Is Dubai on your bucket list? If not, it needs to be at all costs. No, it is certainly not just my opinion. There are tens of thousands of people insisting on travelling to Dubai at least once in their lifetime – for the glittering skyline, the sumptuous food, the luxury and budget-friendly options, and definitely the unique experiences.
The future is here, in Dubai. But there is another popular tourist hotspot that has been on the global travellers’ bucket lists for a longer period than Dubai. It is Las Vegas in the US. Counted among the top Entertainment Capitals, Las Vegas is flocked to for its entertainment, casinos and 24/7 nightlife. From the Sphere to the Bellagio Fountains, there is a lot to see and do here.
But one thing is getting more interesting here: Dubai is racing ahead of Las Vegas. From its booming popularity to rising hotel room numbers, this Middle Eastern city is claiming the top spots in a number of vital parameters. Let’s compare both Dubai and Las Vegas to understand the constantly changing global tourism landscape better.
Is Dubai stealing Las Vegas’ ‘thunder’?
Just recently, Bloomberg released a report titled: ‘Dubai is stealing Las Vegas’ travel thunder’. It appears to be true as for the first time, Dubai has more hotel rooms than Las Vegas, as per recent data pulled for the publication by real estate analyst CoStar Group.
This is a significant update. It highlights one critical thing about Dubai: the city is matching its infrastructure to its rising tourist numbers. From the upcoming opening of Ciel Dubai Marina (the tallest hotel building globally) to Dubai’s first casino licensed on the horizon, there is a lot happening in and around Dubai and one should not keep calm.
The excitement is picking up and it should too. Business in Dubai is up, and for all the right reasons. In the period from January to May 2025, average Dubai hotel occupancy rates stood at 83%, up from 81% in the same period last year. But in Las Vegas, things appear to be decelerating a bit. Of course, complex geopolitical fluctuations are to be blamed. But Dubai is definitely on a roll and this momentum is expected to only pick up.
Read More: 35 Best Hotels in Dubai for 2025: Luxury, Beachfront & Budget Stays
Dubai beating traditional racers to claim top spot in global hotel race
Sourced by CoStar Group, Bloomberg recently highlighted an estimated number of hotel rooms in top tourist destinations across the globe. This list includes a number of Chinese cities that traditionally benefit from strong domestic tourist numbers. But keeping these places aside, Dubai is only second to London in the global hotel race, beating Las Vegas and Bangkok (places that have traditionally been at the top of many travellers’ lists).
The numbers are something as such: 384,100 hotel rooms in Shanghai, 372,200 in Beijing, 173,800 in Guangzhou, 161,000 in Hangzhou, 152,700 in London, 151,800 in Dubai, 150,300 in Shenzhen, 149,200 in Chengdu, 146,000 in Las Vegas and 123,500 in Bangkok.
If the latest updates on the performance of Dubai Tourism Sector in the first eight months of 2025 is taken into consideration, the Emirate has noted a 5% rise in the number of international visitors at 12.54 million, 4% rise in hotel room bookings at 29 million room nights and 2% rise in the average occupancy rate at 78.5%. These numbers easily highlight Dubai’s booming tourism sector and it appears the city’s approach is helping.
Dubai and Las Vegas: Peas in a pod?
Dubai and Las Vegas are thousands of miles apart. But these cities are also oddly alike – as far as tourism is concerned. But are among the most happening places today and are flocked to by tourists from across the globe all the time. But Dubai is picking up speed in the race and Las Vegas appears to have lost a bit of its sparkle.
Coming to the peas in a pod phrase, there are a lot of similarities that both places share. First of all, Dubai and Las Vegas are built in desert landscapes. This means these cities getting this range of fame is truly commendable as resources tend to be scarce in such areas. But neither Las Vegas nor Dubai present any such feeling to its guests.
Next, the culinary scene. Dubai is famous for its food. There are innumerable restaurants in Dubai offering the best cuisines. From Chinese to Mexican and Indian, the broad range of options make Dubai one of the best places globally for foodies. You can speak the same thing for Las Vegas. For decades, this US city has been replicating successful culinary concepts at its hotels and resorts.
Just like Las Vegas, Dubai is also deepening its focus on sports. In the back year and this year too, Dubai has hosted a number of important sports tournaments. The neighbouring Emirate is hosting F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 soon and you can access all of the action from Dubai.
On top of it, Dubai is also hosting some of the best concerts. From Dubai Shopping Festival concerts to Pitbull in Dubai, there is a lot happening this year in Dubai and you should be excited. Dubai is gradually claiming its spot among the best tourist destinations across the globe.
Some things that separate Dubai vs Las Vegas
Despite the similarities, Dubai and Las Vegas also share some differences. The most important one has already been discussed in this article. It is related to the hotel game. Dubai, for the first time, has more number of hotel rooms than in Las Vegas. On top of it, business in Dubai is up; but in Vegas, it is lagging, as per Bloomberg. This is because of some major distinctions seen in hotel occupancy rates seen in both the places. But geopolitical fluctuations and other reasons could explain the differences. Nonetheless, Dubai is gradually getting ahead in the game, and for all the right reasons.
Dubai no longer a transit hub as it matches infrastructure
This basically means that – earlier, people used to fly through Dubai but did not stay in, but in today’s scenario, people are planning to solely travel to Dubai. Dubai is not a transit hub anymore. Dubai is close to many important tourist destinations in different countries and one could reach these places in 4-5 hours. But Dubai has also considerably built up its reputation as a top tourist destinations globally and not just in the Middle East.
This is mainly because Dubai is constantly updating its infrastructure. There is so much to see and do in Dubai. For people of all ages and preferences, Dubai is a beautiful and memorable place. You can come here during the colder months for the best outdoor experience. But summers don’t disappoint and indoor attractions in Dubai take care of the heat.
So if the (elephant in the room) question is asked: is Dubai better than Las Vegas? – I can say that it all comes to personal preferences in the end. Nonetheless, Dubai is definitely shining brighter than Las Vegas and things are only going to speed up in the Middle Eastern city as the infrastructure is updated and more hotels, restaurants, attractions and events line up.
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