Dubai tourism is set to bounce back once airlines restore flights, says report

Dubai’s tourism recovery in the second half of 2026 hinges on restoring international air connectivity, according to a new report. The Dubai Hospitality Market Performance H1 2026 report by Cavendish Maxwell predicts a resurgence in the hospitality market, particularly from the fourth quarter, as air connectivity improves and the winter travel season commences.

The principal driver of Dubai’s hospitality recovery is identified as the restoration of international air connectivity, with airlines slated to gradually resume capacity from long-haul international markets. Emirates has already restored about 85% of its pre-conflict capacity and will add more, which should bolster hotel occupancy, particularly in premium segments.

Cavendish Maxwell associate director Ferras Hafez emphasized that Dubai’s hospitality recovery relies on timely air connectivity restoration and traveller confidence, viewing the current slowdown as a short-term disruption rather than a shift in the emirate’s long-term growth story. Dubai is also expanding its hotel pipeline, with 39 hotels and approximately 9,520 rooms expected to be completed by 2029, including 3,150 rooms by year-end.

The pace of recovery hinges on regional stabilization, restored air connectivity, and visitor demand strength.