Expo 2020 will certainly have played its part in a tourism resurgence, as Dubai recorded more than seven million visitors in 2021, with more than 3.4 million visiting the city during the fourth quarter.

The emirate welcomed 7.28 million international overnight visitors in 2021 - a 32% growth on 2020's pandemic-hit figures. According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the vast majority came in Q4, just as the delayed Expo 2020 got into full swing.

The figures are encouraging for Dubai, with the total representing 74% of pre-pandemic tourist arrivals for Q4.

"In leading the global tourism recovery with the support of our stakeholders and partners, Dubai constantly set precedents, demonstrating how to safely yet effectively open up to international visitors and, critically, stay open," said Helal Saeed Al Marri, DET's director general.

"The emirate’s well-coordinated, consistent, proactive and creative approach enabled it to lay the groundwork for an accelerated recovery that received a major boost with the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai and the UAE Golden Jubilee celebrations."

Last month Expo 2020 passed 10 million registered visitors, with an additional 37 million using the Expo's digital platform. The Expo opened on October 1 - a year later than planned - and will conclude on March 31 2022.

#Dubai welcomes 7.28 million overnight visitors in 2021, setting a momentous marker for global tourism recovery. pic.twitter.com/sTw7LjWj3h

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 3, 2022