Hospitality
In a boost to Dubai’s GDP, DXB sets record with 44.9 million guests in first half
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
NOVIKOV MAYFAIR WELCOMES GCC TRAVELLERS FOR A SUMMER OF DINING, ENTERTAINMENT AND WORLD CUP VIEWING
As GCC travellers descend to London for the summer season, Novikov Restaurant & Bar is inviting guests to discover one of Mayfair’s most iconic dining destinations.
Located on Berkeley Street in the heart of the capital, Novikov has played a defining role in London’s dining scene for over a decade, bringing together contemporary Italian cuisine, Pan-Asian specialities and a vibrant Lounge & Bar. With dedicated Italian and Asian restaurants, Novikov offers guests the opportunity to explore two distinct culinary concepts in a single setting, each shaped by specialist chefs and premium ingredients. A selection of halal dishes is also available across the menus, reflecting Novikov’s appeal to an international clientele.
This summer, guests can enjoy a range of offerings across the venue, from seasonal lunch menus and Aperitivo Time on the Terrace to live entertainment at Novikov Lounge & Bar and screenings of key FIFA World Cup fixtures. Together, the programme reflects Novikov’s position as a true day-to-night destination, spanning leisurely lunches, aperitivo, live entertainment and late-night cocktails in the heart of Mayfair.

Seasonal Dining & Aperitivo
Whether stopping by for a leisurely lunch or settling in for an afternoon in Mayfair, guests can explore a variety of dining options across Novikov’s Italian and Asian restaurants. Seasonal offerings include the Italian Set Lunch, as well as the popular Hikari and Dim Sum lunch menus. The Italian restaurant celebrates seasonal flavours through dishes such as Risotto with Purple Prawns, Amalfi Lemon & Fresh Basil and Chicken Supreme with Mushroom Sauce & Smoked Aubergine Caviar, while the Asian restaurant offers favourites including Wagyu Tacos, Scallop & Jalapeño Maki and Spicy Prawn Money Bags.
As the day unfolds, Aperitivo Time on the Terrace offers a sophisticated way to ease into the evening, pairing classic Italian serves including Aperol Spritz, Negroni and Bellini with a selection of sharing plates.
Live Entertainment After Dark
As the sun sets, Novikov’s Lounge & Bar comes to life with a dynamic programme of music and nightlife. Resident DJs take over from 9pm until late, while every Tuesday, Novikov Live transforms the space into an intimate stage for exceptional performances spanning blues, funk and soul. Paired with expertly crafted cocktails and a lively after-dark atmosphere, the programme offers guests another reason to linger long after dinner has ended.
World Cup Viewing in Mayfair
Adding to the summer line-up, Novikov will also screen key FIFA World Cup fixtures throughout the tournament. Offering a more relaxed alternative to traditional sports bars, the Lounge & Bar combines match-day viewing with Novikov’s signature hospitality, food and drinks.
For GCC travellers planning a summer in London, Novikov offers a complete day-to-night experience, from leisurely lunches and aperitivo to late-night cocktails, live music and world-class dining in the heart of Mayfair.
Hospitality
KEETA EXPANDS RIDER WELFARE SUPPORT WITH DEDICATED COOLING, HYDRATION, AND REST FACILITIES ACROSS THE UAE
Keeta, the on-demand delivery platform backed by global technology leader Meituan, has strengthened its rider welfare efforts through the introduction of a dedicated summer support network across the UAE, designed to support their well-being during the summer months.
The initiative includes cooling and rest facilities strategically deployed across the UAE, alongside dedicated rider support areas within Keeta’s operational facilities. Together, these spaces will provide riders with access to air-conditioned environments, complimentary cold drinks, seating areas, and essential amenities that enable them to rest, recharge and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Colin Xu, Head of Logistics Operations at Keeta UAE, said, “Delivery riders are central to Keeta’s operations and to the service we provide every day across the UAE. During the summer months, our support for riders must be practical, accessible, and responsive to their needs on the ground. By expanding access to cooled rest areas, hydration points, and dedicated support facilities, we are reinforcing our commitment to rider welfare and creating a safer, more supportive working environment for the people who keep our platform moving.”
The programme forms part of Keeta’s broader efforts to strengthen rider welfare and ensure delivery partners are supported with practical facilities that reflect the realities of working through the UAE summer.
Beyond providing practical support, the initiative aims to foster a stronger sense of community among riders by creating dedicated spaces where delivery partners can take a break, connect with colleagues and recharge throughout the working day.
Keeta will continue listening to riders throughout the summer, using their feedback to refine the support network and ensure facilities remain accessible, practical and aligned with their needs on the ground, while they carry out their essential role of serving communities across the UAE.
Hospitality
ME BY MELIÁ DUBAI AND FUJIFILM INVITE CREATIVES TO CAPTURE THE WORLD’S ONLY HOTEL DESIGNED ENTIRELY BY ZAHA HADID
This July, photographers, creatives and design enthusiasts are invited to step inside the world’s only hotel designed entirely by Zaha Hadid as ME by Meliá Dubai partners with Fujifilm Middle East for an exclusive architectural photography workshop within the iconic Opus building.
Taking place on Saturday, 4 July, the workshop will welcome a select group of participants for a rare opportunity to photograph one of the world’s most celebrated architectural landmarks from the inside. Guided by Fujifilm X-Photographer (brand ambassador) Beno Saradzic, a Dubai-based Emmy-nominated cinematographer and award-winning photographer renowned for his architectural imagery, attendees will discover how to translate architecture into compelling visual stories while exploring the sculptural forms, dramatic perspectives and visionary design that define the hotel.
Widely regarded as one of Dubai’s most architecturally significant landmarks, ME by Meliá Dubai is a striking expression of Zaha Hadid’s visionary design language, where fluid forms, dramatic geometry and sculptural interiors converge. From the sweeping curves of its atrium to the intricate interplay of light, reflection and space, every corner presents a unique photographic opportunity, making it the ideal setting for an immersive exploration of architectural storytelling.
The workshop will begin with an introductory briefing, where participants will gain insight into the fundamentals of architectural photography, composition, and visual storytelling. From there, attendees will embark on a guided photowalk through the hotel’s remarkable interiors, learning how to capture geometry, symmetry, reflections, textures, and the ever-changing interplay of light within Zaha Hadid’s visionary spaces.
As a brand that champions contemporary culture, creativity and self-expression, ME by Meliá Dubai has long served as a platform for artistic discovery, where architecture, art, fashion, gastronomy and culture converge. This collaboration with Fujifilm reflects the hotel’s ongoing commitment to nurturing creative communities and providing inspiring experiences that extend beyond traditional hospitality.
Designed for photographers and creatives of all skill levels, the workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s leading experts while gaining exclusive access to one of Dubai’s most photogenic destinations.
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