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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

BRINGING SWEET FAMILY MOMENTS HOME: AL HALLAB LAUNCHES ICE CREAM DELIVERY

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AL HALLAB ice cream sharing box displaying scoops of ashta, chocolate and mixed flavours topped with pistachios, placed in front of branded AL HALLAB ice cream packaging.

Al Hallab, the family-favourite Lebanese restaurant, is bringing its much-loved ice creams to homes across the city. Long enjoyed as part of its dine-in experience, Al Hallab’s signature ice creams are now available for delivery exclusively on Deliveroo, offered in curated sharing boxes designed for togetherness, perfect for family moments, cosy evenings at home, and celebrations enjoyed in comfort.

Guests can choose from three pre-set ice cream selections, each crafted to be enjoyed collectively:

Ashta Ice Cream Box – Eight pieces of creamy ashta ice cream, delicately dipped in pistachio and served with Al Hallab’s signature cones (AED 140 on Deliveroo)
Mixed Fruit Flavors Box – Eight pieces of refreshing mixed fruit ice cream flavors, ideal for all ages (AED 115 on Deliveroo)
Al Hallab Special Flavors Box – Eight pieces of mixed specialty flavors, including chocolate, ashta, pistachio, and mastika (AED 130 on Deliveroo)

While Al Hallab continues to serve single scoops for dine-in guests at AED 15 per scoop, the delivery menu has been intentionally curated into these exclusive sharing boxes, ensuring a seamless and elevated experience when enjoyed at home.

With this launch, Al Hallab extends its legacy beyond the restaurant, inviting families to slow down, gather around, and create meaningful moments over ice cream, without stepping outside. Whether it’s a weekend treat, a family dessert after dinner, or a thoughtful surprise for loved ones, Al Hallab’s ice creams now arrive at your doorstep, ready to be shared.

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Hospitality

MIDDAY, DONE RIGHT WITH VICEROY’S TABLE NEW BUSINESS LUNCH

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Overhead view of guests sharing assorted Indian dishes at Viceroy’s Table, including kebabs, curries, biryani, flatbreads, and plated starters on a green dining table.

Viceroy’s Table is inviting Dubai’s professionals and lunch-goers to take a proper midday pause with the launch of its new Business Lunch, available Monday to Saturday, between 12 PM and 4 PM. The restaurant is redefining the city’s workday dining with a menu crafted to nourish, delight, and recharge.

For AED 100, guests can choose from a curated selection of starters, mains, and desserts, each thoughtfully designed to deliver bold flavors. Vegetarian options include Four Cheese Chili Bomb, Patti Samosa, Edamame Kebab, and Paneer Peshawari, while non-vegetarians can indulge in Smoked Fish Salad, Chapli Kebab, Viceroy’s Chicken Tikka, or Beef Pepper Fry.

Main courses cater to all tastes: from creamy Signature Makhni Lentils and Saag Paneer, to Velvet Paneer Masala and Subz Tarkari Biryani for vegetarian diners; or Begum’s Butter Chicken, Royal Taar Gosht, Signature Makhni Lentils, and House Special Biryani for non-vegetarians. Guests can finish their meal with a delectable dessert of Mini Gulab Delights, Mango Tres Leches, or Caramel Custard.

Whether it’s a well-deserved break between meetings or a chance to catch up with colleagues, Viceroy’s Table Business Lunch is designed to offer a moment of indulgence in the midst of a busy day. Each dish is served with care, offering the perfect balance of flavors to refresh the body and mind.

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Hospitality

DISCOVER REAL LEBANESE CUISINE IN THE HEART OF DUBAI WITH AL HALLAB

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AL HALLAB mixed grill platter featuring grilled lamb cubes, chicken skewers, kafta, fries, grilled tomato, onions, flatbread, and garlic sauce on a serving plate.

For travellers in Dubai looking to experience authentic Lebanese cuisine, Al Hallab, the beloved Lebanese restaurant, is a must-visit. More than a restaurant, Al Hallab offers visitors to Dubai an authentic journey into Lebanese culture, where heritage recipes, warm hospitality, and unmistakable flavors come together to create an experience that feels both comforting and unforgettable.

Founded in Tripoli, Lebanon, and rooted in generations of culinary craftsmanship, Al Hallab brings with it decades of expertise in Lebanese cuisine. From the moment guests step inside, they are welcomed into a space that feels rich with history yet perfectly at home in Dubai’s cosmopolitan setting.

From classic cold mezze like hummus, moutabal, and labneh, delightful hot starters like lahme baajine traboulsi (phyllo pastry topped with minced lamb meat) to succulent grills such as mixed grill with tawouk, lamb chops, half boneless chicken and masbaha with pine nuts, and delicious daily dishes such as stuffed lamb, riz a djeij (rice cooked in chicken stock), Al Hallab brings the true spirit of Lebanese dining to the table. Generous, soulful, and crafted with the finest fresh ingredients, every dish reflects the flavours, traditions, and warmth of Lebanon.

Dessert at Al Hallab is an experience in itself. Renowned for its mastery of Lebanese sweets, the restaurant offers guests a chance to savor iconic creations such as knefeh, baklava, and other traditional sweets that have defined celebrations across Lebanon for decades. 

Beyond the food, Al Hallab’s atmosphere plays a key role in its appeal. Elegant yet inviting interiors, attentive service, and a sense of timeless hospitality make it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. It’s the kind of place that feels special without being intimidating, refined without losing its soul.

As Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for tourism and culture, Al Hallab remains a reminder that the most meaningful travel experiences are often found at the table. It is where stories are shared, cultures connect, and memories are made, one dish at a time.

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