BUILDING THE NEXT DUBAI
Major investments and openings expanding the visitor experience include:
• Al Maktoum International
Airport, targeting capacity for 150 million passengers annually by 2032 • Dubai Metro Gold Line • Therme Dubai • Etihad Rail passenger services and a dedicated Dubai station • Six Senses The Palm • Baccarat Hotel and Residences Downtown Dubai • Aman Dubai
Confidence backed by action AED 2.5 bn ($681mn) Value of two economic incentive packages introduced to support businesses 3,000+ International partners engaged by Dubai DET 80+ markets Covered by its global partner network 136 destinations Served by Emirates across 70 countries, with 1,500+ weekly flights an 96% of its global network resumed (August 2026)
destinations with clear, consistent, long-term strategies recover faster and emerge stronger. This reflects Dubai’s over-arching strategy, with a diversified economic base helping to mitigate pressure on globally sensitive sectors, supported by public-private collaboration, investment flows, targeted economic incentives and the long-term direction of D33. Q: As traveller confidence returns, how is demand evolving and where do you see the strongest opportunities for growth? Visitors are choosing the experiences they want to have when travelling. That is driving growing interest in wellness, gastronomy, culture, sporting events and neighbourhood experiences, alongside Dubai's established leisure offering. We are also seeing visitors make the most of their time in the city. Business travellers are increasingly extending work trips for leisure, while stopover visitors are choosing to stay longer and explore more of Dubai. At the same time, our strong resident base, representing nearly 200 nationalities, continues to support Visiting Friends and Relatives travel, creating a resilient and diverse source of demand. Looking ahead, the opportunity is to continue
broadening Dubai's tourism offering. Landmark investments such as the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, the Dubai Metro Gold Line and Therme Dubai will enhance connectivity and visitor experiences, as will a growing calendar of events. Meanwhile, new and upcoming hotels such as Six Senses The Palm, Baccarat Hotel and Residences Downtown Dubai, and Aman Dubai, as well as attractions and restaurants across the city, will further elevate the destination offering, encouraging repeat visits and attracting new audiences. Looking beyond just Dubai, the commencement of Etihad Rail passenger operations, including through an upcoming dedicated Dubai station, will give visitors more ways to use the city as a hub to explore the wider UAE. Together, these investments strengthen Dubai's position as a destination that offers something new every time you visit. Q: With Dubai building a highly diversified proposition, which segments will be pivotal in delivering future growth? Diversification is both our competitive advantage and our growth engine with no single corridor, segment, or source market dominating performance. Gastronomy has emerged as a
48 | ATM YEARBOOK 2026
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator