Honestly, is anyone shocked?
The UAE has just been named the top winter destination in the Middle East on the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index by the World Economic Forum.
Last year, the UAE claimed the top spot for winter tourism in the Middle East and ranked 18th globally. This year, it surged up seven spots to take the crown for 2024. Plus, the UAE is the only country in the Middle East to land in the top 10 for international tourism revenue.
Given the surge in tourism we’ve seen, these stats aren’t exactly surprising. The World Travel & Tourism Council’s 2024 report predicts that the UAE welcomed 29.2 million international visitors last year, showing a 15.5% growth compared to 2023.
In 2024, Dubai International Airport smashed records by welcoming 92 million passengers, marking a nearly 6% jump in traffic from 2023. DXB handled 300,000 flight movements, served 106 airline customers, and connected to 272 cities across 107 countries.
Dubai saw almost 17 million international visitors in the first 11 months of last year, according to the latest data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Western Europe was the top source market, followed by South Asia and the Gulf countries.
In the first half of 2024, the airport set a new record by welcoming 44.9 million guests, reflecting an 8% year-on-year growth. As for baggage, DXB handled an impressive 39.7 million bags during that period.
Winter is definitely the ultimate time to visit the UAE, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant city life that’s hard to beat. You can soak in the stunning outdoors—beaches, mountains, wadis, nature reserves, and more—while also diving into the city’s seasonal events. Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s in style, shop ’til you drop, and enjoy some of the best food around!
Recently, the UAE kicked off the fifth edition of its ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign, showcasing the country’s people and places through incredible tourism experiences. The campaign is aimed at everyone looking to embrace the UAE winter—whether citizens, residents, or international visitors.
The UAE has big plans for the future of tourism! As part of its bold Tourism Strategy 2031, the country aims to attract Dhs100 billion in tourism investments and host 40 million hotel guests. The 2024 report also predicts that by 2033, international visitors to the UAE will hit around 45.5 million.
