Skift Take
India is one of Dubai’s most important markets both culturally and touristically. Issam Kazim wants to bring the two closer in any way he can.
— Josh Corder
Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim joked that Dubai is an Indian city.
Speaking at Skift India Summit 2024 on Wednesday in Gurugram, India, Kazim had a point. Dubai and India are closely linked when it comes to Indians living in Dubai, as well as cultural and travel ties. Much of Dubai’s modern success as a tourism hub grows out the many Indians choosing to stay there.
Since 2015, India has reigned as Dubai’s largest inbound travel market, with around 2.5 million Indians coming into Dubai in 2023. The emirate runs 75 flights a day to and from India, which, although, according to Kazim, that’s still not enough.
“There is a surge in demand for Dubai from India,” he said. “The culture between India and the UAE is so…
