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Dubai is the best city to live, work and visit

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) reported that 4.88 million tourists visited the emirate between January and October 2021, with international arrivals exceeding one million in October alone. Reflecting the industry’s growing growth rate and stability, the high level of international tourism was complemented by an active domestic tourism market, which contributed to further growth in the hotel sector, resulting in 9.4 million room nights sold between January and October 2021, compared to 7 million room nights in the same period in 2019.

The latest tourism figures were unveiled at the Department of Economy and Tourism’s second biennial City Briefing 2021 to provide stakeholders with key updates on the positive growth of the tourism sector and insight into current and future strategies and global marketing campaigns.

The forum provided a detailed presentation of domestic and global developments, including an overview of visitor growth, hotel occupancy and activity in international markets, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a safe, must-see destination and the world’s best city to live, work and visit.

The meeting, chaired by H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, was attended by more than 1,150 representatives from leading businesses in the hotel, tourism and travel sectors. The forum was part of DET’s regular dialogue with business leaders aimed at encouraging collaboration and exchange of views to ensure the smooth running of the industry in line with tourism initiatives and strategies. The forum, held at Ain Dubai, discussed ways to further accelerate the growth of the industry with the latest attractions opening up in Dubai.

Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “Inspired by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and strengthened by the success of Expo 2020 Dubai and the celebration of the UAE Golden Jubilee, Dubai is at the forefront of the global tourism and economic recovery, setting the tone for sustainable recovery and growth.

Dubai’s enduring reputation as a safe international travel destination has led to growth in both domestic and international tourism, as evidenced by improved hotel performance. According to the October 2021 survey for the year, hotel occupancy was almost 64% and length of stay increased by 12%, from 4.1 nights to 4.6 nights.

Looking at the profile of international visitors, the study found that in the first half of 2021, Dubai’s visitors were gender-balanced, with 52% male and 48% female. The emirate also attracted more first-time visitors during this time, reflecting the city’s attractiveness despite the pandemic, compared to the first half of the previous year.

Issam Kazim, Director General, Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing Corporation, commented: “At Dubai Economy and Tourism Department, we are proud to be part of Dubai’s success by 2021, which was based on the vision and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Over the past five decades, Dubai has emerged as a global hub for tourism and business, and through effective city-wide pandemic management, the city has cemented its position as one of the safest destinations in the world.”

The main objective of the DET for the coming year is to continue growth in all sectors of the economy. Initiatives will be introduced to further increase the number of Expo 2020 visitors, strengthen relationships with the tourism industry and find new channels to attract visitors. Underscoring Dubai’s versatility, DET plans to demonstrate its position as a thriving global hub for business and tourism, gastronomy, sustainability, weddings, retail and events.

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