30% of Local Tourism Share in Hotel Occupancies of the Emirate
Dubai Reinforces Its Position as a Premier Global Destination
The sector’s resilience is evident in the robust performance of several leading hotels in the city, supported by effective promotional strategies and a growing demand from both residents and visitors. This reflects Dubai’s ongoing appeal and diverse tourist experiences.
Statements from officials at various prominent hotels in the emirate highlight this exceptional performance in terms of occupancy rates, revenue growth, and increased interest from international and local travelers.
Positive Growth
Clark mentioned that Hyde Dubai has maintained high occupancy rates thanks to ongoing partnerships with global stakeholders from various markets, alongside unique designs and experiences that appeal to guests seeking modern stays and distinctive experiences.
He pointed out the critical role of the local market in supporting summer performance, adding that domestic tourism is fundamental, with many residents in the UAE and nearby regions preferring to stay in hotels that offer exceptional experiences within the city.
Resilience
Elif Yazoglu, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach, also affirmed the robustness and resilience of Dubai’s tourism sector this year, stating that the figures indicate growth surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
The return of major events and renewed market confidence have revitalized the sector, positioning it for better readiness and development.
Yazoglu explained that easy access to Dubai, high safety standards, and a variety of tourist offerings, from culture and cuisine to shopping, make the city a unique destination. She noted that the hotel has maintained strong occupancy levels during the summer, bolstered by its prime location on Jumeirah Beach and specially designed offers for families and leisure travelers.
She emphasized the importance of domestic tourism in supporting occupancy, noting a significant uptick in bookings from residents, especially during weekends and public holidays, contributing to stable performance during quieter periods.
Osama Sarkis, Sales and Marketing Director at Barceló Hotels, confirmed that Dubai continues to assert its leadership in the tourism sector. He reported that Barceló Al Jaddaf achieved an average daily occupancy rate of 80% during the summer months, driven by exclusive offers and family activities, as well as the “My Barceló” loyalty program, which has increased direct bookings.
Sarkis highlighted that residents played a pivotal role in this achievement, with growing demand for both short and long-term stays in the city. He affirmed that the continuous growth in local demand, combined with Dubai’s year-round allure, supports Barceló Hotels’ performance and reflects the emirate’s ambitious vision as a sustainable tourism destination.
Strong Indicators
Tom Stevens, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations at The First Group, pointed out strong performance indicators for 2025, noting that occupancy rates in the group’s hotels increased by 4.7% to reach 83.6% by the end of May, while the average daily room rate grew by 6.1% to reach 806 AED, contributing to a 11.1% rise in revenues.
This success and strong performance are linked to Dubai’s diverse event calendar, which includes major international exhibitions and festivals.
Even during the summer, initiatives such as Dubai Summer Surprises and the rising popularity of domestic stays have helped maintain high occupancy levels.
Stevens pointed out that local tourism accounts for approximately 30% of total occupancy nights in Dubai and 12% of The First Group’s hotel portfolio.
He expressed optimism about maintaining this momentum with the upcoming opening of the “Ciel” hotel in Dubai Marina in the last quarter of the year, which will be the tallest hotel in the world, reflecting the emirate’s ambitious aspirations in tourism innovation and excellence.