Dubai sets new standards in smart tourism

As Dubai accelerates its transformation as a global leader in smart tourism, the city’s hospitality sector is experiencing remarkable expansion.

Fresh insights indicate that this growth is driven by a surging population, unprecedented airline reservations, new attractions, a growing number of events and groundbreaking technological advancements.

Over the past four years (2020 to 2024), Dubai’s population has increased significantly, climbing from around 3.3 million to over 3.6 million. This upward trend has underscored the Emirates’ thriving economy and increasing international allure. The expanding resident base has further amplified the demand for cutting-edge tourism solutions, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a premier destination where visitors can enjoy seamless, secure and memorable experiences.

Unprecedented Growth in Tourism and Airline Bookings
Dubai’s tourism sector continues to grow with recent data highlighting a remarkable surge in visitor numbers, with the city welcoming 16.79 million overnight guests between January and November 2024 - a 9% increase from the 15.37 million recorded during the same period in 2023.

Adding to this momentum, Emirates Group has reported its strongest-ever half-year performance, with bookings and revenue reaching all-time highs, as noted by TTR Weekly.

Keyless Entry
To maintain its status as a pioneer in smart tourism, Dubai is embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance visitor experiences. A major step forward is the introduction of the keyless entry system for short-term rentals, launched through a collaboration between the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This innovative system enables guests to receive time-sensitive digital access codes directly on their smartphones, eliminating the need for physical keys. The result is a seamless and secure check-in process that aligns with Dubai’s vision of technology-driven convenience and hospitality excellence.

Image: The Dubai skyline.