Hamdan bin Mohammed: The tourism sector is a major tributary of the economy

Dubai ranks first in the world in hotel occupancy rates, and receives 4 million international visitors in the first quarter

• The average hotel occupancy rate during the first quarter of 2022 reached 82%.

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Dubai received 3.97 million visitors from around the world during the period between January and March 2022, achieving an increase of more than 214% compared to the same period in 2021, in which it recorded 1.27 million visitors, confirming the emirate’s position as a preferred destination for international visitors, after it succeeded in Increasing travelers' confidence in it as a safe destination by implementing preventive measures to ensure the health and safety of its guests.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, praised the efforts that contributed to Dubai's leading position in the global tourism scene, whether by the government sector or through partners in the private sector, in support of Dubai's distinguished position on the The global tourism map, which has been consolidated during the last period thanks to the wise strategy followed by Dubai under the leadership and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and with the cooperation of all concerned authorities to overcome the consequences of the global crisis left by the pandemic, and paved the way for the restoration of Performance indicators in the main sectors of the Dubai economy its strong rise.

His Highness said: "The integrated model established by Dubai as a major business center, an investment destination, a starting point for entrepreneurs, and a tourist destination that competes with the best in the world, and what supports this from the integration of efforts and roles between the government and private sectors, matters that enhance our confidence in reaching new economic peaks within various basic sectors. The tourism sector is a major tributary of the economy, and we continue to work on developing its capabilities to provide all the ingredients that guarantee Dubai visitors happiness and safety.”

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum noted that the significant increase in the number of international visitors during the first quarter of this year is an indication of Dubai's growing role in promoting the recovery of global tourism, and evidence of its ability to provide real added value to its visitors from the east and west of the world. He called on His Highness to continue working to improve the elements for the continuation of this strong performance, and to expand the circle of partnerships with the main markets exporting tourism, and to discover more opportunities in new markets.

first place

During the first three months of 2022, the tourism sector in Dubai witnessed a strong activity that made hotel performance indicators almost equal to the pre-pandemic rates for the same period in 2019, while the average hotel occupancy rate during the first quarter of this year reached 82%, exceeding its counterpart in major destinations. on the world tourism map.

The latest statistics, issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, during its participation in the “Arab Travel Market” exhibition, indicated that the first quarter of this year achieved the largest rate of international visitors since the start of the global pandemic, which contributed to strengthening Dubai’s position as the most preferred tourist destination to visit on the world. world level.

According to data issued by STR, which specializes in hotel management analytics, Dubai has ranked first in the world in terms of hotel occupancy rates during the first quarter of 2022.

March 2022 was one of the exceptional months for the tourism sector for the post-pandemic era, with Dubai receiving 1.78 million international visitors from around the world, an increase of 11% compared to 1.61 million visitors in March 2019, exceeding what the emirate achieved in the period preceding the pandemic.

Dubai hotels also achieved remarkable growth across the various indicators of the hospitality sector during the first quarter of 2022.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, said: “Thanks to the wise leadership and wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the exceptional performance of the tourism sector in the first quarter of this year enhances the city’s position. As a preferred destination for travelers from all over the world, enabling it to continue its progress and achieve sustainable growth.

Several factors contributed to these encouraging results, including the great success of Expo 2020 Dubai, as well as Dubai's hosting of a distinguished group of entertainment and business events in the first quarter of 2022, which in turn cemented Dubai World's reputation and confirmed its position. As a leading center for economy and tourism.

Main Markets

The main traditional markets exporting visitors to Dubai achieved a clear activity during the first quarter of this year, in light of the easing of travel restrictions around the world.

Regional markets continued to influence international visitor numbers, confirming the success of Dubai's market diversification strategy.

Regions such as the Middle East and North Africa, and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries recorded a strong return and active movement, reflecting Dubai's continued attractiveness among travelers from nearby markets.

Many attractions, shopping and retail centers, sports activities, and entertainment events played a pivotal role in catering to the different tastes of visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries who are looking for family activities.

On the other hand, Western Europe region accounted for about 24% of the number of international visitors coming to Dubai, while the share of South Asia reached 14% of the total number of international visitors.

exceptional recovery

Dubai hotels achieved remarkable growth across the various indicators of the hospitality sector during the first quarter of 2022, with the average daily room price reaching (649 dirhams), the duration of guests’ stay (4.3 nights), and the number of booked nights “overnight” (10.22 million nights), exceeding all The levels recorded before the “Covid-19” pandemic, compared to the figures recorded in the same period in 2019, are 498 dirhams for the average daily room rate, 3.5 nights for the length of stay of guests, and 8.63 million for the number of nights booked.

Factors such as continued local and international investment in the sector contributed to the increase in the number of hotel rooms, with an increase of 8% in the number of hotel establishments, and 10% in the number of rooms compared to the same period in 2021. Dubai guests can now choose from a total of 769 A hotel facility, and 140.19 thousand hotel rooms, compared to 716 hotel facilities, and 117,43 thousand rooms during the first quarter of 2019, before the start of the “Covid-19” pandemic.

Dubai Crown Prince:

• «Developing the capabilities of the tourism sector to provide all the ingredients that guarantee the visitors of Dubai their happiness and maintain their safety».

• "The significant increase in the number of international visitors is an indication of Dubai's growing role in the global tourism boom."

continuous success

Issam Kazim, Executive Director of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “Dubai’s continued success, embodied in the positive results achieved during the first quarter of this year, confirms the wise vision of our wise leadership and the effectiveness of the strategy adopted by the emirate to deal with the pandemic efficiently, especially with regard to By applying the highest levels and standards of health and safety, as well as enhancing the confidence of citizens, residents, as well as international visitors in Dubai, being one of the safest destinations in the world.

Several factors have played a pivotal role in achieving the growth recorded during this period such as our commitment to safety, strong government performance, true partnership between the public and private sectors, as well as our innovative and effective marketing campaigns to promote Dubai, and make it always in the minds of travel enthusiasts.

As we look forward to a promising year for the tourism sector, we are constantly communicating with local and international partners to ensure that Dubai continues to attract a wider segment of travelers this year and beyond.”

Events and campaigns

Global business events, particularly Expo 2020 Dubai, formed the mainstay for success during the first quarter of the year, confirming Dubai's distinguished position in hosting major events.

The exhibition succeeded in exceeding all expectations, receiving official delegations from 192 participating countries, and attracted more than 24 million visits from citizens, residents and visitors over a period of six months.

Other global events that contributed to the increase in the number of international visitors included the Dubai World Cup, the World Government Summit, the Binance Blockchain Week, and the Gulfood Exhibition, in addition to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The Dubai International Boat Show and the Dubai Shopping Festival.

Sustainability Initiatives

Dubai has launched several major initiatives to meet the requirements of the new generation of travelers wishing to explore and visit pioneering destinations that are keen to implement the principles of sustainability.

The "Dubai Urban Plan 2040" includes the emirate's various development programs that are consistent with the principles of sustainability.

In February 2022, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, launched the "Dubai Initiative" for sustainability initiative, with the aim of encouraging members of society to make simple changes to their lifestyle, which would urge a reduction in the use of single-use plastic water bottles. One as part of the emirate's efforts to strengthen its position as a leading destination in the field of sustainability.

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