Data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has shown that the emirate of Dubai received 1.04 million British tourists during the first nine months of the current year, marking a 13% growth compared to the same period last year. This averages out to 115,500 tourists per month, or approximately 3,800 tourists daily. According to data obtained by 'Emirates Today', British tourists constituted over 36% of arrivals from Western Europe and about 7.5% of the total tourist flow to the emirate, which reached 13.95 million tourists between January and September 2025. The data also indicates that Dubai welcomed an additional 120,000 British tourists during the first nine months of this year compared to the same period in 2024, placing the United Kingdom as the single largest market from Western Europe for Dubai. This means that roughly one in every 13 tourists who visited Dubai during this period was from the United Kingdom, reflecting the British market's status as one of Dubai's most significant tourism markets and the emirate's continued appeal as a preferred destination for British visitors. Western Europe remains the largest source market for tourists to Dubai, with arrivals reaching 2.86 million in the first nine months of this year, compared to 2.5 million in the same period last year. Emirates alone serves the United Kingdom with more than 133 weekly flights, including six daily A380 flights to London Heathrow, three daily flights to London Gatwick, two daily flights to London Stansted, three daily flights to Manchester (one of which is on an A380), two daily flights to Birmingham, one daily flight to Newcastle, one daily flight to Glasgow, and one daily A350 flight to Edinburgh. Emirates, the world's largest international airline, announced in October of this year the addition of six weekly flights to its London Heathrow schedule, effective from October 26. This move opens up more opportunities for travelers and provides wider travel options, following the airline's record growth and demand. It also gives customers more flexibility and suitable departure and arrival time options from Heathrow, coinciding with the peak end-of-year travel season. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism recently told 'Emirates Today' that the tourism sector in Dubai is on track to achieve another record year for international tourist arrivals in 2025, based on the results achieved in the first nine months of the year, with the emirate receiving 13.95 million international tourists. The department confirmed that it is working in partnership with various government and private entities to develop innovative tourism products and experiences that reflect Dubai's diversity and highlight its strengths as a modern destination that combines entertainment, culture, and business tourism. It also aims to diversify tourism markets through global promotional campaigns that showcase Dubai's appeal and competitiveness in terms of services and infrastructure. Dubai received an additional 120,000 British tourists during the first nine months of the current year.
