Dubai is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In the first half of 2022, international visitor numbers have tripled! There are so many things to see and do in Dubai, from shopping at world-famous malls to enjoying beautiful beaches. If you’re planning a trip to Dubai in 2022, read on for some tips on what to expect!
Dubai hosted 7.12 million international visitors in the first half of 2022, nearly three times the 2.52 million tourists it welcomed in the same period last year, new data shows.
The emirate’s strong performance was driven by an increase in visitors from key markets such as Mena, GCC, western Europe and south Asia, according to the latest figures from Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
DTCM director general Saeed Al Tayer said Dubai is “well on track” to achieve its target of 20 million international visitors.
“The Emirate has a lot to offer tourists from all over the world, and we are confident that we will continue to see strong growth in visitor numbers in the coming years,” he added.
The number brings the emirate closer to its pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels of 8.36 million international visitors in the first half of 2020. With its world-class infrastructure, diverse attractions and strong safety protocols, Dubai are well-positioned to capitalize on the rebound in global travel demand, Al Tayer said.
“We are confident that Dubai will continue to be a leading destination of choice for travelers from all over the world,” he added.
The emirate has been working hard to attract tourists back, with a range of initiatives including the launch of a new long-term visa and a QR code-based system for contactless travel.
The government agency attributed the surge in visitor numbers to the momentum generated by Expo 2020 Dubai, which ended on March 31, as well as the emirate’s successful hosting of the Dubai World Cup horse racing event in March.
Other factors that contributed to the growth include Dubai’s aggressive marketing campaigns, which have been rolled out in key source markets, and its efforts to reopen borders and ease travel restrictions.
Looking ahead, Dubai is expecting even more visitors in the second half of the year as it prepares to host a number of major events, including the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2023.
Dubai’s top source markets
The first-half rise in international visitor numbers was helped by the emirate’s focus on diversifying its source markets, the DET said.
Western Europe and the GCC each accounted for 22 percent of Dubai’s international visitors in the first half of 2022, followed by Mena with 16 percent, south Asia with 12 percent, and east Asia and the Pacific with 11 percent.
The United Kingdom was the top source market for Dubai in the first half of 2022, followed by India, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Russia. The US was in sixth place.
Dubai’s Real Estate busier
The surge in international visitors helped to fill Dubai’s Real Estate expectations during the period, with the emirate’s hotels and holiday homes recording a 79 percent occupancy rate.
Revenue per available room (RevPAR) for Dubai’s hotels and hotel apartments reached Dh433 in the first half of 2022, up from Dh360 in the same period last year.
The GCC’s hospitality industry will return to pre-coronavirus levels in 2022, boosted by an increase in the number of tourist arrivals, easing visa regulations and the hosting of big events such as the Fifa World Cup in Qatar, analysts say.
“With the successful hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai and the return of international events and conferences, we are confident that Dubai will regain its position as a top global destination,” Al Tayer said.
DTCM is working closely with the emirate’s tourism and hospitality sector to ensure a smooth and seamless transition to the post-Expo era, he added.
The department has also launched a new long-term visa for people aged 55 and above, which will be valid for up to ten years. The visa is part of Dubai’s efforts to attract more retirees to the emirate.
Dubai is also working on plans to launch a “digital nomad visa” later this year, which will allow people to work remotely from the emirate for a period of up to one year.
The visa will be available to professionals who are employed by a company outside the UAE and who can demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and qualifications. Applicants must also have health insurance and meet certain financial criteria.
What to expect in Dubai in the second half of 2022?
Looking ahead, Dubai is expecting even more visitors in the second half of the year as it prepares to host a number of major events, including the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2023.
so, if you’re thinking of buying an apartment in Dubai, now is a great time! There are plenty of options available and prices are sure to increase as the number of visitors to the emirate continues to rise.
With its world-class infrastructure, diverse culture and unrivalled lifestyle offerings, Dubai is the perfect place to buy an apartment and live the dream.
If you’re looking for an investment property, there are a number of factors to consider before making your purchase. Location is key, and with so many new developments springing up all over Dubai, it can be difficult to know where to buy.
Our advice would be to consult with Azco Real Estate who can help you find the perfect apartment in Dubai to suit your needs and budget.
With so much to offer, now is the time to buy an apartment in Dubai! Contact us today to find out more about our latest listings.
