A record number of international tourists visited Dubai in 2022, close to the number before the pandemic. Dubai Tourism’s figures show that over 14.9 million tourists visited Dubai in 2022, just shy of the 15.79 million who visited in 2019. This is an impressive feat considering the impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on the global travel industry.
The UAE was one of the first countries to implement travel restrictions and safety protocols in response to the pandemic, and the government also provided financial aid and stimulus packages to help businesses and individuals through the crisis. This helped to ensure that the tourism industry in Dubai was able to remain relatively unscathed.
The UAE’s Ministry of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (MTCM) has been a major driver of the resurgence of tourism in Dubai, launching a range of campaigns to encourage international tourists to return. The MTCM has also implemented a range of initiatives to make Dubai a more attractive destination for tourists, such as offering discounts and deals to help offset the cost of travel.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, noted the ambitious vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in transforming the emirate into a major international player. He lauded Dubai’s remarkable capability of swiftly increasing its tourism industry, which has set it apart as a leader within the global industry.
The success of Dubai’s tourism industry is largely due to the strength of its infrastructure, which includes world-class airports, hotels and transport links. The emirate also offers a wide range of attractions and activities to its visitors, ranging from theme parks to shopping malls and cultural attractions.
The city’s successful vaccine roll-out has also helped to reassure visitors that Dubai is a safe place to travel. The UAE has administered more than 25 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, and the country has also implemented a series of measures to ensure the safety of visitors, such as health passports and quarantine protocols.
The resurgence of international tourism in Dubai is a positive sign for the global travel industry, and it is hoped that other countries can follow the UAE’s example. However, with the pandemic still ongoing, it is crucial that safety protocols are maintained in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.
Dubai has demonstrated its position as a leader in the tourism sector, showcasing its growth in global tourism recovery. This progress is a reflection of the pivotal role which tourism plays in the city’s economic development and sustainable growth, helping to make the ambition of Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to become one of the world’s top three cities for tourism and business a reality.
