Dubai’s hospitality sector is set for major growth with 11,300 new hotel rooms expected by 2027—4,620 of which will open in 2025, according to Cavendish Maxwell. This surge will generate 15,000 direct hospitality jobs and up to 50,000 indirect roles across retail, logistics, and tourism.
Luxury hotels lead the charge, with 36% of 2025’s new rooms falling in the high-end segment. Dubai’s hotel count reached 724 properties with 151,245 rooms in 2024, as the city welcomed 18.72 million overnight visitors—a 9.1% rise year-on-year. Tourism’s economic impact soared to AED 236 billion in 2024, representing 12% of UAE GDP. Hotel occupancy hit 78%, while room rates averaged AED 690.
Industry experts highlight this expansion as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and Dubai’s global tourism dominance.