Dubai enters world’s top 5 cities for global visitor attraction
UAE city ranks high for shopping, dining, and global visitor magnetism
DUBAI – Dubai has secured fourth place among the world’s most attractive cities for tourists, reinforcing its growing global appeal as a destination for leisure, culture, and business.
The ranking comes from the Global Power City Index, which assesses leading cities based on their attractiveness to visitors, businesses, and international talent. The result places Dubai firmly within the top five globally, highlighting its sustained tourism momentum and international relevance.
The city’s rise reflects strong visitor demand, particularly across retail, dining, and lifestyle experiences. Dubai welcomed more than 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, marking a 6% increase year-on-year, underlining its ability to draw travellers amid intense global competition.
Dubai tourism
Dubai’s high ranking has been supported by its growing reputation as a global dining hub. In 2026, Tripadvisor users ranked Dubai second among the world’s top global dining destinations, recognising the city’s diverse culinary landscape and premium hospitality offering. From Michelin-recognised restaurants to neighbourhood dining concepts, food tourism continues to play a central role in the city’s visitor economy.
Retail tourism remains another key driver, with Dubai’s malls and shopping districts drawing millions of international visitors annually. Combined with major events, cultural programming, and year-round leisure attractions, these elements have strengthened the city’s global brand as a destination that caters to varied traveller interests.
Urban vision
Speaking on Dubai’s continued rise, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Member of the Executive Council of Dubai, highlighted the city’s people-centred approach to development.
“Dubai’s vision for the future of cities is rooted in a belief that people, culture, and innovation are the true engines of progress,” she said, adding that the city’s focus on global talent, cutting-edge sectors, and world-class infrastructure has reinforced its standing as a leading international hub.
She further noted Dubai’s commitment to cultural vitality, sustainability, digital transformation, and economic competitiveness, positioning the city as an agile and inclusive urban environment that continues to attract global collaboration and emerging industries.
Global rankings
While the top three cities in the Global Power City Index have remained unchanged for several years, Dubai’s climb signals a potential shift in the global tourism landscape. The full top 10 cities for tourist appeal are:
- London (UK) – 1st
- Tokyo (Japan) – 2nd
- Paris (France) – 3rd
- Dubai (UAE) – 4th
- New York (USA) – 5th
- Madrid (Spain) – 6th
- Moscow (Russia) – 7th
- Istanbul (Turkey) – 8th
- Bangkok (Thailand) – 9th
- Shanghai (China) – 10th