Dubai Records Highest Monthly Visitor Numbers Since February Ahead of Arabian Travel Market 2026

The figures were released ahead of the 33rd Arabian Travel Market, taking place from September 14-17 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

By Entrepreneur Middle East Staff | Sep 14, 2026

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Dubai welcomed approximately 869,000 international overnight visitors in August 2026, its highest monthly total since February, according to data released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) ahead of the opening of Arabian Travel Market 2026.

The figure followed a double-digit month-on-month growth since March and brought international visitation to 6.97 million during the first eight months of the year.

Hotel occupancy reached 66% in August, up from 36% in March and equivalent to 89% of the level recorded in the same month last year. Dubai’s hotels registered 21.61 million occupied room nights from January through August, while the city’s hotel inventory approached 149,000 rooms.

Western Europe contributed the largest share of Dubai’s international visitors from January to August, accounting for 20% of the total. South Asia followed at 17%, the Gulf Cooperation Council at 16%, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eastern Europe at 14%.

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, attributed the results to the work of Dubai’s hospitality and tourism partners, its infrastructure, and its diversified visitor markets.

The figures were released ahead of the 33rd Arabian Travel Market, taking place from September 14-17 at Dubai World Trade Centre. DET is participating alongside more than 115 co-exhibitors, including hotel groups, attractions, destination management companies, aviation partners, and government entities.

DET is also hosting more than 300 international travel trade professionals from over 40 countries through its ATM Hosted Buyers Program. The department’s tourism initiatives in 2026 have included international campaigns, trade briefings, roadshows and market partnerships. Its “A Dubai Invite” campaign enabled residents representing almost 200 nationalities to invite family and friends to visit the city, with more than 90,000 residents applying for benefits through the program.

Earlier this year, the Dubai government introduced an AED2.5 billion support package for the tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors following disruptions to international travel across the region. Emirates has since restored 97% of its global network, while passenger load factors at Dubai International Airport are approaching their 2025 levels, according to DET.

The figure followed a double-digit month-on-month growth since March and brought international visitation to 6.97 million during the first eight months of the year.