Dubai’s hotels and short-term rental properties, especially those near popular attractions, are almost fully booked as the city gears up for festive celebrations and major events with the arrival of winter.
Many top hotel groups in the UAE are experiencing a noticeable rise in occupancy rates—an average increase of 5-6 percentage points due to the seasonal changes in the country.
Industry experts pointed out that the UAE is anticipating an influx of visitors, especially from Western Europe, as the long winter break approaches.
Convenience and Reliability for Guests
Hospitality specialists noted that travelers are looking for convenience and reliability when selecting accommodations, favoring hotels located near popular winter attractions and outdoor events.
Nadia Purkayassta, Regional Head of Revenue Management at Premier Inn Middle East, explained why guests choose specific locations. “For instance, Premier Inn Dubai Silicon Oasis provides easy access to Global Village and Emirates Dubai 7s, while Premier Inn Dubai Al Jaddaf is near the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Guests at Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre can easily visit the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Premier Inn Dubai Barsha Heights is close to some of Dubai’s best beaches.”
“The festive season looks promising in terms of occupancy and the upcoming school holidays in Europe. The GCC market continues to see a trend of last-minute bookings, influenced by regional issues. With changing weather in Europe and approaching school breaks, we are welcoming more international guests from the UK, France, and Germany,” she added.
Hotels are also adjusting prices strategically and offering valuable deals to attract visitors as the weather improves. “We’ll launch a Black Friday sale at all Premier Inn properties from November 21 to December 4, offering up to 40 percent off,” said Purkayassta.
Avoiding Traffic for Convenience
Those looking to rent homes for short stays prefer locations near iconic attractions to avoid traffic congestion.
Vinayak Nahtani, CEO of bnbme Holiday Homes, stated, “People want to stay close to Burj Khalifa, the Museum of the Future, or Dubai Eye at Palm for the convenience and unique experiences they offer. Being near these landmarks allows easy access to top attractions, cultural events, dining, and shopping, making it ideal for tourists and business travelers wanting to make the most of their time.”
Occupancy Rates Increasing by 5-6 Percent
The positive trend in hospitality is also linked to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) working with national airlines and partners to explore new market opportunities. Additionally, the world-class events and exhibitions hosted in the country contribute to this promising outlook.
Thomas Schmelter, Area General Manager of IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City, mentioned, “We have seen a positive impact on occupancy levels with the cooler weather. Over the past two weeks, occupancy has risen by an average of 5-6 percentage points compared to last month.
By late October, we expect occupancy levels to peak as Dubai enjoys some of the best weather in the world. During this period, we typically observe a significant increase in international leisure arrivals, especially from Europe and the CIS, driving occupancy rates beyond 80 percent a 10-15 point rise from the quieter summer months.”
Growth in Inbound Corporate Travel
Industry professionals also noted that inbound corporate travel to Dubai, primarily business trips to the city, is expected to grow further by the end of the year.
Lyndon Travasso, Assistant Director of Revenue at Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai, said, “Compared to 2023, there has been a 7 percent increase in corporate stays and a 21 percent rise in revenue, impacting the overall average daily rate (ADR) this year.
While companies used to rely on third-party agents for bookings, we have seen a significant shift this year, with more corporate bookings made directly with the hotels. Thanks to Dubai Government and Dubai Tourism’s efforts to host world-class events, inbound corporate travel is expected to increase by another 5 percent towards the end of the year.
