Dubai officials have revealed the emirate hopes to welcome over 5.5 million foreign visitors this year.

Dubai Tourism chief executive, Issam Kazim, said that he is optimistic that new markets can help make up for the loss of visitors from important outbound markets where travel continues to be restricted.

Located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is among the seven emirates that form this country. The city is well-known for its skyscrapers, ports, beaches, shopping, gorgeous architecture, and nightlife, enticing tourists from around the world. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has faced a loss in the tourism industry.

Dubai welcomed 5.5 million overseas visitors last year, compared to 16.7 million arrivals in 2019.

Due to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic that has struck India, visitors from India are currently banned. During pre-Covid times, India was a top source market for the Emirates.

Moreover, the United Kingdom which stood as the third largest source market in 2019, has suspended direct flights from Dubai and now require those travellers allowed from the United Arab Emirates to quarantine at a hotel on arrival.

Issam Kazim said footfall at Dubai Airport from newer markets in Europe, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) were seen to be increasing well.

“All of these markets will start to add up and hopefully fill the gaps and give us a much stronger foundation to build a confident rebound going forward,” explained Kazim.

Dubai had reopened its borders to international travellers last July and served as a popular holiday destination over the New Year.

There are hopes for a recovery in the tourism sector over the coming months as the Expo 2020 also set to begin this October.