Progresses towards the goal of becoming the world's preferred and most visited destination
Dubai welcomes 4.67 million international visitors in first quarter of 2023
Dubai has achieved its best quarterly performance since the COVID-19 pandemic. Cinematographer: Ahmed Arditi
image
In the first quarter of 2023, Dubai welcomed 4.67 million international visitors, compared to 3.97 million visitors during the same period in 2022, an increase of 17% year-on-year, as part of the city's best quarterly performance since the Covid-19 pandemic, confirming its progress towards achieving the goal of becoming the preferred and most visited destination in the world.
The latest data released by the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai showed that the city is accelerating its steps towards restoring strong tourism momentum, contributing to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as one of the top three economic cities in the world.
Powerful results
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: "The remarkable increase in international visitors to Dubai highlights its position as one of the key destinations driving the growth of the tourism sector globally. The strong results achieved for the sector come in line with the promising results for the rest of Dubai's economy, which would not have been possible without the long-term vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and its impact on transforming Dubai into one of the fastest growing cities in the world, attracting capital, investors and creative talent, as well as visitors."
An ambitious path
"The Dubai Economic Agenda, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid earlier this year, sets an ambitious path for Dubai to enhance its contributions to shaping the future of the global economy, while the tourism sector remains one of the main pillars of this comprehensive agenda. We are continuing to introduce more pioneering initiatives, so that Dubai becomes the best city in the world to visit, live, work and invest."
Positive results
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, said: "The positive results for the first quarter of this year confirm that we are on the right track towards achieving the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the best city in the world to live, work and visit. It also reflects the success of our strategy, as well as the continuous support of our local and international partners in the sector, translated into exceptional offers and experiences that residents and visitors of the city enjoy."
He added: "We will all work to elevate the tourism sector, which will witness a clear transformation over the next decade in terms of infrastructure, attractions and outstanding experiences, in line with the efforts exerted to achieve the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33."
He continued: "In 2023 and beyond, we will continue to follow our multifaceted strategy, which has greatly contributed to our success in 2022, as well as maintaining Dubai's global attractiveness as a preferred destination for travelers, and always keeping them in mind when making the decision to travel, which includes introducing the destination for everything new and distinctive, diversifying markets and geographical regions, as well as launching global marketing campaigns to reach target groups around the world."
He also referred to the revitalization of the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector, hosting business events, holding festivals and entertainment shows, and strengthening relations with partners and stakeholders.
"As we look to increase the momentum of the tourism sector, sustainability, trade and technology as well as outstanding dining experiences will form the foundation of our future success," he said.
Initiatives & Campaigns
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: "The efforts exerted, in implementation of the directives of our leadership, have enabled us to take steady steps to enhance Dubai's position as a preferred destination to visit, through a set of innovative global initiatives, strategies and marketing campaigns with the participation of a number of stars, celebrities and influencers, as well as the use of modern digital platforms to reach the largest possible segment of the target audience around the world, and take measures that simplify the entry of international visitors, reduce travel barriers, and make visiting Dubai Easy and fun."
He expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the partners in the sector whose efforts contribute to consolidating Dubai's position as a first-class tourist destination in the world. He said: "Commitment to our shared vision is key in maintaining Dubai's global reputation and ensuring that more international visitors are received, and we have always been keen to work with them to develop innovative and unique tourism offerings and experiences, to increase the attractiveness of the city for business or leisure travelers, whether visiting for the first time or frequently, as well as striving to ensure that Dubai maintains outstanding performance during 2023 and beyond, to stay at the forefront of the highly competitive global tourism scene, especially in The World Travel Market has been transforming in terms of visitor expectations as well as experiences."
Hamdan bin Mohammed:
"Mohammed bin Rashid's vision has transformed Dubai into one of the fastest growing cities in the world, attracting capital, investors, creative talent and visitors."
"Work continues to introduce more pioneering initiatives, making Dubai the best city in the world to visit, live, work and invest."