Dubai's tourism scene is experiencing unprecedented growth. In 2025, the city welcomed a record number of international overnight visitors, and with Emirates' planned expansion of Narita flights starting in May 2026 and strong recognition in the "World's 50 Best Restaurants MENA" awards, Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global destination.
Meanwhile, the food scene is evolving with new chocolate creations from brands including the original Dubai chocolate maker FIX Dessert Chocolatier, and the rising popularity of café drinks featuring hojicha and matcha. Here's a roundup of the latest Dubai news, covering everything from gourmet offerings to extraordinary desert and skyline experiences.
Latest Dubai News
As tourism demand expands, Dubai is seeing significant developments in aviation access and international recognition in the culinary sphere. Here are some of the most notable recent updates.
2025 Sees Record Number of International Overnight Visitors to Dubai!
Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism has announced that the city welcomed 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, representing a 5% increase compared to the previous year. Visitors from Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia, including Japan, totaled 1.85 million (9% of the total). In December 2025 alone, Dubai surpassed 2 million visitors for the first time in a single month, signaling strong momentum heading into 2026.
New hotel openings, including Ciel Dubai Marina, continued throughout 2025, bringing Dubai's total room inventory to 154,264 rooms across 827 properties as of December 2025. With this expansion of diverse accommodation options, Dubai is expected to further enhance its appeal as an international city.
Emirates Increases Narita Service: Enhanced Access to Dubai
Starting May 1, 2026, Emirates will operate twice-daily service between Dubai and Narita. This enhancement provides greater flexibility not only for travelers visiting Dubai as their primary destination for leisure or business, but also for those wishing to enjoy a stopover in Dubai when traveling to Europe, the Middle East, or Africa.
The newly added flight will be operated with a retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER featuring a four-class configuration including Premium Economy, offering comfortable travel options for diverse passenger needs.
Emirates official website: https://www.emirates.com/jp/japanese/
Dubai Makes Strong Showing in MENA's "2026 Best Restaurants 50"
Announced on February 3, 2026, the "2026 Best Restaurants 50 <MENA (Middle East & North Africa) Region>" featured 21 Dubai restaurants among the top 50. Notably, Kinoya, a Japanese restaurant in Dubai, ranked second, further highlighting Dubai's world-class gastronomy scene.
2026 Best Restaurants 50 official site <MENA (Middle East & North Africa) Region>: https://www.theworlds50best.com/mena/en/
Visit Dubai official site: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/worlds-50-best-restaurants-mena-dubai
Dubai Viral Video! Aerial Stunt at World's Tallest Hotel Creates Buzz
Ciel Dubai Marina, which opened last year as the world's tallest hotel, has become the backdrop for a spectacular stunt video created in collaboration with Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, Skydive Dubai, and XDubai's wingsuit athletes.
The footage shows five stuntmen flying around the hotel and passing through the building's narrow structural gap known as the "Eye of the Needle" at speeds exceeding 200 km/h. The dramatic and large-scale video has generated significant buzz on social media. Released on January 27, 2026, the video garnered over 3.8 million views in approximately two weeks.
Viral video on Ciel Dubai Marina official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DT-snegDHqH/
Ciel Dubai Marina official site: https://www.cieldubai.com/
Skydive Dubai official site: https://www.skydivedubai.ae/
XDubai official site: https://www.xdubai.com/
Latest Dubai Chocolate & Drink Trends
Dubai's chocolate scene and café drink culture continue to evolve, offering treats perfect for gifts or personal indulgence. From new releases by renowned chocolatiers to trending hojicha and matcha beverages, here's what's new.
FIX Dessert Chocolatier
The Dubai chocolate craze that captured global attention originated with FIX Dessert Chocolatier, founded by Sara Hamouda. The chocolatier has now unveiled new flavors.
"Honey I'm Comb" features crunchy golden honeycomb and rich mousse enrobed in milk chocolate. "Jam Or Go Nuts" combines the texture of peanut butter with the bright acidity of mixed berry jam, all wrapped in FIX's signature blondie chocolate for a playful flavor experience.
Additionally, starting February 18, a white chocolate version of the popular flavor "Can't Get Knafeh Of It" launches for the Ramadan season. The shop is also bringing back previously released flavors and offering limited-edition mini box collections.
FIX Dessert Chocolatier official site: https://fixdessertchocolatierdxb.store/
Visit Dubai official site: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/dubai-viral-chocolate-fix
Ganache Chocolatier
Based in Alserkal Avenue with its factory, Ganache Chocolatier is a Dubai-founded chocolate specialist offering over 100 varieties of chocolate, from smooth caramel chocolates to lustrous bonbons.
The brand operates a boutique at Dubai Mall perfect for gift shopping, a café at Dubai Hills Mall where visitors can experience the chocolatier's craftsmanship, and a brasserie at Nad Al Sheba Mall featuring cacao-centric desserts and drinks. With an extensive lineup and refined flavors, Ganache offers chocolates suitable for gifts or personal treats.
Ganache Chocolatier official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byganachechocolatier/
Visit Dubai official site: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/restaurants/ganache-chocolatier
Hojicha Trend Takes Off & Matcha Remains Popular!
Japanese tea-based café drinks continue to attract attention in Dubai. Hojicha, in particular, is gaining popularity for its nutty, caramel-like roasted aroma and smooth, low-bitterness flavor, with hojicha lattes becoming increasingly common. At Maison Cha Cha in Downtown Dubai, a hojicha latte is offered for 35 dirhams (approximately 1,480 yen).
Meanwhile, matcha remains popular. Innovative matcha drinks, such as matcha cream foam combined with coconut water, are appearing at cafés across Dubai, drawing attention from health-conscious consumers.
Maison Cha Cha official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maison.chacha/
Romantic Experiences in Dubai
Dubai offers natural landscapes, stunning views, and extraordinary activities perfect for creating special memories with loved ones. Here are some carefully selected romantic experiences unique to Dubai.
Visit Dubai official site: https://www.visitdubai.com/ja/articles/romantic-things-to-do-in-dubai
Sunrise from Above Dubai
One of Dubai's most romantic activities is a hot air balloon experience. Watching the magical sunrise from above the vast Arabian Desert creates unforgettable memories. Sharing the spectacular view in the quiet morning air offers an extraordinary moment.
Hot air balloon experiences are available through providers including Hero Balloon Flights, Hot Air Balloon UAE, and The Desert Safari.
Hero Balloon Flights official site: https://uae.heroballoonflights.com/
Hot Air Balloon UAE official site: https://hotairballoonuae.com/
The Desert Safari official site: https://thedesertsafari.com/desert-safari-dubai-hot-air-balloon/
Night Safari to Enjoy the Desert Under the Stars
A night safari experience in the desert offers a magical evening under the stars. Visitors can enjoy the Arabian Desert's completely different nighttime character while gazing at the starry sky in the quiet desert. Following a private safari in classic 1950s Land Rovers, the program includes an eco-walk to encounter nocturnal creatures, a multi-course dinner under the stars, and stargazing.
This tour by Platinum Heritage is recommended for couples seeking a special evening.
Platinum Heritage official site: https://uae.platinum-heritage.com/night-desert-safari-astronomy
Visit Dubai official site: https://www.visitdubai.com/ja/places-to-visit/platinum-heritage
Love Lake Dubai
For couples seeking a peaceful retreat, Love Lake Dubai in the Al Qudra area offers an ideal setting. Visitors can enjoy a picnic surrounded by the gentle desert nature in a romantic atmosphere.
With luck, you might encounter wildlife such as desert foxes or Arabian oryx. This spot offers a modest yet special experience, away from the hustle and bustle, allowing couples to connect in nature.
Visit Dubai official site: https://www.visitdubai.com/ja/places-to-visit/love-lake-dubai
All prices are calculated based on the exchange rate as of February 10, 2026 (1 dirham = 42.41 yen).
Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism
Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) works toward the ultimate vision of positioning the Emirate of Dubai as a leading global commercial city, investment hub, and tourism destination. Under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), DET aims to double the emirate's GDP by 2033 and solidify Dubai's position as one of the world's top three global cities. DET further strengthens Dubai's diverse and innovative service industries, attracts top talent by providing a world-class business environment, and accelerates productivity improvements. Additionally, DET comprehensively promotes Dubai's diverse tourism resources, unique lifestyle, and improved quality of life to support Dubai's transformation into one of the world's most livable and workable cities. As the main agency for planning, managing, developing, and marketing Dubai's business and tourism sectors, DET is responsible for licensing and classification of all tourism services, including accommodation and travel agencies. DET's portfolio includes Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Business License Corporation, Dubai Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Authority, Dubai SME, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, and Dubai College of Tourism.
URL: https://www.visitdubai.com/ja
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dubaieconomytourism
Official X: https://x.com/visitdubai_jp
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visit.dubai/
