Dubai is most popular travel destination in the world, says new TikTok study

UAE city took the top spot in the TikTok Travel Index 2022

1. Dubai has come out on top in the TikTok Travel Index 2022, making it the most popular travel destination in the world based on the video-sharing app. Fadi Al Shami / Unsplash

2. New York City. Unsplash/ Aaron Burson

3. London, UK. Unsplash

4. Istanbul, Turkey. Unsplash/ Ibrahim Uzun

5. Paris, France. Ilnur Kalimullin / Unsplash

6. Miami, US. Unsplash / Marc Fanelli-isla

7. Los Angeles, US. Unsplash

8. Chicago, US. Unsplash / Sawyer Bengston

9. Toronto, Canada. Unsplash

10. Madrid, Spain. Unsplash/ Florian Wehde

Dubai has come out on top in a new study of the most popular travel destinations in the world.

In the study of travel destination hashtags used on TikTok, the emirate ranks number one, ahead of New York City in second place and London in third.

The research, completed by luggage storage company Bounce, titled the TikTok Travel Index 2022, shows that posts featuring the hashtag #Dubai have had 81.8 billion views on the short-form video app. New York City has had 59.5bn views and London 36.8bn.

New York City topped the TikTok Travel Index in 2021, and comes in second place in the 2022 survey. Unsplash / Colton Duke

Dubai ranked second in the company's TikTok Travel Index 2021, usurping the top spot from last year's winner, New York City.

"Synonymous with wealth and luxury, Dubai has become one of the most sought-after destinations for holidaymakers who want to soak up the sun in style," the study reads. "This ultra-modern city is home to some of the world’s most astounding architecture, such as the tallest building on Earth, the Burj Khalifa."

The study was compiled by analysing the number of views 140 different cities had received on TikTok, which was then reduced to a top 50 most popular list.

The top 10 is completed with Istanbul, Turkey in fourth place and Paris, France in fifth. The sixth, seventh and eighth spots are taken by US cities Miami, Los Angeles and Chicago, respectively. Toronto, Canada was named the ninth most popular travel destination on TikTok, and Madrid in Spain the 10th.

The TikTok Travel Index 2022 top 10:

1. Dubai, UAE — 81.8 billion views
2. New York City, US — 59.5 billion views
3. London, UK — 36.8 billion views
4. Istanbul, Turkey — 34 billion views
5. Paris, France — 33 billion views
6. Miami, US — 24.6 billion views
7. Los Angeles, US — 20.8 billion views
8. Chicago, US — 17.9 billion views
9. Toronto, Canada — 17.1 billion views
10. Madrid, Spain — 16 billion views

Some of Dubai's most popular tourist destinations — in pictures

The Museum of the Future, with its remarkable architecture, has quickly become a highlight for visitors to Dubai. Photo: DTCM

The Wild Wadi Waterpark in Jumeirah is one of the attractions that make Dubai a family-friendly destination. Photo: Wild Wadi

The shops, cafes, bars and restaurants along Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai are popular among tourists. Photo: Reuters

A jump at Skydive Dubai has become a must-do for daredevil visitors. Photo: Skydive Dubai

Admirers will say that the Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world at about 830 metres, is Dubai's most famous tourist attraction. Photo: Dar Al Arkan

Visitors can enjoy an almost immersive experience of water and light at the Dubai Fountain. Photo: Alamy

A visit to Dubai often involves a trip to Al Fahidi Fort, with its dhow installation to celebrate the Gulf's maritime history. Photo: Alamy

The ski lift at Ski Dubai inside the Mall of the Emirates. With its 22,500 square metres of skiiing, the centre is arguably one of the Gulf region's most eye-catching and unexpected attractions. Photo: AP

Bluewaters Island, where the Ain Dubai wheel is located. Photo: Reuters

One of the pods on the Ain Dubai that offer visitors sweeping views of the city and Arabian Gulf waters. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Ain Dubai lights up. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm