Overview
Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city's economic and tourism competitiveness indicators. The department oversees economic strategy, licensing and classification of businesses (including hotels, tour operators and travel agencies), and the promotion of Dubai as a global hub for investment, trade and travel.
With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world's leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, DET is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city's economic and tourism competitiveness indicators. The DET portfolio includes Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, Dubai Industries and Exports, Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI) and Dubai SME, as well as Dubai College of Tourism, Dubai Calendar and Dubai Business Events.
Founding & Structure
Law No. (20) of 2021 established the Department of Economy and Tourism in the Emirate of Dubai. The DET succeeded to the rights and obligations of the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. DET's main headquarters is located at Sheikh Zayed Road, The Offices 2, One Central Dubai, Dubai 00594, AE.
Scale & Performance
As of October 2025, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has approximately 1.4K employees and an estimated annual revenue of $5B. Dubai welcomed 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, marking a 5% increase compared to 18.72 million arrivals in 2024, according to data published by DET, and a third successive year of record-setting figures.
Recent Leadership News
In April 2026, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism signed a strategic agreement with HSBC Bank Middle East Limited to further deepen cooperation aimed at attracting international corporates, institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking to establish or expand their presence in the emirate, with the agreement signed in the presence of Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Facts compiled by Executive Moves from publicly available news and press releases on 23 May 2026. Spotted an inaccuracy? Email us and we'll review within 1 business day.
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