About Dubai; Founded as a small fishing village famed for its pearl diving trade, Dubai was transformed in the 19th century under Sheikh Maktoum’s leadership, emerging as the commercial hub of the region. The discovery of oil in the 20th century and a forward-thinking approach to trade allowed the city to evolve into the global business and tourism powerhouse it is today. Taking advantage of its strategic location at the crossroads of the Far East and Europe, its centuries-old trading heritage, oil wealth, and business-friendly tax regimes, Dubai has firmly cemented itself as one of the most important international cities of the 21st century — and holidays to Dubai remain the most sought-after of all Middle Eastern destinations.
Dubai’s tourism sector has achieved record-breaking figures for the third consecutive year, welcoming nearly 19.6 million international overnight visitors, with the city setting a historic milestone by welcoming more than 2 million visitors in a single calendar month for the first time in December.
Voted the Middle East’s Leading Destination World Travel Awards and the World’s Leading Shopping Destination, Dubai is a city that refuses to stand still. The hospitality and dining scene is expanding significantly with high-profile hotel debuts including Six Senses, Baccarat, and Gran Meliá, as well as new restaurants from globally renowned brands and chefs. Towering above it all, the newly opened Ciel Dubai Marina — featuring 1,004 rooms, an infinity pool on the 76th floor, and eight exclusive restaurants with views of the Palm Jumeirah — stands as a symbol of the city’s unyielding ambition.
Flying taxis are now a reality, with a 12-minute air ride from Dubai International Airport to the Palm Jumeirah, while Etihad Rail is set to connect all UAE emirates by high-speed passenger train. On the ground, the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport and the construction of the Dubai Metro Blue Line are further integrating neighborhoods and making the city even more accessible to global visitors.
About Dubai – Why It’s the Most Visited City in the Middle East
Culturally, the UAE has designated the “Year of the Family,” and Dubai’s calendar reflects this with year-round cultural attractions, festivals, and family-friendly experiences. The 20th anniversary edition of Art Dubai will be held in April under the theme ‘Future, Past, Present,’ welcoming more than 100 presentations from over 35 countries, while Global Village celebrates its landmark 30th season, featuring 30 pavilions, 3,500 displays, and more than 250 eateries. Old Dubai’s cultural food tours have been named one of the top global experiences for 2026 by Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel guide.
Under: About Dubai – Why It’s the Most Visited City in the Middle East
Sustainability is now woven into Dubai’s DNA. Therme Dubai, a new eco-luxury wellness sanctuary featuring botanical gardens and thermal pools, is set to open at Zabeel Park, while a citywide ban on single-use plastics signals the emirate’s commitment to responsible tourism. Dubai Harbour, the Middle East’s largest marina, draws visitors seeking exclusive waterfront experiences alongside luxury yachts, state-of-the-art hotels, and high-end retail, while Bluewaters Island — home to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel — continues to enhance the city’s reputation for world-class attractions.
Frequently described as the Venice of the Gulf, Dubai is so much more than that comparison suggests. It is a living laboratory of human ambition — a city where gleaming skyscrapers rise from the desert, where ancient souks sit beside AI-powered museums, and where every visit offers something the world has never seen before.
