As Dubai gears up for its winter festivities and major events, hotels and short-term rental properties near popular attractions are experiencing near-full bookings.
Industry experts attribute this surge in bookings to a wave of international arrivals, particularly from Western Europe and CIS countries, as travelers look for convenient accommodations during the long winter break. Nadia Purkayassta, Regional Head of Revenue Management at Premier Inn Middle East, noted the strategic locations of their hotels, which provide easy access to key attractions like Global Village and the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. She stated, “The festive season is looking robust in terms of occupancy, with many international guests from the UK, France, and Germany expected due to the changing weather in Europe and approaching school holidays.”
Hotels are responding to this increased demand by adjusting their pricing strategies and offering attractive deals. Purkayassta revealed that Premier Inn will launch a Black Friday sale from November 21 to December 4, providing discounts of up to 40% across their properties.
Even short-term rental options are seeing a preference for locations near major landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Eye. Vinayak Nahtani, CEO of bnbme Holiday Homes, emphasized that proximity to such attractions allows guests to fully enjoy cultural experiences, dining, and shopping without the hassle of traffic.
The positive trends in hotel occupancy are also supported by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) working alongside national airlines to explore new markets. Thomas Schmelter, Area General Manager at IHG Hotels, noted that cooler weather has resulted in increased occupancy, with rates expected to surpass 80% by late October.
Furthermore, corporate travel is on the rise, with a 7% increase in corporate stays compared to 2023. This uptick in business travel is anticipated to contribute significantly to the overall hotel revenues as the year concludes.
