When Did Dubai Become a Tourist Destination?

By Anna Duncan

Dubai has come a long way since its early days as a small fishing and trading port. Now, it is the vibrant destination it is today for tourism, business, and leisure. But when did Dubai first become a tourist destination?

The answer is not an easy one.

There are many factors that have contributed to its rise as a popular tourist destination, but the beginnings of this can be traced back to the early 1980s. It was at this time that the first major hotel was built in Dubai – the InterContinental Hotel on Jumeirah Beach Road. This marked the start of an influx of tourists from around the world to the city, and the beginning of Dubai’s emergence as an international tourist destination.

The mid-1980s saw rapid developments in Dubai’s infrastructure and amenities, with more hotels and resorts being built to accommodate tourists. The construction of iconic landmarks such as Burj Al Arab in 1999 and The Palm Islands in 2001 further raised Dubai’s profile as a tourist destination. These developments were followed by even more impressive projects such as Downtown Dubai, which has become one of the most visited attractions in the city.

By 2005, tourism had become one of Dubai’s main sources of income with over 6 million visitors arriving each year – a number which has only grown in subsequent years. This growth can be attributed to several factors including its stunning architecture, luxurious amenities, world-class shopping malls and vibrant nightlife.

Today, Dubai is considered one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world with over 15 million visitors annually. It continues to evolve with new attractions being added all the time such as Ski Dubai and IMG Worlds of Adventure.

Conclusion:
It is clear that from its beginnings as a small fishing port in 1980, Dubai has come a long way to becoming an international tourist destination with millions of visitors every year. Over time it has evolved into a vibrant city filled with incredible architecture and amenities that have made it one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world today.