The United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has become a favorite destination for tourists, has generated significant tourism revenue in recent years. The country, capable of attracting visitors from nearly every corner of the world, hosted 18.72 million people in Dubai alone in 2024. More than twice the national population visited the city, channeling billions of dollars in tourism revenue to the UAE. In 2025, a record-breaking number of tourists is expected to visit the city. From Asia to Latin America, travelers are flocking to Dubai and other parts of the UAE.
As part of the Dubai Economic Agenda, the city aims to become the world’s top tourism destination by 2033. Currently, it ranks as the seventh most visited city globally. Unlike traditional European cities, Dubai has rapidly transformed into a tourism and vacation hotspot, becoming a next-generation destination. The unique combination of lifestyle, work, and holiday opportunities—blended with the nation's historical culture—attracts tourists from all walks of life. Projections indicate that Dubai generates over $20 billion annually from tourism alone. International firms that have invested in Dubai’s tourism sector also contribute to the city’s growing visitor numbers. The UAE government has signed tourism cooperation agreements with 60 countries. With over 3,000 international partners involved, Dubai’s tourism sector plays a vital role in promoting the country globally. Seeking to reduce its reliance on energy exports and diversify its economy, the Emirati leadership has built a new city from the ground up.
With a population exceeding 4 million, Dubai appeals to foreigners primarily due to its vacation amenities. The nearly 100 million tourists who visited the city between 2020 and 2024 serve as a clear indicator of this trend. The city surpasses the annual tourist numbers of entire countries such as Portugal, Egypt, Singapore, and South Korea. Compared to pre-2020 figures, Dubai has emerged post-pandemic as a top destination for tourism and leisure.
At the heart of the tourism boom are the city’s hotel and entertainment offerings. Desert excursions, nature-infused activities, and luxury marina parties along the coast attract tourists year-round. Despite the heat, most visitors arrive between January-May and September December. During the intense summer months, alternative tourism activities become more popular.
The influx of tourists has significantly boosted the local real estate market. In 2024, Dubai recorded a real estate transaction volume of $207 billion, a reflection of the city's growing appeal. As the population grows and more tourists arrive, demand for housing increases, pushing property prices higher. In 2025, the real estate transaction volume is expected to reach $220 billion. Notably, most property buyers are not Emirati citizens but foreigners. Estimates suggest that the majority of property owners in the city are foreign investors. In the coming years, Dubai is projected to see a cumulative real estate transaction volume of $1.1 trillion.
As Parcel Estates, we are here to assist you in exploring investment opportunities in Dubai, especially in the tourism sector. As tourism continues to grow and more visitors arrive in the city, it's worth noting that nearly 100,000 Turkish citizens are among the tourists who visit Dubai each year.
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