Issam Kazim: ‘Every Dubai visitor is an investor, future resident or business owner’
Dubai’s tourism sector is evolving far beyond attracting holidaymakers. Increasingly, visitors are becoming residents, entrepreneurs and investors, according to Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM).
Tourism has become one of the most powerful entry points into Dubai’s broader economy, helping attract capital, talent and long-term population growth.
“Tourism’s contribution to Dubai’s economy extends well beyond visitor numbers: it is a gateway through which investment, talent and long-term residency flow into the city,” he said.
From Visitor to Resident
Many travellers who first arrive for holidays, events or short business trips later return to establish companies, purchase property, relocate their families or pursue new professional opportunities.
“Every visitor who experiences Dubai is a potential future resident, business owner or investor,” Kazim noted.
This vision closely aligns with the objectives of Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy and reinforce its position as a leading global hub for business, talent and innovation.
Dubai welcomed a record 19.59 million international visitors in 2025, marking its third consecutive year of tourism growth. According to Kazim, this performance reflects sustained global demand not only for Dubai as a destination to visit, but also as a place to live, work and invest.
“Dubai entered this period from a position of strength, and that foundation continues to shape our confidence,” he said.
The emirate’s economic momentum remains robust. Dubai’s GDP reached Dh937 billion in 2025, while fourth-quarter growth accelerated to 6.4 per cent year-on-year. Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport handled a record 95.2 million passengers, further strengthening the city’s position as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs.
A Year-Round Destination
Kazim attributes Dubai’s continued success to its diversified tourism offering, world-class hospitality infrastructure, extensive events calendar and a constant pipeline of new attractions and experiences.
The city’s ability to convert visitors into long-term economic participants has become an increasingly important pillar of its growth strategy.
“Dubai’s focus in the months ahead will remain on strengthening its role as a global destination for opportunity and growth,” he said.
Looking ahead, the emirate plans to sustain growth through diversification, strong public-private collaboration and continued investment in visitor experiences.
Built for Resilience
As geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty continue to influence global travel patterns, Dubai is relying on diversification, domestic demand and agile policymaking to maintain momentum.
“Dubai’s appeal today is anchored in operational reality, not perception,” Kazim said.
“What distinguishes Dubai is its ability to operate seamlessly through disruption while continuing to enhance its offering, ensuring the sustained resilience of Dubai’s tourism ecosystem.”
One of Dubai’s key strengths is the diversity of its visitor base.
“Our active engagement across more than 80 source markets means that no single corridor determines Dubai’s performance,” he explained.
This broad geographic reach helps shield the tourism sector from regional slowdowns, travel restrictions or geopolitical developments affecting individual markets.
The Power of Domestic Demand
Beyond international arrivals, Dubai’s growing resident population has become an important driver of tourism demand.
Home to nearly 200 nationalities, the emirate benefits from a highly diverse community that actively supports hotels, restaurants, attractions and events.
“We have seen a remarkable uplift in domestic tourism, driven in no small part by our resident base of nearly 200 nationalities,” Kazim said. “This provides a resilient foundation for the tourism sector and reinforces long-term market stability.”
Consumer-focused initiatives such as Dubai: A Fine Way to Dine and Dubai Restaurant Week have further encouraged residents to explore the city’s hospitality and culinary offerings.
Supporting the Tourism Ecosystem
Kazim stressed that maintaining a healthy tourism sector requires active support for businesses operating within it.
“Thanks to decisive leadership, we moved quickly to support our partners, because the strength of the ecosystem depends on the health of every player within it,” he said.
Under directives from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, authorities introduced a Dh2.5 billion economic stimulus package.
The measures included allowing hotels to defer 100 per cent of sales fees on rooms, food and beverage services, as well as the Tourism Dirham fee, for three months.
According to Kazim, the goal was to protect liquidity, maintain business continuity and help companies navigate challenging operating conditions.
“Transparency and coordination are just as important as the incentives themselves,” he said, highlighting the importance of close collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Lessons from Previous Crises
Dubai’s current approach has been shaped by its response to past disruptions, particularly the Covid-19 pandemic.
The city reopened to international visitors on July 7, 2020, ahead of many major global destinations. By 2023, Dubai had not only recovered lost visitor volumes but surpassed pre-pandemic tourism records.
Kazim also pointed to Dubai’s recovery from the global financial crisis as evidence of the emirate’s institutional adaptability and long-term resilience.
With record visitor numbers, strong economic fundamentals and continued investment across the tourism ecosystem, Dubai enters its next phase of growth from a position of strength.
“For Dubai, challenges are opportunities,” Kazim said. “Our current approach is a testament to the same calm and confident leadership that has always defined this city at its best.”
