Dubai’s tourism sector is predicted to reach levels not seen since 2019 by next year and a key driver behind the emirates’ success as a tourist and business destination is the UAE’s strong economic performance, says a report.

The remarkable post-pandemic performance of Dubai’s hospitality industry is a clear reflection of the UAE’s wider economic successes, said the Cavendish Maxwell report.

Despite the curveballs thrown by Covid-19 and recent global conflicts that disrupted travel worldwide, Dubai is defying the odds and emerging as the superstar of the tourism world.

In the first half of this year, a staggering 8.5 million globetrotters chose Dubai as their destination, breaking the city’s record for number of visitors. Fast forward to July 2023, and that number has surged to a jaw-dropping 9.83 million. Freshly released data by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism also reveals that in 2022, Dubai hosted 14.36 million international overnight visitors. By comparison, in 2021, just 7.26 million stayed overnight.

The city hasn’t just bounced back, it has soared past regional and global expectations. In fact, during 2022, Dubai reached 86% of its pre-pandemic visitor levels, beating even the most optimistic projections by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation for international tourist arrivals in 2023.

Inflation under check

While the rest of the world has been grappling with soaring inflation rates, the UAE has managed to keep things in check.

In 2022, inflation in the UAE stayed at a modest 4.8%, thanks in part to generous government subsidies, particularly for essentials like food and fuel. In comparison, the rest of the world experienced much higher inflation at 8.7%, according to the International Monetary Fund. Looking ahead, the UAE is on track to lower inflation to 3.1% in 2023 and return to a stable 2.6% rate in 2024.

Alongside keeping inflation in check, the UAE has also exceeded expectations in economic growth, despite increasing concerns about a global recession. In 2022, the UAE saw an economic growth rate of 7.6%, the highest in over a decade.

Impressive recovery

Although experts at Fitch foresee a slight dip to 3.3% for the UAE in 2023 due to oil production cuts, the country’s economy has been recognised globally for its impressive post-pandemic recovery.

“The tourism sector’s GDP growth is set to nearly double from 2021 to a remarkable 36.1%, and by 2024, it’s predicted to reach levels we haven’t seen since 2019. Back then, travel and tourism contributed a substantial 11.6% to the country’s GDP, raking in AED180.4 billion,” the report said.

Source: Trade Arabia.

DUBAI – Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, together with Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, have kicked off a landmark collaboration.

The multi-year agreement promises a range of exciting activations, special fan moments and unique experiences for Dubai and Real Madrid fans.

The newly formed alliance will equally serve as a powerhouse platform to create new growth opportunities for both institutions and support Dubai’s ambitious plans as part of its recently announced Dubai Economic Agenda – D33.

Being at the forefront of global sports entertainment with the world’s greatest Club aligns perfectly with Dubai’s ambitious plans to consolidate its position among the top three global cities. Launching this October, the partnership encompasses Real Madrid’s First Men and Women Football Teams, bringing a taste of Dubai to Santiago Bernabéu offering fans unforgettable experiences and services.

Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), and Florentino Perez, President of Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, formalised the partnership during an official ceremony at the legendary Sala de Juntas in Ciudad Real Madrid, in the presence of Jose Angel Sanchez, Chief Executive Officer of the Club, and Emilio Butragueño, Real Madrid legend and Director of Institutional Relations.

Kazim commented, “We are excited to begin our journey with Real Madrid as a global partner. This game-changing collaboration between Dubai and the greatest Club in the world is built upon a shared vision and values, where every achievement motivates one to pursue new heights. With our aim to consolidate Dubai’s position among the top three global cities, this strategic alliance will harness the strengths of a leading destination and the world’s most celebrated team to reaffirm Dubai globally as the best city to visit, live, and work in.”

Butragueño, in turn, said, “We are very proud of this new partnership with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism as the Club’s first Official Destination Partner. Dubai is a destination that strives for excellence in all its entertainment offerings, a value shared by the Club. We are delighted to bring this exciting tourist destination to our millions of Madridistas around the world.”

Dubai’s strong public and private sector relations are at the heart of its success, and this new collaboration with Real Madrid further builds on a longstanding partnership that Emirates has cemented since 2011.

It is also perfectly timed for the upcoming Real Madrid themed-park at Dubai Parks and Resorts, the largest theme park destination in the Middle East, which will further expand the city’s diverse destination proposition.

The park, which will be the world’s first Real Madrid-themed park, will feature a number of Real Madrid-related attractions, such as a museum, amusement rides and football skill games, food and beverage outlets, and retail spaces selling official Real Madrid products.

Source: Zawya.

In a dazzling affair that captivated travel enthusiasts from Mombasa- Nairobi to Kisumu, the Kempinski Hotel was transformed into a portal to another world as the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism unveiled Dubai’s wonders in an unforgettable roadshow event. Nairobi played host to this spectacular event, underscoring the city’s significance as a hub of international connections.

A Grand Showcase of Dubai’s Best

With over 25 prominent companies gracing the occasion, the event transcended expectations. The venue buzzed with fervor as participants were treated to a variety of offerings from Dubai’s thriving tourism and medical sectors. Airlines, hotels, destination management companies, and entertainment providers came together to create a tapestry of Dubai’s offerings, captivating the audience’s imagination.

Partnerships Forged, Dreams Ignited

The event was not just a presentation; it was a gateway to another world. Attendees were given the chance to engage directly with Dubai’s products and services, forging partnerships and exploring collaborations. The room echoed with the voices of stakeholders, their discussions laying the foundation for fruitful future endeavors.

Excitement in the Air

A highlight of the day was the Dubai raffle, which added an element of thrill to the proceedings. Lucky winners walked away with exciting prizes, making the event not only informative but also rewarding.

Local Touch, Global Impact

KATA’s members, hailing from various corners of Kenya, added a distinctive local touch to the event. Their active participation illustrated the vibrant collaboration between Kenya and Dubai, setting the stage for a future filled with promising ventures.

This roadshow became more than an event; it became a platform for dreams to flourish and partnerships to thrive. As the sun set on the day, the promise of stronger connections and endless opportunities lingered, leaving attendees inspired and invigorated for the journeys ahead. Dubai’s allure had woven itself into the fabric of Kenya’s travel industry, leaving an indelible mark of partnership, promise, and endless possibilities.

Date: September 29, 2023 by Bryan Obala, KATA Media and Communications.

The Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai (IACAD) launched the Religious Tourism Project in Dubai with a set of plans, programmes, and initiatives in the field of Islamic tourism. This was announced during a press conference held at the department’s headquarters on Thursday.

The project aims to enhance Dubai’s tourism and achieve the department’s vision of being the best in the world, Islamically and charitably making the city the most visited in the world by 2025. “The project contributes to strengthening the emirate’s position as an attraction point for international religious tourism for residents, visitors, and tourists, both Muslims and non-Muslims,” said Ahmed Khalfan Al Mansouri from IACAD.

Al Mansouri pointed out that the project will achieve a three per cent to four per cent increase in the number of tourists to the emirate. The project will feature the most prominent religious attractions in Dubai.

Floating Mosque: It will be the first floating mosque in the world which will consist of three floors. One half of the structure with its sitting areas and a coffee shop will be above the water; while the other is submerged below. The underwater deck will be for the prayer area with ablution and toilet facilities and can accommodate 50-75 worshippers. The mosque will be constructed with a total cost of approximately Dh55 million.

The Quranic exhibition: This will feature the journey of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Quran, where he printed thousands of copies of the holy Quran from 2000 to 2005 and distributed around the world.

Dubai Iftar: This is organised during the holy month of Ramadan and is a unique initiative that brings together people of different faiths, to breakfast together.

Hala Ramadan: It is an initiative where people of different faiths gather in the new neighbourhoods in Dubai under the Hala Ramadan initiative. This will include groups of social, sports, and educational programmes.

Visit to the Quranic Park and adding a section on prophetic medicine: The Quranic Park is the first-ever Quran-inspired Park in the world which covers an area of 600,000 square metres. This huge park is divided into many sections which serve different purposes and interests. The park has plants and herbs that are mentioned in the Quran.

Ramadan and Eid Market: Ramadan markets will be introduced adjacent to a few popular mosques in Dubai with the aim of welcoming Muslim and non-Muslim tourists during the Ramadan and Eid holidays. This will help them learn about Islamic customs and traditions and teach them the religion of Islam.

Source: Khaleej times.

Dubai is bringing its magic to East Africa with an exclusive event hosted by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET). The Dubai Tourism Roadshow in East Africa is set to be a spectacular showcase of the Emirate’s products and services in the travel and medical sectors. With over 20 participating companies from the tourism and hospitality industry, including airlines, hotels, destination management companies, entertainment providers, and hospitals, this event promises to be a game-changer for both business professionals and travelers in East Africa.

Connecting East Africa to Dubai’s Unique Offerings

Dubai has long been a sought-after destination for travelers from all corners of the globe. Its awe-inspiring skyline, luxurious hotels, world-class shopping, and diverse culinary experiences make it a dream destination for tourists. However, this event aims to go beyond just showcasing Dubai’s glitzy attractions. It’s about establishing meaningful connections between East Africa and Dubai, with a focus on two key sectors: tourism and healthcare.

Dubai’s Diverse Participation

One of the highlights of the Dubai Tourism Roadshow is the diverse range of participants from Dubai’s vibrant tourism and hospitality industry. Airlines, hotels, destination management companies, entertainment providers, and hospitals have all come together to showcase their offerings.

For those looking to explore Dubai’s breathtaking landscapes, there are airlines offering special deals on flights to Dubai. The event is also an opportunity to discover the city’s luxurious accommodations, with a variety of hotels participating, each offering unique experiences to suit different budgets and preferences.

Destination management companies will be on hand to help East African travelers craft their dream Dubai experience, from desert safaris to city tours, ensuring every moment in Dubai is unforgettable. Entertainment providers will also be showcasing their offerings, from world-class performances to family-friendly attractions.

A Unique Focus on Healthcare

Beyond the glitz and glamour, Dubai has gained recognition as a medical tourism hub. The Dubai Tourism Roadshow is also shedding light on the city’s healthcare sector. Hospitals from Dubai will be present to discuss the cutting-edge medical treatments and services available, attracting patients from East Africa seeking world-class healthcare.

Dubai has invested heavily in its healthcare infrastructure, and it’s evident in the presence of hospitals that are at the forefront of medical innovation. This event presents an excellent opportunity for medical professionals and healthcare institutions in East Africa to explore potential collaborations and partnerships.

Dubai Raffle Prizes and Giveaways

To add an extra layer of excitement to the event, Dubai’s partners are offering fantastic raffle prizes and giveaways. Attendees have the chance to win flights, accommodation, activities, and much more in Dubai. These enticing rewards underscore Dubai’s commitment to making dreams come true for East African travelers.

Networking Opportunities

In addition to exploring the offerings of participating companies, attendees can take advantage of the networking lunch with Dubai stakeholders. This is a chance to connect with industry experts, share ideas, and establish valuable contacts. Whether you’re in the travel and tourism business or the healthcare sector, the networking opportunities at the Dubai Tourism Roadshow can open doors to new collaborations and ventures.

Join DET in Nairobi, Kenya

The Dubai Tourism Roadshow in East Africa is an event that promises to bridge the gap between East Africa and the dazzling world of Dubai. If you’re a travel professional looking to offer your clients unique Dubai experiences or a healthcare professional interested in exploring Dubai’s cutting-edge medical services, this event is not to be missed.

Join us in Nairobi, Kenya, on September 29, 2023, for an unforgettable day of discovery, networking, and exciting giveaways. Dubai is ready to welcome East Africa with open arms, and the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism is here to make the connection happen. Book your spot today and be a part of this remarkable journey. Dubai awaits you!

Dubai has evolved into an ‘all-season’ tourism destination with offerings that cater to a diverse group of travellers even during summer months, says a senior official.

Having welcomed a record 8.55 million international visitors from January to June 2023, a top official says the city’s appeal as a tourism destination is strong even in the summer months.

Dubai is riding on a wave of diversity to strengthen its appeal as an all-season tourist spot, including the summer months, Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), told Khaleej Times in an interview.

He said the city’s multifaceted character appeals to tourists with various preferences and means.

“Dubai’s rich offering makes even luxury travel affordable, with a host of options for budget-conscious travellers ranging from discounted stays at luxury hotels to fine dining experiences.

“In fact, Dubai provides mid-range hotels that match the service and amenities of many prominent full-service hotels around the globe, further enhancing the destination’s appeal for those in search of value for money during their stay, without compromising on the quality of the overall experience,” said Kazim.

The first half of 2023 marked the industry’s best ever first half performance.

“People are drawn to Dubai due to a combination of its unique and cosmopolitan lifestyle, its high level of safety, the ease of access to the city, doing business and navigating daily life in Dubai, and the city’s commitment to security, both in terms of personal safety and financial stability,” said Kazim.

As a summer destination, the emirate offers leisure options from culture and cuisine to entertainment, beach activities and family-oriented experiences.

“During the summer months, the focus of tourism shifts towards indoor and water-centric attractions, the city’s climate-controlled landmarks, and numerous malls. Families can enjoy activities such as indoor theme parks, while waterparks and water-sports offer refreshing aquatic fun. Additionally, the exciting culinary journey across a multitude of restaurants in the city enhances the experience,” Dubai tourism body’s CEO said.

The city’s ‘kids go free’ campaign has garnered “significant attention” from families and children.

Source: TradeArabia News Service

Dubai’s Emirates reported a record-breaking summer season, carrying over 14 million passengers with seat load factors exceeding 80 percent between June and August.

In addition, over 35 percent of visitors travelling on Emirates to Dubai were families, with an average stay of over two weeks to explore the city’s attractions.

Come winter, Emirates expects another surge in demand for travel to the city.

“Travel demand across our network has been strong and resilient despite rising cost-of-living pressures in many markets. It shows the value that people place on travel – whether for work, play, study, or visiting loved ones; and how essential international air connectivity is to communities,” Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim said.

For the city’s airport, Dubai International Airport (DXB) has demonstrated resurgence in key performance indicators, surpassing the pre-pandemic benchmarks of the first half of 2019. As one of the world’s busiest international aviation hubs, DXB welcomed a 41.6 million passengers during the initial six months of 2023. This figure reflects a growth of over 100 percent in comparison to the passenger volume recorded in H1 2019. Furthermore, when compared with the same period in 2022 (27.9 million), passenger traffic witnessed a significant surge of 49.1 percent.

Source: Hotelier

Across all metrics, Dubai hospitality and tourism has outdone itself compared to pre-Covid times. 2019 was a record year for the emirate, but 2023 has seen the city pull ahead when it comes to visitor figures, hotel rates and occupancies.

As per the Dubai Media Office, Dubai is the world’s fastest-recovering destination globally. Pulling in 8.55 million travellers in H1 2023, the city is ahead of H1 2019’s 8.36 million feat.

For comparison, United Nations World Trade Organisation estimates that international tourist arrivals could reach between 80-95 percent of pre-pandemic levels this year.

Hotel performance

Dubai’s hotels outperformed pre-pandemic levels across all hospitality metrics in H1 2023 including occupancy, ADR, RevPAR and length of stay. Among the highest in the world, Dubai hotels’ average occupancy of 78 percent is 2.2 percent points higher than the occupancy achieved for the same period in H1 2019.

This growth is particularly noteworthy considering the 13 percent increase in hotel establishments and 26 percent increase in room capacity over the same period in 2019. Continued domestic and international investment into the sector further increased the hotel inventory, and by the end of H1 2023, Dubai’s visitors and residents could choose from a total of 810 hotel establishments and 148,689 rooms, compared to 714 hotel establishments that were open with 118,345 rooms at the end of H1 2019.

The performance of the hotel sector is also evidenced by the fact that the average length of stay of guests increased to 3.9 nights (up from 3.5 nights in H1 2019), highlighting the city’s appeal for longer-stay travellers.

The average daily rate (ADR) of AED534 during the first six months of the year surpassed the ADR of H1 2019 (AED444), a 20 percent growth, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) of AED415 in H1 2023, surged by 24 percent compared to the first six months of the pre-pandemic period of 2019 (AED336).

Dubai tourism source markets

Looking at difference in the tourism landscape between now and 2019, there has been a surge in European business into Dubai.

In the first half of 2023, Western Europe emerged as a significant contributor to tourism arrivals, making up 20 percent of the total international visitation, while the GCC and MENA regions delivered a combined 28 percent of the regional share. South Asia held a 17percent share of the total visitation, and Russia, CIS, and Eastern Europe combined contributed 14 percent. North Asia and South East Asia contributed eight percent while the Americas, Africa and Australasia contributed seven, four and two percent, respectively.

Thanks to wise leadership

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “The remarkable surge in international visitors witnessed by Dubai in the first half of 2023 further demonstrates its emergence as one of the brightest spots not only in the worldwide tourism sector but also the broader global economic landscape. This accomplishment has been made possible by the foresight of Dubai’s leadership, whose vision and prudent polices fortified its resilience in the wake of global challenges and enabled it to rebound more swiftly than other markets. While the growth of international visitation reinforces Dubai’s rise as a major global tourism destination, it also signifies its status as a pivotal hub for trade, investment and enterprise.

“The Dubai Economic Agenda D33, spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has outlined an ambitious new trajectory for the city to further consolidate its status as one of the world’s top urban economies and tourism destinations. As a major pillar of Dubai’s economy, the tourism sector will continue to play a key role in realising its future aspirations.”

H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, commented: “This significant uplift in visitation, which surpasses both pre-pandemic levels and marks a new record for Dubai’s tourism sector, is the result of a highly coordinated, sustainable and robust strategy, that is underpinned by a strong execution mandate and driven forward by the vision and continuous support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the emirate’s entire leadership, in line with the 10 year Dubai Economic Agenda D33. 

“These results further add weight to the depth, scale and resilience of Dubai’s tourism ecosystem, both domestically and across the world, all of which have been instrumental to supporting the city’s highly calibrated and agile strategy for advancing growth over the previous decade, mitigating risk and building a comprehensive framework throughout the entire value chain to drive our ambitions for the coming 10 years. It is the strength of these partnerships, and all our stakeholders, that continues to set us apart. We will continue to invest in such partnerships and all factors that drive the growth of tourism and economic sectors over the long term.”

H. E. Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “The H1 industry performance is testament to the future-oriented strategy of our visionary leadership to position Dubai as the best city in the world to visit, live and work. Within a highly competitive global tourism ecosystem, Dubai has continued to accelerate momentum and stay ahead of the curve, primarily by highlighting the diversity of the city’s offerings and the flexibility of our portfolio.  Central to our success in showcasing Dubai as a must-visit destination is fostering multi-level partnerships between the public and private sectors.

“These collaborations with government entities, industry stakeholders and global partners form the backbone of our growth strategy, paving the way for a well-aligned and united cross-sector endeavour to create a unique positioning and drive international visitation, as well as support the wider talent attraction and economic growth agendas. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to delivering memorable experiences to all our guests, residents and the business and MICE community at large, to set new standards and push the boundaries of excellence globally.”

Source: Hotelier

The emirate was one of the first cities in the world to open after Covid-19 following the government’s successful handling of the pandemic

Dubai’s tourist numbers surpassed its pre-pandemic level, growing by 20 per cent to a record 8.55 million in the first half of 2023 as against 8.36 million in H1 2019.

The emirate was one of the first cities in the world to open after Covid-19 following the government’s successful handling of the pandemic, helping it recover faster than its peers. The tourism industry was one of the first beneficiaries of the reopening of borders, with a large number of foreign tourists flocking to the emirate.

There are several reasons why Dubai achieved this feat faster than many other cities worldwide, and in the process, the emirate gathered accolades that proved it is the world’s top destination after Covid-19.

Here are some of them:

Tripadvisor ranked Dubai and tourism-related experiences in the emirate as the best in the world. This was only the second time in history that a city won the coveted award for two years in a row.

In January, the emirate was ranked the world’s best destination for holidaymakers in 2023 in Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards as well. In June, the dune-bashing safari experience in Dubai’s Lahab was ranked first on the travel platform. Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice 2023 also named Dubai’s JW Marriott Marquis Hotel the best in the Middle East.

Travelbag named Dubai the most picturesque and prettiest city at night. “Dubai at night is a cityscape of unparalleled beauty, which is why we’ve crowned it the prettiest city to experience after dark. With an impressive count of 25,905 Instagram posts under the hashtag ‘dubaiatnight’, it’s clear the city holds an irresistible allure for nocturnal adventurers,” it said. The emirate was also named one of the safest cities to walk alone at night, so even solo travellers can take in the sights without worry.

Resonance Consultancy ranked Dubai the best place in the world to live, work, invest and visit in 2023. The consultancy said the world’s deepest pool Deep Dive Dubai, Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, Mohammed bin Rashid Library, Dubai Creek, The Palm and the world’s first and highest 360-degree Infinity pool Aura Skypool are top landmarks and attractions of the world.

A study released by Bounce rated Dubai the most favorite destination for 2023 on the global social media platform TikTok. The emirate was rated the top destination for the second consecutive year with 140.4 billion views, followed by New York (101.8b views) and London.

Condé Nast Traveller magazine rated Dubai the prettiest summer destination in the region and 6th globally. The study is based on Instagram and TikTok hashtags for over 100 cities, unveiling which locations offer the most beautiful shots for summer social media posts. Dubai had nearly 51,000 hashtags on Instagram and 12.2 million on TikTok.

Source: Zawya

Dubai is officially ahead of its 2019 tourism levels, which was a record-breaking year for the emirate. Dubai Tourism’s May 2023 data recorded 7.39 million international visits YTD, slightly higher than May 2019’s 7.16 million.

It is hoped by the Dubai government that the city will beat its FY 2019 numbers by the end of 2023.

The majority of Dubai’s top 20 source markets are all ahead of May 2019 levels too. India accounted for 1.038 million visitors up to May 2023 compared to 846,000 in May 2019.

The second-biggest source market for Dubai now is Russia, which made up 554,000 international arrivals compared to 362,000 in May 2019.

Source markets which are down compared to May 2019 include UK, France, KSA and of course, China. Up to May 2023, 203,000 Chinese travellers have come into Dubai, a 295 percent surge YOY but down against May 2019’s 433,000.

Dubai Tourism success

Last month,  H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council reviewed Dubai’s overall economic performance up to H1 2023.

H.H. said: “Dubai’s economic performance indicators for the first half of 2023 have exceeded expectations. These exceptional results bolster our outlook for record results in the coming months. We look forward to a new, strong beginning in 2024, during which we seek to further enhance the business environment and accelerate economic growth in order to contribute to the goals of Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”

Issam Kazim wants to convert Dubai’s tourists into full-time residents

During this year’s City Briefing, Issam Kazim told the emirate’s hospitality leaders he wants to convert holiday-makers into residents.

Kazim said: “Today we have two new KPIs. We want to make sure Dubai continues to be one of the best cities to work in, and more importantly, one of the best cities in the world to live in.”

Source: Hotelier Middle East