Malik Waqar
Dubai has solidified its position as a global tourism and business hub, receiving international recognition for safety, cleanliness, and hospitality while welcoming 18.72 million international overnight visitors in 2024, a 9% increase from the previous year, according to data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Dubai Among World’s Safest Cities
The Numbeo 2024 Safety Index ranked Dubai among the top five safest cities worldwide, with a safety index score of 83.7. The emirate also retained its top position as the leading destination for long-term remote workers, according to Savills’ 2024 Executive Nomad Index.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, stated that Dubai’s tourism boom aligns with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aimed at making Dubai a top global city for business, leisure, and living.
“By continuing to create new opportunities and value-driven offerings for the global traveller, Dubai will not only maintain its status as a preferred destination but also strengthen its position at the forefront of global growth in the sector,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
Global Accolades for Dubai
For the fifth consecutive year, Dubai was ranked the world’s cleanest city in the Global Power City Index (GPCI) by Japan’s Mori Memorial Foundation.
At the 31st World Travel Awards 2024, Dubai secured top honours, including:
World’s Leading Shopping Destination
World’s Leading Exhibition Destination
Mina Rashid: World’s Leading Cruise Port
Dubai International Airport (DXB): World’s Leading Airport
DXB remained the world’s busiest international airport for the 10th year, welcoming 92.3 million guests in 2024, according to Airports Council International (ACI).
Record-Setting Events & Hospitality Growth
Dubai hosted some of the world’s biggest events in 2024, including:
GITEX Global (200,000 attendees, highest in 44 years)
Gulfood (150,000 attendees)
Arabian Travel Market (46,000 attendees)
The city also secured 437 future events through Dubai Business Events (DBE), which are expected to attract over 210,000 delegates in the coming years.
New hotel openings, including One&Only One Za’abeel, SIRO One Za’abeel, and The Lana Dorchester Collection, boosted Dubai’s total hotel inventory to 154,016 rooms across 832 establishments.
Focus on Inclusivity & Digital Innovation
Dubai is working to become the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere and has launched AI-powered solutions for biometric hotel check-ins, automated immigration at DXB, and virtual reality tourism experiences.
Strategic infrastructure projects include:
$35 billion expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), set to become the world’s largest with a capacity of 260 million passengers annually.
Dubai Metro’s Blue Line expansion, covering 30 km and serving one million residents.
A Culinary & Cultural Hotspot
Dubai’s restaurant scene continues to shine, with the MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024 featuring 106 restaurants across 35 cuisines.
The city also hosted the Best Chef Awards for the first time in the Middle East, while the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 awarded Dubai 19 spots, including the top three rankings.
With record-breaking tourism, global accolades, and infrastructure expansion, Dubai remains a key player in the global hospitality and business landscape.
