More people are visiting Dubai than ever before, with a huge surge in overnight visitors in the first period of the year compared to the same time in 2023.

Nearly 5.2 million people visited the city overnight between January and March of this year which is an 11 percent increase from the year before.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai welcomed the news.

He said: “Dubai remains committed to delivering an exceptional tourism experience, aligned with the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to establish Dubai’s position as one of the world’s top three cities for tourism.”

With the commencement of the Arabian Travel Market 2024, we are pleased to share that Dubai’s tourism sector has started the year on a promising note. The city welcomed close to 5.2 million international visitors in the first quarter of 2024, marking an 11% surge from the same… pic.twitter.com/hINULoIpfu

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) May 6, 2024

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During the same period last year, Dubai received 4.67 million tourists. Last year in total, Dubai received 17.15 million international overnight visitors and there’s no doubt Dubai aims to beat those numbers this year.

He reaffirmed that Dubai is committed to ‘working to further enhance the capabilities of our tourism sector’.

And it’s easy to see why so many want to visit. In addition to the busiest international airport in the world, there’s loads of reasons to spend time in Dubai.

What to do in Dubai 2024

Dress up and visit Burj Al Arab

You’ll need a reservation just to get into this hotel, so book a drink at Gilt, a day on the infinity pool terrace or afternoon tea in style. Wear your best garb.
Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim (800 323 232).

See Dubai’s Burj Khalifa

It’s the tallest building in the world with a staggering 160 floors and looms at 828 metres high. Take a trip to the 148th floor for the observation deck, At The Top.
Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, www.burjkhalifa.ae.

Take a trip across Dubai Creek

Hop on an abra, hand over a dirham and enjoy a smooth sail across the Creek. It’s a short trip to the other side, but it’ll take you back to everything the city is really about. One of the best things to do in Dubai if you’re after that authentic, historic feel.
Dhs1. Dubai Creek.

Jump out of a plane at Skydive Dubai

Ever fancied jumping out of a plane at speeds of 120mph over a man-made island? Well, why not? Skydive Dubai is one of the best things to do in Dubai for the braver out there. Don’t look down (gulp).
From Dhs1,699 (tandem skydive). Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina, www.skydivedubai.ae.

Swim with sharks in Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Gather your courage and slip into the deep blue sea (kind of) to swim with sharks at this cool attraction in the massive shopping mall. Clearly one of the best things to do in Dubai and an experience you’ll never forget.
Dubai Aquarium, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, www.thedubaiaquarium.com (800 382246255).

Take a snap of Dubai from the Dubai Frame

This cool vantage point at Zabeel Park allows visitors with a head for heights to see the city’s past, present and future in a one-hour tour with unique views of ‘old’ and ‘new’ Dubai from a 150-metre-high sky glass bridge. Don’t forget your camera phone as you’ll want to capture the super views.
Zabeel Park, www.thedubaiframe.com (800900).

Do a sustainable mountain and desert safari with Platinum Heritage

You’re in the desert – why not explore it properly? Head out with this cool company who knows what they’re offering is one of the best things to do in Dubai. They’ll also give you a low-down on the environment while you explore the dunes.
www.platinum-heritage.com.

Journey into space at Museum of the Future

You’ll want to visit based on the stunning exterior alone, but enter the Museum of the Future and you won’t want to leave. There’s plenty to explore, but the chance to be able to see Earth from above and register as a special space pioneer, choosing your mission, is probably our favourite. A new attraction that only opened in February of this year, this is one to tell everyone you know about.
Museum of the Future. Open daily 10am-6pm. Sheikh Zayed Road museumofthefuture.ae

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