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7 Reasons Why This Iconic City Is Breaking All Tourism Records Right Now  

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The Middle East might not be your first choice when thinking about your dream vacation destination. But one city is set to change all that.  

This city welcomed 17.15 million international visitors in 2023 making it a record-breaking year. This incredible figure is 19% higher than in 2022 and breaks the previous record of 14.3 million tourists who visited the city in 2019.  

Here are 7 reasons why this iconic city is breaking all tourism records right now: 

Dubai building and river

Global Recognition  

We’re talking about a city that most people have heard off… Dubai!

In fact, it has more name recognition on the global stage than any other Middle Eastern destination!  

For the 3rd year in a row the city was ranked number 1 global destination in the Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Awards 2024. Dubai is the first city to ever receive this award 3 times.  

The camels on Jumeirah beach and skyscrapers in the backround in Dubai,

Dubai is considered one of the most progressive cities in the Middle East and that’s why it attracts visitors from around the world. You can enjoy the best of Eastern traditions alongside the traditional comforts of the West.  

Ultimate Luxury  

Dubai is considered one of the most luxurious vacation destinations in the world. It is a playground for the rich and famous.

You won’t find luxury like this anywhere else in the world.  

view on Dubai downtown skyscrapers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

New gleaming skyscrapers are added to the skyline each year. Dubai is home to palm-fringed beaches, high-end hotels and an abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants. The Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai is the world’s only 7 star hotel.  

Dubai attracts travelers who are looking for a high-end vacation where everything is taken care of.  

Rich Culture  

Because Dubai is such a new city it is most famous for its beautiful beaches, modern skyscrapers and structural innovation. But Dubai also boasts a rich cultural heritage too.  

Old Dubai ,United Arab Emirates

Before it was the city we know today, Dubai was just a small fishing village, and you can still see this and gain a fascinating insight into the history and culture that the city was built on.

Some of the fascinating historical sites that you can visit in Dubai include the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the Souq Ad Hadid Archaeology Museum, and the Hatta Heritage Village.  

You can also enjoy a camel ride through the desert, with camels playing an important role in Arabic culture.  

Ideal For Adventurers  

Dubai is considered one of the best destinations in the world for adrenaline junkies. Some people visit Dubai to do nothing but relax on the beach but others don’t take a second to rest! 

If you’re a fan of water sports then you can try your hand at windsurfing or water skiing, kite surfing, or whizzing around the bay on a speed boat.  

Quad biking in Dubai's sand dunes

Back on solid ground Dubai is famous for its quad biking experiences and desert safaris. Sandboarding and sky diving are also popular or watch the sun rise over the desert from a hot air balloon.  

World-Class Shopping  

Dubai has been dubbed a shoppers' paradise, and it attracts lovers of high-end stores and luxury brand shoppers from around the world.  

The Dubai Mall is officially the city’s most popular tourism attraction and according to reports from 2022 99% of all foreign visitors to the emirate will visit it. It is home to more than 1,200 retail outlets as well as over 200 restaurants and an abundance of leisure and entertainment options.  

However this isn’t the place to be if you want to shop on a budget or are looking for a bargain. Luxury goods in Dubai cost around the same as they would in the U.S. and are more expensive than they would be in Europe.  

a touristy square near the Entrance to the Dubai Mall

Incredible Nightlife  

The nightlife scene in Dubai attracts visitors from around the world with clubs offering world-class DJs and awe-inspiring entertainment. There’s something to suit everyone with the best nightlife found in Downtown Dubai, the Business District or the area surrounding the Marina.  

Although it is an eastern country Dubai takes a very western approach to its nightlife scene. The legal drinking age in bars and nightclubs in Dubai is 21 years old but it’s worth noting that some nightclubs have a higher minimum age limit of 25 or 30 years. 

Accommodation Options For Everyone

Although Dubai boasts a huge array of luxury and 5 star hotels and accommodation options there are also accommodation options to suit every taste and budget in the city.  

Aerial View Of The Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

There are a host of cheaper accommodations that are value for money in the city meaning that it isn’t out of reach for budget travelers. The older parts of the city like Karama, Deira, and Bur Dubai are the best spots to choose if you’re looking to stay on a budget.  

But many aspects of Dubai can be costly, particularly if you want to enjoy the best entertainment in the city, so this is something to bear in mind if you are planning a low-cost trip.  

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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.