Dubai tourism posts record growth in the first half of 2025

Dubai is setting new tourism records this year while wealthy expats continue to feed the city’s real estate boom.

Almost 10 million foreigners visited Dubai during the first six months of 2025, a 6% increase over the same period last year that puts it on track to exceed the 2024 total of 18.7 million.

Western Europe was the largest source market for Dubai, accounting for 22% of international visitors, followed by the Russia and Eastern Europe region, and South Asia, contributing 15% each, according to government figures.

Demand for new homes from foreigners, meanwhile, is fueling construction in the city, with 24 real estate projects valued at $1.2 billion completed in the first half of 2025.