Sheikh Mohammed Highlights Dubai Tourism Growth at Arabian Travel Market
Dubai's Tourism Ambitions
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the 2025 edition of Arabian Travel Market as Dubai continued to promote its ambitions as one of the world's leading tourism destinations.
During his visit, Sheikh Mohammed toured several exhibition stands and reviewed projects and initiatives supporting the growth of tourism in Dubai and the wider UAE.
The event brought together tourism authorities, airlines, hotels, destination management companies and travel businesses from markets around the world, creating a major platform for partnerships and new opportunities.
Strong Visitor Growth
Dubai recorded another strong year for international tourism in 2024. The emirate welcomed approximately 18.72 million international overnight visitors, representing growth of about 9 percent compared with the previous year.
The continued increase highlights Dubai's ability to attract visitors from a wide range of international markets while expanding its tourism infrastructure and experiences.
Airports and Tourism Infrastructure
Aviation remains a major part of Dubai's tourism strategy. During the ATM visit, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on developments involving the emirate's airports and aviation sector.
UAE airports were projected to handle around 150 million passengers during 2025, underlining the importance of aviation connectivity to Dubai's tourism and economic growth.
Dubai's long-term plans also include expanding airport capacity and developing the infrastructure needed to support increasing visitor numbers.
Arabian Travel Market 2025
Arabian Travel Market 2025 featured a broad international presence, with participants representing 166 countries. The event was expected to attract around 55,000 travel and tourism professionals.
The exhibition provided an opportunity for industry leaders to discuss changing travel habits, new destinations, hospitality investment, aviation connectivity and the future of international tourism.
- Event: Arabian Travel Market 2025
- Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
- International participation: 166 countries
- Expected travel and tourism professionals: About 55,000
- Dubai international overnight visitors in 2024: About 18.72 million
- UAE airports projected 2025 passenger traffic: Around 150 million
Airlines and Tourism Partners
Sheikh Mohammed also visited major aviation and tourism-related stands during his tour, including Emirates, flydubai and the Emirates Tourism Council.
These organisations play an important role in connecting Dubai with international markets and supporting the emirate's wider tourism ecosystem.
The continued cooperation between airlines, hotels, attractions and tourism authorities is helping Dubai strengthen its appeal for both leisure and business travellers.
Dubai's Global Tourism Position
Dubai's tourism strategy combines international air connectivity, large-scale hospitality projects, entertainment attractions, cultural experiences and business events.
The emirate's continued visitor growth has also increased the importance of sustainable infrastructure, efficient transport and high-quality visitor services.
With international tourism continuing to expand, Dubai is positioning itself to accommodate larger visitor numbers while maintaining its reputation as a major global destination.
What This Means for Dubai Tourism
The strong international presence at Arabian Travel Market demonstrates the importance of Dubai as a meeting point for the global travel industry.
Continued investment in airports, hospitality, attractions and international connectivity is expected to support the emirate's tourism ambitions in the years ahead.
Sheikh Mohammed's visit also highlighted the close relationship between Dubai's tourism strategy and its wider economic development plans.
Dubai Media Office – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid visits Arabian Travel Market 2025
