Tourism
From The Report: Dubai 2015
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Dubai’s tourism offering has continued to expand in recent years, and with the emirate consistently rising to meet new challenges and break new records, this trend looks set to continue. Visitor numbers have increased every year since 2003, resulting in a CAGR of 8.3% for 2003-13. Investment into the sector is rising quickly as well: 6.2% of total investment in the UAE during 2013 was directed to the tourism and travel sector, with estimates suggesting investment growth could reach 9.7% for 2014. Preparations for Dubai Expo 2020 are underpinning large infrastructure projects like the airport expansion, upgrades to tram and train links, and major ongoing hotel developments. An increasingly wide variety of sporting competitions are also being hosted by Dubai, and new stadiums and facilities are set to boost the emirate’s image as a sports hotspot.

This chapter contains an interview with Helal Almarri, Director-General, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Airport expansion and major hotel investment enhancing Dubai’s global tourism standing
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By some measures the tourism and hospitality sector in Dubai is already in a league of its own internationally. In terms of overnight visitor arrivals’ spend per resident, for example, Dubai stands head and shoulders above every other major destination city in the world. In its relatively short history, Dubai’s hospitality sector has learned how to constantly reinvent itself and rise to meet new challenges and break new records. With World Expo 2020: Dubai a focus for the development of the sector,…

Interview

Helal Almarri, Director-General, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM): Interview
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Interview:Helal Almarri What strategies in the coming years could encourage private investment aimed at making Dubai a more compelling family destination? HELAL ALMARRI: Dubai already offers a huge range of attractions aimed at families and, looking ahead, we can expect a host of new family oriented developments to open in the emirate. Dubai hosts a programme of family friendly events and festivals throughout the year, and we will continue to work with both the private and public sectors…

Analysis

Regulatory changes and Expo 2020 diversify Dubai’s tourism revenue streams
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While the regulation of tourism at the local level rests with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Management (DTCM), new federal regulations from the UAE’s Department of Naturalisation, Residency and Ports Affairs in August 2014, could have an impact on visitor numbers to Dubai. New Visas The federal government announced a new range of visas and entry permits that could be particularly important for two tourism sectors Dubai seeks to enhance: the cruise ship segment and medical travel. A new…

Analysis

As capacity in Dubai’s hotel segment grows, diversity, quality and value remain priorities
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With tourist numbers growing year-on-year and the prospect of a huge event just five years away, optimism is prevalent in Dubai’s hospitality sector. At the same time, as new hotels, apartments and holiday villas are built, there are fears in some quarters that the emirate may create a glut in supply. Expo Figures Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has estimated a total requirement of 140,000 to 160,000 rooms, or keys, by 2020. In June 2014, its figures showed there were…

Analysis

Dubai’s arts scene continues to expand, creating a niche for the city
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Although Dubai has led the way in the development of the GCC tourism and hospitality industry, it may soon be able to adapt its own offerings, by benefitting from the development of arts and cultural attractions being built in neighbouring Abu Dhabi. The focus of this activity in the capital is on a 25.9-sq-km natural island. Three internationally acclaimed architects are working on Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which are due to open on Saadiyat Island in 2015,…

Analysis

New stadiums set to boost Dubai’s image as a sports hotspot
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With decades of experience in hosting international contests, Dubai is looking to increase its repertoire of sporting events by investing in new facilities and expanding existing sites. In 2014, plans were announced for the construction of new stadiums, but Dubai Sports Council is also keen to see smaller sports facilities built to serve new and existing communities. Seating Capacity Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens attracts at least 50,000 spectators for each of the three days of the event.…