Dubai's tourist-to-resident ratio tops Paris, London as travel booms

The visitor-to-resident ratio in Dubai is the highest among the world’s major cities, and it is set to increase further over the next 10 years as the emirate will further strengthen its position as a global tourist destination.

According to the World Economic Forum, Dubai’s ratio of tourists versus residents could rise from 5.5:1 in 2023 to 6.9:1 by 2034.

The emirate attracted 18.72 million international visitors in 2024 and 7.15 million during the first four months of 2025, placing the emirate on track for yet another record year for tourists.

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The emirate’s population has also been increasing, reaching 3.973 million on Sunday. Dubai has set a target of increasing its population to 7.8 million by 2040.

Photo: World Economic Forum

As travel and tourism expand, and the world population grows, the concept of “overtourism” is increasingly discussed in destinations like Bali, Athens, and Amsterdam, primarily due to the influx of visitors.

Diversifying tourism

However, this is not the case in Dubai, where foreigners are welcomed by the locals. Importantly, foreigners already account for over 85 per cent of the emirate’s population. The fact that over 200 nationalities live in the emirate in perfect harmony with the local population is proof that the emirate wholeheartedly embraces foreigners as tourists and residents.

In fact, Dubai – and overall the UAE as well – strongly promote tourism, and it has strong potential for growth as the emirate looks to diversify its economy.

“A more constructive approach requires shifting the narrative from restriction to redistribution. Many regions remain under-visited and could benefit significantly from tourism as a catalyst for economic opportunity, infrastructure investment and local development, particularly when aligned with community needs and sustainability goals," said the World Economic Forum in its latest report – Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point: Principles for Transformative Growth.

"The focus should be on managing flows, diversifying tourism offerings and fostering more balanced and inclusive growth across the ecosystem, rather than curbing the fundamental right and aspiration to travel,” it added.

No 'ideal' ratio

If visitor numbers in the most visited cities continue to grow at rates that match or exceed sector averages, they will see significant increases in the levels of visitor-to-resident ratios. By 2034, according to the World Economic Forum, Dubai’s ratio could rise from 5.5:1 to 6.9:1, Paris from 1.3:1 to 1.8:1 and London from 1.9:1 to 2.6:1.

“While there is no universal ‘ideal’ ratio, what is acceptable varies based on infrastructure or spatial distribution – these projected increases would surpass thresholds that have historically triggered community concern in similar destinations,” it said.

Tourism sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP is one of the highest, generating thousands of jobs and billions of dirhams.

In 2023, the tourism sector contributed 11.7 per cent of the UAE’s GDP, totalling Dh220 billion, and was expected to rise to 12 per cent or Dh236 billion in 2024, according to figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council.

The Council projected the travel and tourism contribution to the UAE GDP to reach around Dh275.2 billion by 2034, supported by the world-class infrastructure in the country, which includes airports and accommodations, but also thrilling tourist attractions.

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