Dubai's 'Reverse Tourism' Boom: GCC Visitors Boost Economy
Dubai is witnessing a unique trend, dubbed 'reverse tourism', where residents from nearby GCC countries are visiting the city for quick getaways. This shift is set to boost the local economy and tourism industry.
The GCC tourist visa, approved in June 2025, has made Dubai an attractive destination for GCC neighbors. This unified visa allows travelers to visit all six GCC countries for 30 to 90 days, making Dubai an easier sell. Industry reports predict this could bring an extra 22 million visitors to the region by 2030, with a potential $26 billion in spending.
Businesses are adapting to this trend. They are creating GCC-friendly packages, using targeted digital marketing, and partnering with businesses in other GCC cities. This is driving more frequent visits, bigger spending, and less seasonality. The UAE aims to attract 27.6 million visitors in 2025, with the GCC tourism market projected to hit $247 billion.
In the first half of 2025, Dubai welcomed 9.88 million international overnight visitors, a 6% increase from 2024. GCC and MENA travelers made up 26% of that number. Hotels have seen occupancy rates climb to 80.6%, with revenue per room increasing by 7% to AED 471.
By embracing the reverse tourism trend, Dubai's businesses can turn frequent GCC visitors into loyal customers, driving steady growth. This trend benefits local businesses and contributes to the UAE's tourism spending, expected to reach AED 228.5 billion in 2025.
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