Saudi travellers flock to Dubai for summer shopping sprees

Travel agents in KSA confirm the trend, saying that typical tourist's book up to five days in Dubai to make the most of bargains in fashion, jeweler and gold.

Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) recorded an almost 70 per cent increase in visitors from Saudi Arabia last year when the figure reached 487,122 and there is every indication that this summer's influx will swell the total to record levels.

The Department estimates that the average visitor spends more than 14,000DHS on shopping alone, so that the Saudi tourist boom is setting Dubai tills ringing by at least seven billion Dirhams.

Ahmed Baki, Area Director of Sales and Marketing at Starwood Hotels & Resorts UAE, believes that the introduction of the Summer Surprises festival has redefined the way the GCC market spends summer holidays.

"Since it was first launched, we have experienced an influx in leisure arrivals from our near neighbors. The campaign is very well received, as it is varied, exciting and extensive in terms of activities, appealing to adults and children alike. This suits the nature of holidays Saudi Arabian travelers are seeking, and I'm sure our experience at Starwood properties is shared by many others in Dubai's hospitality industry", he says.

We have seen a 10% growth in the hotel occupancy for June 2005 as compared to 2004, in all our UAE properties, which include Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Sheraton Deira Hotel & Towers, Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers, Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Resort & Towers and Sheraton Suites Abu Dhabi.

The high percentage of Saudi tourists is confirmed by Jeddah's Mirage Travel Agency. Manager, Amer Shaaban said that shopping was a prime motivation, with clothes and electronics at the top of the list.

"Saudi families also rate Dubai highly as a short-break destination because it is family-oriented, safe and offers good shopping and luxury breaks close to home," he said.

DTCM data also shows Saudi visitors have the highest satisfaction rating - along with Americans - among all visitors to Dubai as a leisure travel destination.

GCC travelers tend to make Dubai either a one-stop destination or a stopover if they are en route to other countries as part of a longer holiday.