Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), is determined to transform Dubai's tourists into permanent residents. During DET's recent City Briefing, Kazim emphasized his goal of making Dubai not only one of the best cities to work in but also one of the best cities in the world to live in.
Around 25% of Dubai's tourists revisit within a year, and Kazim believes that convincing these individuals to settle permanently in Dubai is crucial. He stated that the intention is for tourists to spend more money during subsequent visits, stay for longer durations, and eventually consider Dubai as their permanent home. To facilitate this, Dubai offers various visas to support working, living, and retiring in the city.
Kazim stressed the importance of strengthening the local community in Dubai, as the city has a significant number of tourists visiting friends and family. By expanding the community, Dubai can retain spending and attract even more first-time visitors, thus sustaining its tourism growth.
Recent data on Dubai's tourism performance up until April 2023 indicates that the average length of stay has increased from 2019, with a total of 6.02 million international visitors during the first four months of the year. This figure is closing in on the 6.26 million visitors recorded during the same period in 2019. Dubai's current population stands at around 3.5 million, with expatriates accounting for 85% of the total.
As part of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which was announced by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the city aims to add billions of dirhams to its economy through over 100 projects over the next decade. By 2033, Sheikh Mohammed envisions Dubai becoming one of the top four global financial centers, effectively doubling the city's economy.
The plan includes a program to support 30 private companies in achieving unicorn status (with a valuation of over $1 billion) and the growth of 400 promising private companies through business incubators. These initiatives are aligned with Sheikh Mohammed's vision for Dubai's economic expansion.
Dubai's efforts in becoming a leading city destination were recognized when it received the title of Middle East's Leading City Destination 2022 at the World Travel Awards held last year.