Dubai Tourism News
Make more of your summer with Emirates
Emirates is kickstarting the summer holidays with exclusive offers for passengers travelling to or through Dubai. From complimentary stays at the iconic JW Marriott Marquis*, to hundreds of discounts through the popular My Emirates Pass, travellers can enjoy even more value while exploring the city, whether visiting for a longer getaway or a short stopover. Emirates is inviting South African travellers to make the most of their summer holidays with exclusive offers for passengers travelling to or through Dubai.
ATM 2026 to showcase Dubai’s resilience, global connectivity and future tourism growth
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 has reinforced Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most resilient and best-prepared destinations for global travel and tourism, as the industry continues to navigate the evolving market conditions. Taking place from 14-17 September 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), ATM 2026 will bring together the international travel community at a pivotal time for the sector, underlining confidence in Dubai’s ability to maintain business continuity, operational excellence and global connectivity.
Jumeirah Marks World Sea Turtle Day
Jumeirah, a global leader in luxury hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding, marked World Sea Turtle Day with the release of 23 rehabilitated sea turtles into the Arabian Gulf. Among them was Foxy, a green turtle fitted with a satellite tracker through the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP), allowing her journey to be monitored following release. With her release, the programme has now returned more than 100 satellite-tracked turtles to the wild. Foxy was rescued by a fisherman off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah in January 2025 after losing a front flipper. By chance, DTRP Ambassador Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi was in Ras Al Khaimah at the time and drove the turtle back to Dubai for treatment and rehabilitation. Following more than a year of specialist care, Foxy has made a remarkable recovery, demonstrating strong swimming ability despite her injury.
Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Program drives over AED 5 billion in sales
Dubai Land Department (DLD), in partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has announced that the First-Time Home Buyer Program, available to all UAE residents aged 18 and above who do not currently own a freehold residential property in Dubai. It has enabled more than 3,200 residents to own their first homes in the emirate since its launch in July 2025, generating residential property transactions exceeding AED 5 billion.
Dubai’s tourism industry convenes for DET’s City Briefing in a show of cohesion
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) convened its bi-annual City Briefing with key industry stakeholders on 3 June at the Dubai Opera, bringing together more than 1,700 leaders from across the tourism, aviation, hospitality, retail and events sectors, as well as government officials and members of the media. At a time of shifting regional dynamics, the gathering, which attracted record attendance for a DET City Briefing, was a definitive demonstration of Dubai’s unity and forward resolve and a reflection of the deep public-private partnership that has long positioned the city among the world’s foremost destinations for business and leisure.
Dubai AI-Powered Smart Bus Station: A New Era in Transport
Dubai has launched the world’s first AI smart bus station. This marks another significant step toward becoming a global leader in the sphere of smart mobility and AI-based urban transportation. Developed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai, this groundbreaking project is located at the Mall of the Emirates. It features innovative AI technology and environmentally friendly design.
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab to Undergo Phased Restoration Programme
Jumeirah, a global leader in luxury hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding today announced the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is set to undergo a carefully phased and thoughtful restoration programme, designed to safeguard its legacy for generations to come. With an odyssey of over twenty-five years of continuous operations, the conservation of the architectural masterpiece will see its distinctive interior décor enhanced with the same attention to detail as preserving a work of art. Since opening in 1999, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab has stood as an architectural and cultural icon of modern luxury, with its dhow sail silhouette shaping the identity of the skyline of Dubai. From its launch, it set new international standards, pioneering personalised butler service and changing the face of luxury hospitality.
Kym Barter appointed to Managing Director at Atlantis Dubai
Atlantis Dubai has promoted Kym Barter to managing director, placing him in charge of both flagship properties, Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, as well as Aquaventure World. In his expanded role, Barter will oversee the strategic direction and continued performance of the integrated resort portfolio, which includes two of Dubai’s most prominent luxury destinations.
Dubai tourism hits third record year with 19.59M visitors in 2025
Strategic partnerships, global marketing campaigns and major events contributed to Dubai welcoming 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, marking a 5% increase compared to 18.72 million arrivals in 2024, according to data published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and a third successive year of record-setting figures.
Jumeirah’s Dining Destinations Recognised in Gault&Millau UAE Guide 2026
Jumeirah has been recognised for the fifth year in a row in the prestigious Gault&Millau UAE 2026 guide, with eleven of its signature restaurants featured for their consistent culinary excellence.
Experience Refined Ramadan Evenings at Al Diwan, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab welcomes guests to embrace the spirit of Ramadan at Al Diwan – a refined open-air setting for Iftar and Suhoor that brings together timeless tradition and modern Arabian hospitality beneath the stars.
Dubai named ‘World’s Leading Sustainable City’ at World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards
Dubai has been recognised with the title of ’World’s Leading Sustainable City 2025’ by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards. The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025, held at Terra, Expo City Dubai. The VIP ceremony recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.