Dubai is preparing for what could become its busiest winter tourism season ever, as hotels across the city report a sharp rise in group bookings from India, Russia, and Central Asian countries ahead of the peak travel months.
“Tourists are arriving in large numbers already. Next week alone, we’re welcoming big groups from India,” said Safeer Mahamood, General Manager of Smart Travels. “Visitors from the CIS region — including Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan — along with Russian tourists, are pouring into Dubai this season,” he added.
According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, the city welcomed 11.17 million international visitors between January and July 2025, compared to 10.62 million during the same period in 2024 — reflecting a 5 percent year-on-year increase.
Meanwhile, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) projects that the UAE will attract 27.6 million foreign visitors in 2025, up 4.6 percent from last year. International tourist spending is expected to reach $62.2 billion, an increase from $59.2 billion in 2024, thanks to the country’s expanding tourism infrastructure and global appeal.
Winter Surge Expected
Industry experts anticipate that the upward momentum will accelerate as the winter season (October–February) approaches.
“From now through February 2026, we expect record-breaking crowds. December and January will be the busiest months,” Mahamood said. “Even European tourist arrivals, which usually dip in summer, remained steady this year.”
To accommodate growing demand, UAE airlines are expanding capacity on European routes, reflecting an overall surge in global air travel. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Middle Eastern airlines recorded an 8.2 percent annual increase in passenger demand, with capacity up 6.9 percent and a load factor of 83.9 percent — one point higher than August 2024.
What’s Fueling the Tourism Boom
Experts attribute the expected record influx to a mix of new attractions, seasonal events, and luxury travel trends. The Dubai Shopping Festival, Global Village reopening, and new theme park launches in Abu Dhabi are among the biggest draws this year.
“This might turn out to be the strongest travel year post-COVID. The leisure travel market just keeps growing,” Mahamood remarked.
Luxury stays continue to dominate, with five-star hotels making up 52.2 percent of total bookings, followed by four-star properties at 22.7 percent, according to Solartrip’s 2024 trends report.
New Developments and Upcoming Attractions
Dubai’s hospitality capacity is also expanding with landmark openings. The Ciel Dubai Marina, set to become the world’s tallest hotel at 377 metres, will open in November 2025, with bookings starting November 15.
The emirate’s mild winter climate — with temperatures averaging 19°C to 25°C — continues to attract travelers seeking sun, shopping, and entertainment. With strong momentum from multiple markets and new attractions on the horizon, Dubai is on track to deliver a record-setting winter tourism season.
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