Dubai tourist numbers down 44% year-on-year in Jan-Aug 2026
In the first eight months of 2026, the city welcomed 6.97 million international tourists, including 869,000 in August, the highest monthly figure since February.
In the first eight months of 2026, Dubai experienced a significant decline in international tourism, with a 44% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. The Dubai economy and tourism department reported that the city welcomed 6.97 million international tourists during this timeframe, including a peak of 869,000 in August. This represents a drop of nearly 5.6 million people, or more than 44%, in absolute terms.
Prior to publishing these figures, monthly reports had been released on a regular basis. In 2025, Dubai had seen a record-breaking 19.6 million international tourists. The reduction in tourist arrivals is attributed to escalating tensions in the Middle East and flight cancellations following an escalation in February. As a result, numerous hotels in Dubai were forced to close for renovations.
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- Dubai tourist numbers down 44% year-on-year in Jan-Aug 2026 freemalaysiatoday.com
