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In a boost to Dubai’s GDP, DXB sets record with 44.9 million guests in first half

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DXB traffic

Dubai International (DXB) has raised the bar on its contribution to Dubai’s economy by welcoming a record 44.9 million guests during the first six months of this year.

Marking an 8% year-on-year increase in guests, DXB has established its position as a globally preferred gateway, boosted by strong connectivity with key international markets, while reaffirming its central role in supporting Dubai’s economic growth.

Dubai attracted 9.31 million international visitors in H1 2024, reflecting its burgeoning appeal as a global hub for talent, enterprises, and investors. These figures, recently released by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, tie in closely with the growth of Dubai’s GDP, which reached AED 115 billion in Q1 2024, up 3.2% from the previous year.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, commented, “The record-breaking performance in the first half of this year highlights our strategic importance as a global aviation hub. Dubai is at the forefront of global cities when it comes to attracting talent, businesses, and tourists from around the world, and we are proud to be the gateway to the city, driving growth and enhancing the airport experience for every guest.  Strong demand from key source markets such as India and the gradual but certain resurgence of markets such as China, have been instrumental in our success. We have a very optimistic outlook for the remainder of the year, and we are on track to break records with 91.8 million annual guests forecasted for 2024.”

Established and growing markets

The size and significance of DXB’s established and growing markets including South Asia, Western Europe, the GCC, and East Asia has played a crucial role in the airport’s continued success. In the first half of 2024, India remains DXB’s top destination country with 6.1 million passengers, while traffic from China exceeded 1 million passengers, representing 80% year-on-year growth and a 90% recovery compared to 2019 levels.

DXB’s top destination countries after India are Saudi Arabia with 3.7 million guests, the United Kingdom with 2.9 million guests and Pakistan with 2.3 million guests. Other significant markets include the United States (1.7 million guests), Russia (1.3 million), and Germany (1.3 million). The top three city destinations were London with 1.8 million guests, Riyadh (1.6 million), and Mumbai (1.2 million).

DXB is connected to 269 destinations across 106 countries, served by 101 international airlines, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global business and logistics hub.

Key figures

The total number of flight movements reached 216,000, a 7.2% increase compared to the first six months of last year. The busiest month was January with 7.9 million guests.

DXB efficiently managed 39.7 million bags in the first half of the year, a 6.7% year-on-year increase, marking the highest-ever baggage volume handled in the first half of the year. Highlighting the airport’s commitment to operational excellence, impressively, 92% of all arriving baggage was delivered to guests terminating at DXB within 45 minutes of the aircraft arriving on stand.

The average number of guests per aircraft movement was 213, and the load factor remained steady at 77% compared to H1 2023. Direct traffic accounted for 56% of the total, witnessing a slight increase, while transfer traffic comprised 44%.

Meanwhile, during the second quarter of 2024, the airport saw 21.8 million guests, an increase of 7.5% compared to the same period last year and total movements were recorded at 107,000.  

Enhancing the guest experience

As part of Dubai Airports’ continuous efforts to enhance the guest experience, with a focus on operational excellence and seamless travel experiences, new developments will be rolled out in the coming months. These include colour-coded car parks for easier navigation, a new signature aroma in Al Majlis to create a welcoming atmosphere befitting the VIP facility, and an advanced queue management system.

The real-time monitoring system used at DXB helps the airport anticipate and prevent queues from building up across touchpoints, ensuring a smoother and more efficient journey for all guests. During H1, 98% of guests experienced less than 10 minutes of wait times at departure passport control and the same percentage waited less than 15 minutes at arrivals passport control.  95% of guests at departure security screening waited less than three minutes.

Hospitality

Cancro Calls for a Fresh Look at Hydration as UAE Families Return to Routine

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Cancaro's product lineup

As wellness becomes a top priority for UAE families, Cancro, a wellness-focused hydration company, is calling for a rethink of how families stay hydrated during the busy season ahead.  With the UAE’s long, hot climate and demanding routines, hydration plays a critical role in maintaining focus, energy, and immunity — yet it is often overlooked.

What makes Cancro’s approach different is its use of deuterium-depleted water (DDW). Most water contains a small amount of deuterium, a naturally occurring form of hydrogen sometimes referred to as heavy hydrogen.  In high amounts, deuterium can slow down how efficiently cells produce energy.

DDW has much of this deuterium removed, making it lighter. Early research suggests that it may support healthier cell function, improved energy, and faster recovery — benefits that align with today’s wellness-driven lifestyles.

Health specialists point to three areas where hydration is especially important for families in September:

  • Focus & Learning: Even mild dehydration can affect concentration and memory, making it harder for children to perform at school.
  • Energy & Productivity: For parents balancing work and family commitments, hydration is key to sustaining energy throughout long days.
  • Immunity & Recovery: Proper hydration strengthens the body’s defenses against seasonal illnesses and supports recovery after activity.

“Families in the UAE live fast-paced, high-demand lives, often in extreme heat or air-conditioned environments that contribute to dehydration,” said Arsh Mehta, Founder of Cancro. “At Cancro, we believe hydration should be about more than quenching thirst — it’s about supporting wellbeing in a holistic way. With advanced hydration solutions like deuterium-depleted water, we aim to help families feel stronger, more focused, and more resilient every day.”

Cancro is encouraging UAE families to see hydration not as routine, but as a daily health investment — one that supports sharper minds, stronger immunity, and better energy for both children and parents.

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Hospitality

DIVE INTO GREATNESS: SUN DIVING WELCOMES WORLD CHAMPION FREEDIVER ALESSIA ZECCHINI TO SUN SIYAM OLHUVELI

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Alessia Zecchini, world champion freediver, in yellow and black wetsuit smiling by the ocean before diving event at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

Sun Diving is proud to present a one-of-a-kind ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13th October 2025. The event will be held at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Sunrise Beach from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Guests will have the rare opportunity to meet the athlete recognized as “The Deepest Woman in the World.”

Born in Rome in 1992, Alessia began freediving training at just 13 years old and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to dive to 100 meters in free immersion and has since reached the deepest at 123 meters in constant weight with monofin. Her inspiring career has been celebrated worldwide, including in the movie Vertical Breath and the acclaimed Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. Today, she continues to push boundaries while sharing her passion for the ocean and the importance of its conservation.

This unique guest engagement by Sun Diving offers dive enthusiasts the chance to meet Alessia during an informative talk. She will share her journey and experiences in freediving, reflect on her accomplishments, and discuss ocean preservation and breath control. Following her talk, a Q&A session will allow guests to connect directly with Alessia and the Sun Diving team. Sun Diving will also host an interactive beach experience where guests can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow water with instructors. Guests can capture photos and autographs from Alessia and explore the dive booth to learn about the world of diving and special offers at Sun Diving.

“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honor for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Center Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”

Sun Diving, the official diving arm of Sun Siyam Group, offers SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programs across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard programs, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable and memorable ocean adventures.

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THE RETURN OF JAZZ & JUICE NIGHTS AT CUCINA, THE PALM

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Three-piece jazz trio performing live at Cucina The Palm during Jazz and Juice Nights, featuring upright bass, piano, and drums against decorative wall backdrop.

Jazz, cocktails and Italian flair are back! Cucina, The Palm is bringing back its much-loved Jazz & Juice Nights, starting Friday, 3rd October, where live music, Italian dining, and vibrant energy set the scene for an unforgettable night.

Every Friday and Saturday from 7pm to midnight, Cucina comes alive with a dynamic three-piece jazz trio led by award-nominated arranger and composer Rudo Pieterse on upright bass and vocals, accompanied by Jose Roman Nunez on piano and Janelle Bernado on drums. Their soulful melodies and lively rhythms fill the restaurant with energy, immersing guests in the sounds of classic jazz and the warm ambience of an Italian piazza.  

Guest can enjoy two hours of unlimited beverages for just AED 165, featuring Italian classics such as the timeless Negroni and refreshing Aperol Spritz, alongside the Hugo Spritz and the restaurant’s signature Cucina Spritz – a mix of Martini Fiero, Martini Ambrato, berry shrub, sparkling wine, and chocolate bitters. Wine lovers can also explore Cucina’s unique wines-on-tap selection and savour an impressive selection of reds, whites and rosés.

For those seeking a complete dining experience, Cucina’s a la carte menu celebrates the essence of Italy. Guests can indulge in freshly made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and other Italian favourites, all crafted with fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes. Each dish is designed to complement the live entertainment and drinks, transporting diners to the heart of Italy for a truly immersive experience. 

With the trio’s vibrant performances, Cucina’s lively yet sophisticated ambiance, inventive drinks offering and delicious à la carte options, Cucina’s Jazz & Juice Nights deliver the perfect weekend ritual – ideal for long evenings of dining, sipping and soaking up the atmosphere.

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