His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced that Dubai welcomed around 7 million tourists in the first eight months of 2026, while 21 million hotel nights were booked during the same period.

He announced the figures during a visit to Arabian Travel Market 2026, which brought together exhibitors from 80 countries.

In a post on X, Sheikh Mohammed said tourism authorities, airlines, international hotel brands and technology companies had gathered at the exhibition in Dubai to discuss the future of the global tourism industry.

“Dubai welcomed around 7 million tourists in the first eight months of the year, while 21 million hotel nights were recorded during the same period,” he wrote.

Welcoming visitors to the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed stressed that efforts would continue to consolidate the country’s position among the world’s leading tourism destinations.

“We welcome everyone to our country and promise all that we will continue our efforts to establish our nation, with its generosity, diversity and dynamism, as one of the world’s finest and most distinctive tourism destinations,” he said.

The annual Arabian Travel Market brings together major international players from the travel, aviation, hospitality and tourism technology sectors to showcase destinations and discuss trends shaping the industry’s future.