This Week's Top Stories About Hotels in Dubai

The significant development and exciting news for travelers entering the UAE is that, instead of the existing 30 days, tourist visas will now be valid for 60 days. Additionally revealed was a five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa that permits travelers to stay in the UAE for up to 90 consecutive days. The new visa rules will commence from October 3, 2022. 

As part of the new Entry and Residence Scheme, the UAE modifies the Golden Residence criteria in an effort to draw in and keep talent.

The number of beneficiaries is increased, and more advantages are provided, such as a 10-year renewable residence. 

The 10 categories of entrance visas available under the new Entry and Residence Scheme have simpler requirements and greater advantages.

New visas have no host or sponsor requirements, more flexibility, allow for multiple entries, have a 60-day validity period, and only one application site. 

The five-year UAE green visa is a residency permit that entitles the holder to a number of privileges for family members as well as the freedom to sponsor oneself for five years without the necessity for corporate sponsorship.

Residents of three categories in the UAE may apply for a green visa, freelancers or independent contractors, Partners or investors in commercial enterprises, and highly qualified personnel. 

With 82 percent hotel occupancy in the first quarter of 2022, Dubai currently ranks #1 globally, according to thrilling information that the Government Media office in Dubai published in the hotel news in Dubai back in April. 

According to figures from STR, Dubai ranked first globally in terms of hotel occupancy in the first three months of 2022, recording an occupancy rate of 82 percent during the first three months, surpassing London (56 percent), New York (55.3 percent), and Paris (51.2 percent). Unlike any other city, Dubai offers a unique gastronomic experience, with some of the top restaurants in the world producing culinary masterpieces that suit a range of tastes and price points. 

 According to several reports and UAE news, 1.78 million foreign tourists traveled to Dubai in March 2022, exceeding pre-pandemic visitation. Strong hotel performance surpassed many pre-pandemic metrics compared to Q1 2019. According to Hamdan bin Mohammed, "The exceptional growth in visitors is evidence of the fact that Dubai is leading the world's tourist resurgence. The city has achieved the best Q1 performance in two years with 214% YoY visitation growth. 

Between January and March 2022, the city had 3.97 million foreign overnight guests, up from 1.27 million for the same period last year. This represents a massive 214 percent YoY visitation growth that puts the city firmly on track for a momentous year and reaffirms Dubai's position as the top choice destination for international travelers. The rest of the world is now examining to emulate Dubai's successful tourism recovery strategy. With 82% hotel occupancy in the first quarter of 2022, Dubai likewise held the top spot globally. 

 His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council stated: "Dubai's ability to surpass other major global cities in key tourism indicators demonstrates the success of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's far-reaching vision to establish a center for business, investment, entrepreneurship, and tourism with the par with the best in the world. His Highness's vision and unwavering commitment to seeing it through have helped Dubai overcome some of the most challenging obstacles. Dubai has come out from the fallout of the recent global health crisis to establish itself as a destination that offers rich value to visitors, whether they are there for business or pleasure. 

"Dubai is leading the resurgence of global tourism, as proven by the record number of tourists in the first quarter of the year. These results demonstrate the emirate's aptness to develop a compelling new value proposition in a changing global environment and create innovative new offerings that meet the needs and preferences of the most discerning global travelers. In addition, the vast global diversity of its visitors reflects Dubai's appeal." His Highness added.

Hotels lead the robust rebound.

The average daily rate (AED649), guests' average length of stay (4.3 nights), and occupied room nights (10.22 million) all increased significantly for Dubai hotels in Q1 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels. ADR was AED498 in Q1 2019, with guests staying an average of 3.5 nights and 8.63 million occupied room nights. With an 8% increase in the number of hotels and a 10% increase in the number of rooms compared to the same time in 2021, continued domestic and foreign investment in the industry helped further enhance hotel inventory.

In comparison to 716 hotel businesses, Dubai's visitors and inhabitants now have 769 hotel facilities and 140,192 rooms. That was open with 117,434 rooms in Q1 2019.

With more than 97 percent of the population immunized and the UAE ranking third globally in Bloomberg's Covid Resilience Ranking, Dubai is still committed to upholding its reputation as one of the safest travel destinations in the world. 

Global campaigns and events contributed to Q1 growth, and with the recent FIFA World Cup and Asia Cup, we should expect some impressive growth in the remaining months of 2022.

Sustainability initiatives 

Dubai has introduced significant measures to address the requirements of a new generation of travelers looking to visit locations committed to sustainability as the travel industry continues to develop and adapt.

The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan will support the city's numerous development initiatives incorporating sustainability elements.

The groundbreaking Dubai Can sustainability initiative was introduced in February 2022 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Its goal is to inspire mass action to actively reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles and strengthen Dubai's position as a premier sustainable travel destination. 

Innovative approach to drive growth 

With the recent announcement of more options under the Golden Visa category and the extension of the tourist visa from 30 to 60 days starting in September, new strategic, legislative, and regulatory enablers are expected to increase visitor arrivals further, encourage visitors to stay longer and explore the city's diverse offerings. They support those who are thinking about relocating permanently to Dubai.

Along with the new Retire in Dubai and Virtual Working programs, property investor and entrepreneur visas, and other initiatives, this strengthens Dubai's position as a top international hub for trade, investment, and tourism. It also gives talent more freedom and options for visiting and staying. 

Every year, hundreds of business conferences and events occur in Dubai, as well as entertainment and leisure activities that draw millions of visitors from all corners of the globe. The entertainment industry's biggest names have been to Dubai to perform, while celebrities have regularly been known to visit the emirate to enjoy its luxury resorts and holiday destinations.

In addition, Dubai offers some of the most exciting retail and shopping experiences with a plethora of malls offering a wide selection of brands – from fashion to gadgets and everything in between.

Keeping the momentum going 

As if these figures weren't impressive enough, Dubai is determined to keep up its momentum as the year closes. To do so, it aims to widen its appeal to new and diverse market segments, as well as lengthen stay times and promote return trips. 

In addition to hosting thousands of business conferences and events each year, Dubai also hosts entertainment and leisure events that bring millions of tourists worldwide. Celebrities frequently travel to Dubai to take advantage of the emirate's opulent resorts and vacation spots.There have been performances by the top stars in the entertainment industry.  

A multitude of malls in Dubai provides a wide variety of goods, from clothing to electronics and everything in between, making for some of the most exciting retail and shopping experiences. 

According to JLL's Q2 2022 UAE Real Estate Market Study, 10,000 new hotel rooms will be added to Dubai's hotel industry in the second half of this year. The report also predicts that 333,000 square meters of retail space will be finished in Dubai for the rest of 2022. 

The fact that Qatar will host the World Cup in November will work in Dubai favor because it will increase hotel occupancy there because thousands of football enthusiasts are expected to base themselves there while watching the most watched sporting event in history. 

The large influx of tourists is also anticipated to assist Dubai's food and beverage industry, and a number of establishments have already started arranging special deals and football-related experiences like tiny fan zones and big screen installations.

Moving forward

Dubai is unrelenting in its efforts to realize its vision of becoming the world's most sought-after holiday destination, despite the fact that it has a well-established reputation as a worldwide economic and tourism hub. 

The length of the tourist visa will be extended from 30 to 60 days starting in September, one of the latest legislative proposals that will increase visitor arrivals and encourage them to remain longer in the city. 

Private sector developers who wish to capitalize on opportunities provided by Dubai's thriving tourism industry and support its future expansion are to be expected to build new projects in the hospitality, retail, and leisure sectors.

With everything coming together, Dubai's hospitality industry should anticipate greater business than usual for the remainder of the year as well as the years to come.