Dubai expects to attract more overseas visitors in 2021 than the 5.5 million tourists it hosted last year as the emirate focuses on new source markets, offers more visa categories and holds Expo 2020 in October, its tourism chief said.
The emirate is further diversifying its tourism source markets, with a "big focus" on CIS countries including Ukraine and Kazakhstan among others, Issam Kazim, chief executive of Dubai Tourism, told The National during the Arabian Travel Market on Sunday.
The overall numbers for tourist arrivals so far in the second quarter are "good" and hoteliers are positive about forward bookings, he said, without providing specific annual or quarterly forecasts.
"It can only get better ... the way our government is working to open up to more and more markets as much as possible," Mr Kazim said. "Everything that we did during lockdown and the way we communicated has really put Dubai high on the list, if not top of the list, for most people we interact with regardless of nationality."
Dubai, the commercial and trading hub of the Middle East, attracted 1.26 million tourists in the first quarter of 2021 and hosted 5.5 million visitors last year, a 67 per cent reduction on 2019, as the Covid-19 pandemic forced governments to limit international travel to curb the spread of the virus.
Dubai is continuing its lobbying efforts to restart travel with the UK, one of its top source markets, after the UAE did not make it to the country's green list.
“We’re doing our part, which is making sure that we stay top of mind. It’s not about awareness any more with the UK, its about consideration and conversion," Mr Kazim said. "We’re there and we continue to hammer that message as much as possible. When it comes to adding us to the list, we have a very strong relationship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and we're in constant dialogue with them."
All international standards have qualified us as a safe destination.
Lobbying efforts are being channeled through airlines and industry stakeholders to drive a government-to-government discussion, he said.
"I am awe-struck about why we were not on the green list," he said. "All international standards have qualified us as a safe destination."
In the interim, Dubai has started to woo markets that are "relatively familiar" with the emirate such as France, he said.
Dubai's efforts to diversify its source markets is also linked to whether the countries' borders are open to the UAE, its marketing budget and whether local carriers serve these destinations.
"CIS is a big one for us, we've been focusing on them quite a bit and we see still potential for even more growth there," he said.
Other markets opening up to Dubai visits are Egypt, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Germany, he said.
Dubai attracted 1.26 million tourists in the first quarter of 2021 White Beach at Atlantis, The Palm. Courtesy Kerzner
Park Inn by Radisson Dubai Motor City. Dubai is further diversifying its tourism source markets.
DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai - Business Bay. Dubai hosted 5.5 million visitors last year. Courtesy Hilton
Poolside at Vida Emirates Hills. Courtesy Nicolas Dumont
Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Dubai JBR. Markets opening up to Dubai visits are Egypt, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Germany. Courtesy R Hotels
Escape the city at Park Hyatt Dubai. Courtesy Hyatt
Dubai has started to woo markets that are "relatively familiar" with the emirate to diversify its tourism source markets. Courtesy Hilton
The UAE recorded the second highest hotel occupancy rate in 2020. Courtesy Radisson
La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk.
Daycations at Wavebreaker Beach Restaurant and Grill, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. Courtesy Hilton
Sofitel Dubai The Palm. Courtesy Sofitel
A view of DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai - Jumeirah Beach
Soleil Pool and bar at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. Courtesy Sofitel
The private beach at Fairmont The Palm, Dubai. Courtesy DTCM
The infinity pool at Al Maha Desert Resort in Dubai's Desert Conservation Reserve. Courtesy Al Maha
Dubai's golden visa initiative, its virtual work programme, study visas and an ongoing drive to relocate companies to the emirate have been received with "great" interest, he said.
The virtual working programme has processed 2,500 visas since its rollout last year.
"It's one of those things that's going to snowball," he said.
These new visa categories will be one of the drivers of a wider economic recovery, Mr Kazim said.
"It creates sustainable growth for the economy, not just from a tourism perspective, but you're talking about businesses relocating here, families moving with their businesses and having more business events and they will influence the VFR (visiting friends and relatives) aspect, which means they will be investing in property as well," he said.
Last year, Dubai announced measures and funding to help its tourism sector cope with the impact of the pandemic.
"There is more cost-saving that we could do on part of the hotels and events industries," he said.
Fee waivers announced last year have been extended.
"We want that side of life to come back again," he said.
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
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TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
'Lost in Space'
Creators: Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless, Irwin Allen
