By Staff Reporter
Dubai recorded 869,000 international overnight visitors in August, while hotel occupancy rose to 66%, signalling a continued recovery in the emirate’s tourism sector.
DUBAI — Dubai welcomed approximately 869,000 international overnight visitors in August, the highest monthly figure since February, as tourism activity continued to recover following disruptions earlier in the year.
The latest figures from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) show that international visitor numbers have recorded double-digit month-on-month growth since March, bringing the total number of visitors during the first eight months of 2026 to 6.97 million.
Hotel occupancy also improved significantly, reaching 66% in August. The figure was equivalent to 89% of the occupancy recorded during the same month last year and represented a sharp recovery from the 36% recorded in March.
Dubai’s hotels recorded 21.61 million occupied room nights between January and August, while the emirate’s hotel room inventory approached 149,000 rooms by the end of August.
Western Europe leads visitor markets
Western Europe remained Dubai’s largest source market during the first eight months of the year, accounting for 20% of international visitors.
South Asia contributed 17%, followed by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at 16%, while the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eastern Europe accounted for 14%.
The diversity of Dubai’s visitor markets continues to provide a broad base for the emirate’s tourism industry as authorities work with airlines, hotels and travel companies to sustain demand through the remainder of the year.
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said the latest results reflected the continued efforts of tourism and hospitality stakeholders across the emirate.
He said Dubai had continued delivering for visitors despite challenging conditions, supported by a diverse mix of source markets, extensive hospitality infrastructure and an evolving tourism offering.
Tourism industry meets in Dubai
The latest visitor figures were released as Dubai hosts the 33rd Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which runs from September 14 to 17 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
DET is participating in the event alongside more than 115 co-exhibitors representing hotel groups, attractions, destination management companies, aviation partners and government entities.
More than 300 international travel trade professionals from over 40 countries are also taking part in DET’s ATM Hosted Buyers Programme.
The programme allows international travel buyers promoting Dubai to meet tourism businesses, explore new attractions and products, and strengthen their knowledge of the destination.
Airlines restore connectivity
Dubai has also been rebuilding international air connectivity following the regional situation that disrupted travel earlier this year.
The Dubai Government introduced a Dh2.5 billion support package for the tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors, while Emirates has restored 97% of its global network.
Passenger load factors at Dubai International Airport have continued to improve and are approaching 2025 levels, according to DET.
Tourism promotion has continued through international campaigns, trade engagements, market briefings and roadshows.
The DET-led A Dubai Invite programme has also encouraged residents to invite friends and family to visit the emirate. More than 90,000 residents applied for benefits under the initiative, which reached Dubai’s population representing almost 200 nationalities.
