In a bid to highlight Dubai's dedication to inclusivity and accessibility as a premier global destination, the tourism chief stated, 'If there is a place that people desire to visit, we aim for it to be Dubai.' 'We aspire for Dubai to be a destination for all. Our focus is on accessibility — we are on the brink of becoming the first city in the Eastern Hemisphere to be autism-ready,' said Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), on Monday during the inaugural day of the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai.

'There are numerous offerings from the city that people can relish, from cultural and heritage perspectives. Dubai hosts 250 days of celebrations and cultural events. Presently, we are emerging as one of the must-visit destinations,' he mentioned during a discussion on 'The Future Growth of Tourism in Dubai: Harnessing Innovation, Sustainability, Accessibility, and Leadership.'

Dubai's tourism sector has reached new heights this year, with the emirate welcoming 9.31 million international overnight visitors during the first half of 2024, marking an 8.9 per cent increase. The 2024 figures also show an 11.4 per cent rise compared to pre-pandemic H1 2019, as Dubai's tourism sector continues to experience robust growth even as reopening gains have largely been realized.

The sector has managed to maintain its allure, and tourists continue to flock in larger numbers despite the prolonged period of restrictive monetary policies and elevated global price growth, which has constrained households' spending power. Kazim emphasized the importance of understanding the precise target audience to eliminate all obstacles and barriers. 'The smoother the journey, the more frequently people will visit; 25 per cent of visitors to Dubai are repeat guests,' he noted.

He further added that Dubai's strategic location within a 4-hour flight radius of one-third of the world's population and 8 hours of two-thirds of the world's population significantly benefits the emirate. Kazim also highlighted that Dubai caters to a broad spectrum of travelers, not just a specific category. 'Numerous companies, family offices, and communities are relocating to Dubai. All of this should contribute to doubling Dubai's GDP over the next decade,' he said, emphasizing their efforts to make visiting friends and relatives a significant pillar of Dubai's tourism.