Dubai Design Week and the Dubai Shopping Festival, the city’s tourism and hospitality businesses are preparing for stronger visitor numbers in the final quarter of 2026. Travellers are advised to check the latest flight schedules and travel advisories before booking.
Source: Haber Paper, citing DET’s January–August 2026 Tourism Performance Report.
