Tourism in Dubai regained momentum in the first eight months of 2026, supported by a recovery in international visitor numbers and hotel performance. According to data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the city welcomed 6.97 million international overnight visitors between January and August. In August, around 869,000 visitors were recorded, marking the highest monthly figure since February.
Hotel Occupancy for Tourism in Dubai Rose to 66 Percent
Hotel occupancy increased to 66 percent in August, significantly above the 36 percent level recorded in March 2026. Hotels registered a total of 21.61 million occupied room nights in the first eight months of the year, while room inventory approached 149,000. Tourism in Dubai was supported by visitors from Western Europe, South Asia, Gulf countries, the CIS, and Eastern Europe. Western Europe accounted for 20 percent of total visitors.
Recovery Continues Despite Regional Developments
Following the impact of regional developments on global travel at the beginning of the year, the Dubai government announced an AED 2.5 billion package providing direct support to the tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors. Emirates restored 97 percent of its global flight network. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing under DET, also stated that the results were supported by the efforts of industry partners, the city’s broad accommodation infrastructure, and diversified visitor markets.
Tourism in Dubai and Artificial Intelligence on the Agenda at ATM 2026
At Arabian Travel Market 2026, held at Dubai World Trade Centre from September 14 to 17, more than 115 tourism stakeholders in Dubai are joining DET. Under the Hosted Buyers Programme, more than 300 international travel professionals from over 40 countries are being hosted. The ATM programme, which includes more than 80 sessions, covers artificial intelligence, aviation, connectivity, tourist behaviour, investment, and industry resilience.
E-Commerce and Retail Are Becoming More Digital in Tourist Shopping
As tourism in Dubai recovers, the retail and e-commerce infrastructure for tourists in the UAE is also expanding. According to data from the Federal Tax Authority, the number of retail outlets connected to the Digital Tourist VAT Refund System reached approximately 19,340 by the end of June 2026. With Noon joining the system, tourists can also claim VAT refunds on eligible e-commerce purchases made while they are in the UAE.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism also states that retail and commercial businesses can expand into digital channels under their existing licences. As e-commerce, digital shopping services, and retail activities expand within the visitor economy linked to tourism in Dubai, artificial intelligence and travel technologies are also among the key topics on the sector’s agenda at ATM 2026.