Data for the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai showed an increase in the number of rooms, among medium and small hotel establishments, to 54 thousand and 458 hotel rooms by the end of last September, compared to 51 thousand and 177 rooms at the end of the same month in 2018, with a growth rate of 6.41%, and an increase of 3281 rooms .

Two experts in the tourism sector said that companies have tended to develop hotels of medium and small categories, in light of the facilities related to fees and high demand by visitors and tourists, pointing out that the hotel market in Dubai is characterized by a great diversity currently, and this makes it more prepared in the context of preparations to host an exhibition Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to attract millions of visitors.

Hotel establishments

In detail, data for the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai showed that the number of rooms in medium and small hotel establishments from the category (one star) up to (four stars) increased by 6.41% at the end of September 2019, compared to the same month last year 2018, an increase of 3281 rooms.

According to the data, of which Emirates Today obtained a copy, the number of rooms within these establishments, which numbered 404 establishments, rose to 54,458 hotel rooms by the end of last September, compared to 51,177 rooms at the end of the same month of 2018.

She pointed out that small and medium-sized hotel establishments accounted for about 46% of the total size of the hotel market in Dubai, including 26% for hotel rooms from the category (four stars), compared to 20% for rooms from the category (one star) and even (three stars), noting that The hotel market continues to grow in various categories of hotel rooms.

"3 stars"

Said Al-Abedi Holding Company for Tourism and Travel, Saeed Al-Abedi, said that “the decision of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai to exempt hotels from the two (three and four-star) categories from the municipal fees imposed, at 10% on the room rate per night of occupancy, about five years ago. "He played a prominent role in the growth of this hotel market in the emirate."

Al-Abdi added that «companies have tended to develop hotels of medium and small size categories, in light of the facilities and high demand by visitors and tourists», pointing out that “these hotels achieve good occupancy rates and meet the needs of a growing segment at the global level, as well as the importance of keeping pace with developments The global tourism sector is witnessing.

He explained that «the diversification of the tourism product to serve different segments of visitors increases the popularity of tourist destinations significantly, pointing out that the“ Dubai hotel market is distinguished by a great diversity currently, and this makes it more prepared in the context of preparations to host the Expo 2020 Dubai ”, which "It is expected to attract millions of visitors."

The number of rooms

To that, Yassin Diab, director general of the "Al-Faisal" agency for travel and tourism, said that "the increase in the number of middle-class hotel rooms serves a large segment of visitors who come to Dubai for business purposes, as well as for family tourism," noting that "a large percentage of tourists" Around the world they prefer to stay in medium hotels, rather than spend more on leisure and shopping activities. ”

Diab stated that «the middle class segment of tourists is experiencing great growth at the global level, and the various tourist destinations take the requirements of these groups into account, including the quality of services and facilities that they aspire to», pointing out that “attractive destinations are characterized by a great diversity in their tourism product, To meet the needs of different categories of visitors. ”

He explained that «attractive prices for hotel rooms and integrated tourism offers contribute to attracting group tourism, including companies, especially that Dubai has turned into a prominent destination for hosting business events», pointing out that «diversifying the tourism product in Dubai also serves its strategic directions to maintain flow rates Tourist continues in the coming years ».

He stressed that «Dubai is witnessing an active tourist season with regard to business tourism or for the purpose of entertainment, and the upcoming trips to the country will record high levels of occupancy.