Tag Archives: Dubai

DWTC welcomed 2.47 million participants in 2023, marking a remarkable 25% increase in visitation compared to the previous year

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) welcomed 2.47 million participants in 2023, marking a remarkable 25% increase in visitation compared to the previous year. The results were driven by 301 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), business and consumer events, a notable 23% rise year-on-year. The impressive increase in visitors reflects the strength of DWTC’s diversified content-rich calendar, led by 107 Exhibitions and International Association Conventions and Industry Conferences. These events collectively attracted 1.56 million attendees, marking a substantial 33% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, over 722,000 were international attendees, representing an unprecedented 60% growth year-on-year. These industry-leading events and exhibitions saw a participation of 53,789 exhibiting companies, representing a remarkable 45% increase over last year. An unprecedented 78% of these exhibiting companies were international (41,864), further reinforcing DWTC’s ability in consistently drawing both new and repeat international participants. The surge in foreign business attendees furthers the aspirations of the D33 Agenda, to propel Dubai to be a top three global economic city by 2033. The diversity of DWTC’s robust events calendar was further reinforced with its consumer and leisure events portfolio growing last year to host a total of 35 entertainment, live, and leisure events collectively attracting over 850,000 visitors. Commenting on the outstanding results, H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: “DWTC’s increasingly diverse exhibitions and events portfolio, along with its allied businesses, continue to go from strength to strength. Our results underscore the robust dynamics of the emirate’s thriving economy and strategic focus on key industry sectors, reinforcing Dubai’s leading status as a global hub for knowledge, innovation and business. The past year has been shaped by extraordinary momentum …

Read More »

Luxury serviced apartments Cheval Maison to open in Expo City by 2025

Expo City Dubai is expanding its hospitality offering to include upscale long- and short-stay serviced apartments with Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai slated to open in 2025. The agreement with Cheval Collection marks an important milestone in Expo City’s continued evolution into a thriving city of the future, further enhancing its attraction as a premier destination for both short-term and long-term visitors and residents. An all-apartment boutique property, Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai will repurpose the former Leadership Pavilion, adjacent to Al Wasl Plaza in the heart of the city. The Leadership Pavilion, originally built for Expo 2020, hosted numerous heads of states and dignitaries during the event and again, more recently, during the COP28 climate conference. The new residences will consist of 150 contemporary one- and two- bedroom apartments with balconies and fully equipped kitchens, as well as access to a 24-hour gym, rooftop pool, an all-day dining restaurant, brasserie, coffee shop and 1,500sqm of event and conference space. A key highlight, the property’s two existing iconic royal suites will also remain and be available for residents. Building on the city’s existing residential offerings, including apartments and villas for sale within Expo Central and Expo Valley, its commercial office space offering and as well as existing hotel accommodation for visitors, Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai cements the city’s status as a cornerstone of Dubai’s 2040 Dubai Urban Master Plan, boosting the emirate’s continued development as a leading hub for people and businesses from around the world. Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development & Delivery Officer, Expo City Dubai, said: “This exciting development with Cheval Collection marks an important step as our city evolves into a thriving destination …

Read More »

Dubai and regional partners formalise Cruise Arabia Alliance to promote cruise tourism in the Arabian Gulf

The maritime and tourism authorities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Oman have formalised the Cruise Arabia alliance – a strategic regional partnership that will promote the Arabian Gulf as a cruise ship destination globally. An official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the stakeholders at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB Berlin) travel trade convention. Key objectives of the Cruise Arabia alliance include collaboration to enhance the cruise experience for passengers, attract more cruise liners to the region, improve infrastructure at ports and drive economic growth in the regional cruise tourism sector. The partners will also work together on enhancing the regional cruise ecosystem, improving key stakeholder relations, and conducting joint marketing efforts both regionally and internationally. Dubai has been a significant player in the Cruise Arabia alliance, working closely with its partners to create interconnected and integrated regional cruise services. Previously, Dubai and the neighbouring countries have participated in international trade exhibitions as a single grouping under the banner of the Cruise Arabia alliance. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “The Cruise Arabia alliance will further reinforce Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region, aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, launched by our visionary leadership, to further consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure. The growth of our cruise tourism has been largely shaped by the continuous support of our stakeholders and partners, and this alliance will result in more cruise operators seeking to anchor in Dubai, capitalising on its strategic location and promoting the city’s diverse offerings, world-class infrastructure and superior air and sea connectivity. Dubai and its …

Read More »

Millennium Hotels and Resorts announces the opening of the prestigious Biltmore Hotel Villas in Dubai

Millennium Hotels and Resorts announced the opening of The Biltmore Hotel Villas in Dubai. Comprising a collection of 20 luxury five-star hotel villas, this establishment promises unparalleled comfort and sophistication, adding a touch of glamour to the heart of the city. Situated in close proximity to the Mall of the Emirates, The Biltmore Hotel Villas offer a distinctive hospitality experience that seamlessly blends the opulence, history, and heritage of the esteemed Biltmore brand. Renowned for its iconic 100-year-old hotel, The Biltmore Los Angeles has long been a haven for presidents, dignitaries, and Hollywood elite, epitomizing the glamour and style of the golden age of Hollywood. Now, with the launch of the first Biltmore Hotel Villas project in the world, guests in Dubai can expect nothing short of A-list treatment, complete with signature architecture, design, and unparalleled comfort. An Opulent Urban Sanctuary Nestled in a prime location just steps away from the Mall of the Emirates and the new open-air retail district, The Esplanade, The Biltmore Hotel Villas offer guests the epitome of privacy and luxury. An opulent urban oasis awaits, providing a serene retreat within easy reach of entertainment, luxury retail, and vibrant nightlife. Perfectly balancing the excitement of city life with secluded tranquillity, it’s an ideal haven for those seeking both indulgence and relaxation. Among the 20 exclusive villas offered, guests can choose from various configurations to suit their needs. Options include 3-bedroom villas, ideal for smaller groups or families, while 4-bedroom villas offer additional luxury for larger families or groups of friends. For those desiring the utmost space and opulence, the property features two 5-bedroom villas boasting a generous plot size. Exclusive to the 5-bedroom villas, guests can enjoy …

Read More »

Dubai hotels occupied room nights surge to record high of 41.70million in 2023

In 2023, Dubai hotels occupied room nights soared to a record high of 41.70 million, marking a 11% increase compared to 2022 (37.43 million). This growth also represents a substantial 30% rise from the pre-pandemic figures of 2019, which saw 32.11 million occupied room nights. Reflecting the commitment of the city and hospitality sector to offer competitive pricing, the 2023 ADR of AED536 matched the ADR in 2022. The hotel sector’s robust performance is also evident in its RevPAR growth – an increase of 6% compared to 2022 (AED415 vs. AED391) and a growth of 33% over the pre-pandemic period of 2019 (RevPAR of AED312). Guests’ Length of Stay was 3.8 nights in 2023, a 10% increase from 3.4 nights in 2019. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “As Dubai continues its exponential growth in alignment with the D33 Agenda set forth by our forward-thinking leadership, we remain committed to further elevating our standards and to advancing with innovative and distinctive world-class infrastructure, experiences and attractions. The extensive range of offerings and Dubai’s reputation as a secure, inclusive and accessible destination have been consistently recognised across multiple global indices, culminating in the city being crowned the No.1 global destination for an unprecedented third year in a row in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024.   Hotels outperform pre-pandemic levels across all metrics Dubai’s hospitality sector, which is integral to the emirate’s destination promise and overall growth of the tourism industry, continued to perform strongly, surpassing pre-pandemic levels across all hospitality metrics – Occupancy, Occupied Room Nights, Guests’ Length of Stay, Average Daily Rate (ADR), and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR). Occupancy remains …

Read More »

Dubai records 19.4% growth to welcome 17.15million in 2023

Dubai welcomed more tourists than ever before in 2023, attracting 17.15 million international overnight visitors over the course of the year, according to the latest data published by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Representing a 19.4% YoY growth over the 14.36 million tourist arrivals in 2022, last year’s figure also exceeded the previous record of 16.73 million visitors registered in 2019. The growth aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 launched just over a year ago by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure, and the best city to visit, live and work in. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “The best ever performance of Dubai’s tourism sector in 2023 is a testament to the foresight of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. His Highness’s commitment to fostering resilience, excellence and innovation across economic sectors and encouraging meaningful public-private partnerships that deliver value has had a transformative impact on tourism development in the emirate. Dubai’s ability to constantly generate diverse and refreshingly novel travel and tourism experiences catering to a wide range of visitors has been a key factor behind this exceptional performance. With several indicators outperforming pre-pandemic levels, this year’s results mark Dubai out as a vibrant focal point of growth in the global tourism landscape.” Celebrating a record-breaking year in 2023, Dubai further …

Read More »

Azizi to develop second tallest tower  with 7 star hotel and vertical mall by 2028

Azizi Developments launched the construction of the second tallest tower, worth USD 1.5bn, located on prime plot of land on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road. Scheduled to be completed within 4 years, the tower will feature a vertical mall, luxury residences and opulent penthouses, a 7-star hotel, a one-of-its-kind observation deck, and numerous high-end F&B options, among other unique and exciting features and amenities. The date of the official ground-breaking ceremony will be announced later. Commenting on this milestone announcement, Mr. Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments, said: “Today is a special day as we finally break ground on one of my dream projects in Dubai. While the formal ceremony will be held later, I am delighted to be marking this occasion with our own team at Azizi – a team that will be building this iconic tower.” “This tower will be our legacy. With Dubai having given my family and I so much – safety and abundance of opportunities – this tower, which will be the second tallest, is our way of giving back to this emirate and its remarkably hospitable and welcoming people.”, he continued.

Read More »

Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah reveals its new holistic wellness club, MBRACE

Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai unveils MBRACE Club that acts as a passport to a life enriched with unparalleled privileges, beach access and experiences. Members may bask by a 75-metre outdoor pool, unwind at the sublime Saray Spa and participate in invigorating group classes that revitalise the mind and body. It is a gateway to a world of possibilities, from physical well-being to mental clarity and from leisurely relaxation to exhilarating activities. MBRACE Club is a brand-new lifestyle membership that redefines wellness and offers a fresh perspective on embracing life’s finest moments. Unlocking exclusive access to the resort, MBRACE Club promises an elevated way of life, inviting members to rejuvenate, invigorate and explore in the idyllic setting of one of the world’s most iconic locations – Palm Jumeirah. Gerrit Schmitt, General Manager of Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, shares his excitement: “We are delighted to introduce MBRACE Club, a remarkable membership that encapsulates the essence of holistic well-being. At Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, we believe in offering our members more than just amenities; we provide a lifestyle that inspires and elevates. MBRACE Club is designed to empower individuals and families to embrace their best selves, surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of the Palm Jumeirah.” MBRACE Fitness: A Journey to Wellness and Vitality The heart of MBRACE Club lies in its exceptional fitness facilities. Members have access to the state-of-the-art Marriott Fitness Center comprising a thoughtfully designed, personal fitness space featuring cutting-edge cardio, strength and resistance equipment. The Fitness Center boasts other exclusive facilities, including a sauna, providing a complete wellness experience. With select complimentary personal training sessions and a range of group classes including Yoga, Boxing Fit, H.I.I.T, Pump & Tabata …

Read More »

Metropolitan Hotel Dubai wins Best Corporate Hotel at Arabian Travel Awards 2023

Metropolitan Hotel Dubai walked away with the title of ‘Best Corporate Hotel’  at the sixth edition of the  Arabian Travel Awards 2023. Accepting the award, Samer Homsi – General Manager – Metropolitan Hotel Dubai shared, “I’m very proud of my team, with their support I managed to win and we managed to win BEst corporate hotel and I have won Best hospitality leader and it is an honour to have won those two prestigious awards.”    

Read More »

London’s Love Luxury opens the famous pre-loved store in Dubai; Luxury retail tourism – niche industry

According to Goldstein Research analyst forecast the UAE luxury goods market is set to expand at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period 2017-2025. Moreover, the market is projected to reach USD 7.8 Billion by 2025 owing to rapid urbanization and development of shopping centres and malls in order to expand their tourism industry and the; government aims to develop UAE as one of the biggest shopping destinations across the globe. A hidden or niche market which has always been overlooked but bring in the revenue to the destination is luxury re-sale retail travellers. This is a market which has always been on the sidelines as it is a trend only for those high-end travellers. From London to Dubai, the famous family-owned pre-loved store opened recently in Dubai to make it easier for high-end travellers to purchase or re-sell their goods in the luxury space. London’s leading luxury re-sale retailer ‘Love Luxury’ now opened in Dubai, located in Business Bay, the family-run store specialises in high-end pre-loved designer bags, jewellery and watches. As one of the UK’s largest retailers of pre-loved Chanel, Hermès, Van Cleef & Arpels and Rolex, Love Luxury has expanded to the UAE, bringing their expertise, and second-to-none service to the people of Dubai. As well as sourcing the most in-demand high end accessories from the world’s leading luxury fashion houses, Love Luxury also offer same day pay-outs for those looking to sell or trade their pre-loved designer products, as well as offering a consignment option. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Adam and Emily Abraham shared with TTME their reason to select Dubai and how this venture would bring in many clientele from GCC as they all select …

Read More »