The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Marriott International, one of the leading hospitality companies globally. The aim is to enhance the emirate’s appeal, diversify its offerings, and improve guest experiences while fostering emerging talent in the tourism sector, all in alignment with efforts to expedite growth and redefine excellence standards.
This agreement is part of ongoing initiatives to strengthen long-term cooperation between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Marriott International, contributing to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to establish Dubai as a premier global destination for business and leisure.
The memorandum was signed by Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, which is part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East and Luxury Brands in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Marriott International.
The memorandum establishes the foundation for collaborative efforts, including launching innovative promotional campaigns for Dubai worldwide through Marriott’s hotel portfolio, as well as joint marketing initiatives, such as multi-channel advertising, social media campaigns, and partnerships with influencers, aimed at highlighting Dubai’s unique attractions, cultural heritage, and exceptional experiences. This effort is designed to enhance the city’s appeal and showcase its diverse tourism offerings globally.
Issam Kazim stated, “The ambitious strategies employed by our esteemed partners like Marriott International significantly contribute to the growth and resilience of Dubai’s tourism sector.”
The signing of this memorandum reflects the vision of the leadership to position the emirate as a global leader in innovation within the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Collaborating with one of the foremost international hotel groups, known for its extensive experience and presence in various global cities, allows us to achieve our shared goals, reinforce Dubai’s global standing, and enrich visitor experiences.
As we strive to meet the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, such partnerships illustrate the unique relationship between the public and private sectors in the city, continuously succeeding in providing exceptional experiences for visitors from around the world.
Sandeep Walia commented, “We take pride in our portfolio, which includes over 50 hotels ranging from select-service to luxury accommodations in Dubai, aligning with the diverse experiences the emirate offers to every type of traveler.”
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism continues to strengthen its relationships between public and private sectors.
We are committed to working alongside the department to deliver exceptional guest experiences from all parts of the globe, providing opportunities to explore this distinguished destination.”
Plans for collaboration include integrating Dubai’s prominent landmarks, culinary scene, and various experiences into Marriott’s seasonal travel offerings as well as into the group’s loyalty program.
The initiative aims to provide guests with authentic, locally tailored experiences, increasing their connection to the emirate and reinforcing its position as a preferred destination.
The strong performance of the sector has continued into this year, with Dubai welcoming 7.15 million international visitors in the first four months of 2025, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period last year.
Marriott International’s portfolio in the UAE includes over 80 hotels and 23,000 rooms across 23 recognized brands, with 59 hotels located in Dubai alone.