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Budget hotel brands target UAE market
Over the past decade the UAE has gained a reputation as a luxury destination with the launch of numerous high-end hotels that have grabbed the attention of travellers across the world. Thanks to a steady rise in demand, room rates soared and remain among the most expensive in the world, but the onset of the global financial crisis has led to a sharp decline in revenues and occupancies across the country.
Dubai's cruise industry poised for growth
In the wake of the financial downturn, cruise tourism has emerged as the strongest growth area in Dubai's hospitality sector, with increased popularity expected in 2010 thanks to a new terminal facility and the arrival of more luxury cruise liners.
Dubai tourism to profit from Burj Dubai launch
The worldwide attention being focused on the opening of the Burj Dubai is likely to provide a much needed boost for the tourism industry in the emirate.
Middle East tourism remains bright spot in downturn
The relatively strong performance of hotels in the Middle East - especially Lebanon and Saudi Arabia - compared to the rest of the world during the downturn is one of the major trends that have been seen so far in the region's hospitality sector in 2009.
Marketing UAE as one destination offers long-term benefits
Branding the UAE as one destination, rather than focusing solely on Dubai and Abu Dhabi, would greatly benefit the country's tourism industry, especially in light of the economic downturn and the Dubai World debt crisis, according to an industry expert.
Business jets to lead aviation sector resurgence in GCC
A new study says the business jet market will continue to grow in the Middle East, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and be a key driver for the airline industry in the region over the next decade in the wake of the economic downturn.
Gulf carriers quiet at Dubai Airshow
Middle East carriers were for the most part silent at the 2009 Dubai Airshow as most of the orders at this year's event were made by carriers outside the region.
The Address hotels eye growth beyond Dubai
The Address Hotels + Resorts, the hotel brand of Emaar Hospitality Group, is seeking to expand in Europe and Asia following the successful roll out of its hotels in Dubai. Launched in 2008, the brand has opened five properties in Dubai, including The Address Downtown Burj Dubai, The Address Dubai Mall, and The Palace - The Old Town. Most recently, the company added the Montgomery Dubai to its portfolio and opened The Address Dubai Marina.
Ski slope remains big draw at Kempinski MoE
The general manager of the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates says business remains strong despite the launch of Dubai Mall and the opening of several new budget hotels within walking distance of the property.
New hotel rises in Empty Quarter
The Middle East is teeming with new hotels offering world-class quality and comfort, but few are able to deliver an experience that captures the unique heritage of the region. However, this month will see the opening of one of the more adventurous projects in the Gulf, the Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort, which aims to give travellers a truly unique desert experience.
Abu Dhabi races ahead with tourism plans
With events such as The Formula One Grand Prix on the docket, Abu Dhabi is rapidly emerging as a world-class tourism destination and is threatening to overtake Dubai as the top tourism hot spot in the UAE.
Air Arabia sees bright future for low-cost carriers
Air Arabia believes that the outlook for the low-cost carriers in the Middle East is robust as much of the sector is untapped and price is becoming an increasingly important consideration for passengers.
Gulf Air faces fight for survival
Gulf Air has hired a new CEO and is conducting a review of all its business practices in a bid to return to profitability. However, although air traffic in the Middle East remains strong, questions remain about whether the Bahrain-based airline can compete with the major carriers in the region.
Rotana sees promising signs for Q4
Rotana is pushing ahead with its rapid growth plans despite the challenging economic conditions impacting the Middle East. The hotel chain is on track to open 13 properties across the region in 2009, including 10 in the UAE alone.
Is the worst over for Dubai hotels?
Dubai hotels suffered some of the sharpest declines in the world in the wake of the financial crisis, but recent figures suggest that the worst may be over for the hospitality industry in the emirate. However, experts say that although hotels may be seeing promising signs, it is still difficult to predict what the future will hold.
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