City showcases diverse destination offerings and enhanced accessibility as it engages with India travel industry stakeholders
As Dubai continues to solidify its position as a destination of choice for Indian travellers, the city is this week showcasing its strengths at SATTE 2025, including multicultural offerings, iconic landmarks, diverse accommodations, and easy connectivity and accessibility.
Dubai welcomed 3.14 million overnight visitors from the wider South Asia region in 2024, making a significant contribution towards the overall 18.72 million international overnight visitors that came to the city, up 9% year-on-year. Building on this performance, the city’s presence at SATTE, led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, is playing a crucial role in reinforcing relationships with Indian travel industry stakeholders, including airlines, destination management companies, and hotels, further solidifying Dubai’s commitment to India as a key partner in business and tourism.
Participating in the event also underscores Dubai’s strategic efforts to cater to a broad spectrum of Indian travellers, offering everything from luxury shopping experiences to family-friendly attractions and high-end business events. This collaboration with the Indian travel industry aligns with the city’s focus on consolidating its status as a global hub for business and leisure and one of the world’s best cities to visit, live and work in.
Dubai’s attractiveness to travellers from India was recently enhanced with the announcement of the UAE’s expansion of its visa-on-arrival programme for Indian nationals. Since 13 February, Indian citizens holding ordinary passports and valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from six more countries – Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea, – have been granted visas upon arrival at all UAE entry points. This is in addition to the similar eligibility that was already applicable to visas, residence permits, or Green Cards for the European Union, United Kingdom, and United States.
Bader Ali Habib, Director of Proximity Markets at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, shared, “Dubai deeply values its long-standing relationship with India, and 2024 has further strengthened this bond. Following another record year for the city, Dubai’s tourism sector has reached new heights, and as we continue to advance the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, India will remain an essential partner in solidifying Dubai’s status as a global hub for business, tourism, and investment. Furthermore, Dubai is reinforcing its position as a premium lifestyle destination, offering exclusive fashion collaborations and world-class experiences that resonate with India’s discerning travellers.”
Dubai continues to cement its position as a global retail and lifestyle haven and was recognised as the world’s leading shopping destination and the world’s leading exhibition destination at the 31st annual World Travel Awards, announced in November 2024. Recently, Dubai also strengthened its connection with India’s fashion and design community, partnering with renowned Indian designer Gaurav Gupta for an exclusive capsule collection inspired by Dubai’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. The five bespoke pieces in the collection reflect Dubai’s vibrant culture and forward-thinking design, marking a significant milestone in the city’s reputation as a global fashion and luxury hub. This collaboration not only celebrates Dubai’s role as a leader in style but also celebrates its cultural ties to India.
Ranked among the top 5 safest cities in the world with a safety index of 83.7, according to Numbeo’s mid-2024 findings, Dubai continues to be a beloved second home for many Indians. The city is also further strengthening its reputation as a global hub for luxury hospitality and world-class gourmet experiences. Dubai’s hotel inventory at the end of December 2024 comprised 154,016 total available rooms across 832 establishments, compared to 150,291 rooms at 821 establishments in 2023. In 2025, the city will welcome iconic, high-end properties such as Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Mandarin Oriental Downtown, and Ciel, Vignette Collection by IHG, further elevating its allure to discerning travellers worldwide.
Dubai’s luxury dining scene is also flourishing. The third edition of the MICHELIN Guide Dubai was unveiled in July 2024, featuring 106 restaurants across 35 cuisines, an 18% increase from 2023. Fine-dining establishments like Tresind Studio, helmed by Chef Himanshu Saini, earning two Michelin stars and securing the #2 spot in the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants MENA 2025 rankings—further underscores the deep cultural and culinary connection between Dubai and India.
This diverse blend of luxury and culture enables Dubai to cater to a broad spectrum of Indian travellers, from luxury shopping enthusiasts to those seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly attractions, or high-end business events. Dubai continues to offer something for every type of visitor, further reinforcing its status as a premier destination for those seeking a truly unique experience.
