Dubai ranks 12th in this year's index, driven by strong visitor numbers, international events and high occupancy in affordable luxury hotels.

Eight cities in five Middle Eastern and African countries made the top 100 destinations, highlighting the region’s strategic progress. Dubai led as the top city, attracting visitors from India, the UK, Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Abu Dhabi and Doha are driving regional growth in tourism and infrastructure. The unified GCC tourist visa is expected to enhance connectivity and strengthen leadership in tourism.

International arrivals continued to grow in 2025, led by strong regional performance. Asia Pacific recorded the highest rise at 10%, followed by the Middle East and Africa at 7%. Bangkok topped the list with 30.3 million visitors, followed by Hong Kong, London and Macau.

This momentum was driven by visa relaxations, major infrastructure upgrades and high-profile cultural and sporting events, which strengthened connectivity and enhanced visitor experiences.

Nadejda Popova, global head of loyalty at Euromonitor International, said: “Even amid economic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty, global travel proved exceptionally resilient in 2025. International arrivals to the top 100 cities climbed 8% to 702 million, highlighting the ability of cities to adapt, innovate and deliver experiences that travelers continue to find irresistible.”

Sustainability remains a priority in tourism strategies, with Spanish cities such as Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia and Seville leading eco-friendly initiatives, joined by Nordic leaders Helsinki and Oslo.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is reshaping tourism management and visitor experiences, from New York’s smart city platforms to Bangkok’s digital arrival cards and Abu Dhabi’s AI-powered services.

Popova commented: “City destinations are entering a pivotal new era, marked by ambitious investment, rapid innovation and the widescale integration of AI. As cities compete for visitors, the focus is shifting towards sustainability, resilience and delivering meaningful, personalized experiences. The 2025 Index highlights those destinations that are not only thriving today but also setting the standard for the future of urban tourism.”