Dubai Winter Tourism

Dubai is gearing up for what could be its busiest winter tourism season in history, as hotels, travel agencies, and resorts across the emirate prepare to host record-breaking numbers of international visitors. A surge in bookings from India, Russia, and Central Asian countries is setting the stage for a booming holiday season, further strengthening Dubai’s global position as a premier travel destination.

Surge in Group Bookings

According to travel industry experts, hotels across Dubai are already reporting a significant spike in group reservations for the coming winter.

“Tourists are arriving in large numbers already. Next week alone, we’re welcoming big groups from India,” said Safeer Mahamood, General Manager of Smart Travels. He added that travelers from the CIS region, including Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, along with Russian tourists, are pouring into Dubai this season, creating robust demand across hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

The growth reflects Dubai’s successful strategy of diversifying its tourism markets, ensuring a steady flow of visitors from both traditional and emerging regions.

Dubai’s Visitor Growth in 2025

Data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) shows impressive growth in tourist arrivals. Between January and July 2025, the city welcomed 11.17 million international visitors, compared to 10.62 million during the same period in 2024. This marks a 5% year-on-year increase, highlighting Dubai’s resilience and appeal in the global tourism industry.

With the winter months traditionally being Dubai’s busiest tourism season, industry insiders predict the emirate could set new records for overall arrivals by the end of the year.

UAE Tourism Outlook

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has also painted a positive picture for the UAE’s tourism sector. According to its projections:

• The UAE is expected to attract 27.6 million foreign visitors in 2025, up 4.6% compared to 2024.
• International tourist spending is projected to reach $62.2 billion, compared to $59.2 billion in 2024.
• Continuous investments in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, and entertainment are fueling the country’s ability to handle growing demand.

This growth comes on the back of expanded flight connectivity, new hotels, luxury resorts, global events, and Dubai’s reputation as a safe, modern, and family-friendly destination.

Why Dubai Remains a Global Favorite

Several factors continue to make Dubai a magnet for international travelers:

• Year-round sunshine and pleasant winter weather.
• World-class attractions, including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Desert Safari, and Expo City.
• Luxury shopping and dining experiences.
• Visa facilitation policies, making travel easier for tourists from multiple countries.
• A strong focus on safety and security, building traveler confidence.

Additionally, mega-events, concerts, and cultural festivals scheduled for the winter season are expected to further boost Dubai’s tourist footfall.

Quick Overview in Table

Aspect	Details
Tourists Jan–July 2025	11.17 million (5% growth YoY)
Main Sources of Visitors	India, Russia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, CIS region
UAE Visitor Forecast 2025	27.6 million foreign tourists
Expected Spending	$62.2 billion (up from $59.2B in 2024)
Peak Season	Winter 2025
Key Attractions	Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Desert Safari, Expo City

Conclusion

As Dubai prepares to welcome millions of travelers this winter, the emirate is poised for its largest-ever tourism season. With steady growth in international arrivals, rising global spending, and expanding infrastructure, Dubai continues to cement its status as one of the world’s most dynamic and attractive destinations.