Dubai to Join Top Three Global Travel Destinations in Q4
Dubai is set to experience one of the strongest performances in international tourism during the final quarter of 2025. According to ForwardKeys, a travel analytics company under Amadeus, the city is projected to rank among the top three global travel destinations, alongside Tokyo and London.
This growth highlights Dubai’s continued success as a global hub for tourism, business, and leisure, attracting visitors from around the world. Forward bookings show a positive trend for the upcoming winter season, indicating a healthy increase in international arrivals compared with the same period last year.
Dubai’s Rising Popularity: Key Numbers
Data from ForwardKeys reveals a 6% increase in international visitors expected in the last three months of 2025 compared to Q4 2024. This rise reflects Dubai’s ability to draw travelers from multiple regions and strengthen its position as a world-class tourist destination.
Dubai is forecasted to account for 2.2% of all international tourist arrivals worldwide during this period. The city’s appeal lies in its unique combination of modern infrastructure, luxury experiences, shopping destinations, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
Top Source Markets
India and the United Kingdom remain Dubai’s largest source markets, demonstrating strong long-term travel ties. Meanwhile, China has made a notable comeback, showing a 34% increase in bookings year-on-year, rejoining the top ten visitor markets.
European countries are also contributing to Dubai’s growth. Germany, for example, has posted a 9% increase in bookings, proving that Dubai’s tourism appeal is expanding across Asia and Europe.
These numbers indicate a growing global interest in Dubai and show the city’s ability to cater to a wide range of international travelers.
Trends in Travel Stays
Dubai is attracting both short-term and long-term travelers. Short stays of 1–5 nights still make up the largest share, representing 46% of all reservations. However, there is a rising trend for extended vacations, with bookings of 14 nights or more expected to grow by 9%.
This trend suggests that visitors are increasingly looking for longer, immersive experiences in Dubai, exploring everything from iconic landmarks to luxury resorts and entertainment options.
Hotels and Resorts: Record Bookings
Hotels and resorts across Dubai are reporting record levels of reservations. Some hotels have seen up to a 30% increase in confirmed bookings compared with the same period last year.
The boost in demand is largely driven by winter holidays, Christmas, and New Year celebrations, highlighting Dubai’s reputation as a preferred destination for festive vacations.
Industry experts say that this surge in bookings reflects Dubai’s resilient tourism sector and its ability to attract travelers from diverse backgrounds and regions.
Dubai’s Performance in 2025
Dubai welcomed 11.17 million international visitors during the first seven months of 2025, up from 10.62 million in 2024, marking a 5% increase year-on-year.
This growth is part of Dubai’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its tourism sector. Through consistent investments in infrastructure, hospitality, and visitor experiences, the city has managed to position itself as a top-tier global destination.
Leisure Travelers Lead the Way
Leisure travelers account for the largest segment of visitors to Dubai, with a noticeable rise in long-stay bookings. These travelers are drawn to Dubai’s luxury hotels, world-class entertainment, shopping festivals, and cultural attractions.
Business travelers also continue to contribute to the city’s growth, benefiting from Dubai’s state-of-the-art business facilities, conference centers, and strategic location. The city’s ability to serve both leisure and business travelers strengthens its global tourism influence.
Dubai’s Global Influence in Tourism
ForwardKeys’ data shows that Dubai has evolved from a regional transit hub into a major global tourism powerhouse. According to Michael Yeomans, Head of Travel Intelligence at Amadeus, sustained investments in infrastructure, hospitality, and visitor experiences have contributed significantly to this success.
He added, “Dubai’s ability to attract visitors from diverse tourism markets and cater to both short- and long-stay travelers reinforces its growing global influence in travel and hospitality.”
Key Attractions Driving Visitor Growth
Several factors contribute to Dubai’s rising tourism numbers:
- World-Class Infrastructure: Dubai’s airports, public transport, and modern roads make travel convenient and smooth.
- Luxury Accommodation: Hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments offer unmatched comfort and unique experiences.
- Entertainment and Events: From global music concerts and sporting events to shopping festivals, Dubai offers activities for all age groups.
- Cultural Experiences: Museums, art galleries, and heritage sites showcase Dubai’s rich history and modern culture.
- Festive Celebrations: Winter holidays and New Year events attract a large number of family and leisure travelers.
These factors combine to make Dubai a comprehensive destination for tourists, whether for short visits or extended stays.
Preparing for Winter 2025
With peak travel season approaching, Dubai is well-prepared to welcome visitors. Hotels are boosting their services, event organizers are planning world-class attractions, and airlines are increasing flight frequencies.
This preparation ensures that tourists enjoy a seamless travel experience, which strengthens Dubai’s reputation as a top global tourism hub.
Experts’ Insights on Dubai Tourism
Tourism analysts emphasize that Dubai’s consistent growth reflects its resilience, innovation, and appeal. By blending modernity with cultural richness, Dubai continues to attract travelers seeking luxury, adventure, and memorable experiences.
According to industry reports, diverse source markets and long-stay trends will further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination.
