Dubai Remains a Tourism Powerhouse Amid Global Tariff Tensions and Travel Uncertainties

Diversified tourism strategy and resilient aviation sector help Dubai weather global disruptions, say top industry leaders

Dubai, UAE — As global tensions and tariff wars disrupt international travel and trade, Dubai remains a beacon for global tourism, thanks to its strategic diversification and resilient infrastructure, according to top officials from the city’s tourism and aviation sectors.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the upcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), expressed confidence in the emirate’s continued appeal to global travelers. “Dubai is very well positioned to ride this wave,” said Kazim, highlighting that the emirate recorded a 3% increase in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2025, despite growing geopolitical uncertainties.

Kazim emphasized the importance of Dubai’s diversified approach in drawing visitors from various regions. “The diversified approach that Dubai has created in terms of destination helps us in this situation as well. I think some markets will be impacted more than others,” he explained.

The backdrop to this optimism includes reports that travelers from Europe and Canada are avoiding the United States due to tighter immigration policies and tariff-related tensions, particularly amid the ongoing U.S.–China trade conflict. These trends have disrupted global tourism patterns, but Dubai’s officials are confident the city will maintain strong momentum.

Adnan Kazim, deputy president and chief commercial officer of Emirates Airline, echoed this sentiment. “We haven’t seen a dip,” he said, referring to travel bookings between Dubai and the U.S. “The growth pattern is looking quite positive. Not just from Dubai, but globally, bookings are trending upward — even into summer and winter. The outlook is even better than last year.”

Despite the broader geopolitical challenges, Emirates remains optimistic. “Travel is not being compromised. People would spend their money on travelling; we have seen more of this trend in the post-Covid period,” said Adnan. He noted that the aviation industry has faced — and overcome — numerous disruptions, from fuel crises to political instability. “When our fiscal results are announced in May, it will show how we can manoeuvre through uncertainties and come out stronger.”

Haitham Mattar, managing director of IHG Hotels and Resorts, took a cautiously optimistic stance. “Companies are assessing the potential impact of different global announcements,” he noted. “It’s too early to say with certainty what the impact will look like.”

Despite this uncertainty, Dubai’s leadership continues to place trust in the city’s foundation — its strategic planning, adaptability, and global connectivity — to attract tourists even in challenging times. As the world navigates shifting travel trends and economic headwinds, Dubai’s message remains clear: It is open, ready, and welcoming the world.