Exceptional Offers Boost Domestic Tourism and Enhance Visitor Experiences
Current Performance Indicators Highlight Strong Demand and Ongoing Tourism Momentum
Expectations for Increased Performance During Weekend Holidays and the Last Ten Days of Ramadan
Initial hotel indicators suggest that bookings from local and Gulf families are leading the hotel activity in Dubai throughout Ramadan, significantly contributing to higher occupancy rates and enriching the Ramadan experience at the emirate’s hotels.
Industry professionals have noted that rising demand from local families and Gulf visitors has resulted in occupancy levels surpassing last year’s performance in Ramadan, with expectations for average occupancy rates ranging from 80% to 95% in some establishments.
Sources indicate that numerous hotels in Dubai have made substantial efforts to welcome guests during Ramadan by offering unique pricing and entertainment packages, along with delicious Ramadan-specific cuisines in traditional tent settings, thereby boosting internal tourism and enhancing visitor experiences.
A Pivotal Season
Hossam Kamal, General Manager of Amwaj Rotana in Jumeirah Beach Residence, stated that the hotel is gearing up for record-breaking performance during Ramadan, fueled by increasing interest in Iftar and Suhoor experiences, especially at the restaurant “Rosso,” where reservations on certain days have reached 95%, with a forecast for sustained momentum throughout the holy month.
Kamal emphasized that Ramadan represents a pivotal season for the hotel, enhancing its reputation as a preferred venue for upscale Ramadan gatherings. He noted that this year’s demand is exceeding expectations, particularly from the corporate sector, which is experiencing significant growth in group Iftar bookings, alongside local families and tourists.
He explained that the hotel has activated a comprehensive plan focused on three main pillars: excellence in guest experience, operational readiness, and proactive marketing. The hotel has introduced exclusive Ramadan stay packages that include Iftar, along with an intensified digital marketing campaign aimed at early bookings and corporate clients to maximize revenues and achieve optimal operational performance during this vital time of year.
Early Preparations
Ahmad Ghosha, Sales and Marketing Director at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, noted that performance indicators currently reflect strong demand and sustained tourism momentum in Dubai. He confirmed that the hotel anticipates robust occupancy rates during Ramadan, driven by the diversity of guest types and a balance of demand between the business and leisure sectors.
Ghosha explained that preliminary booking indicators for February and March in terms of occupancy rates and average daily prices point to positive results for the first quarter. He highlighted the international messages that emphasize the city’s vibrancy and the continuity of events, exhibitions, and dining experiences, bolstering confidence among foreign markets, particularly in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions sectors, along with ongoing demand from family and leisure tourism.
He also noted that the type of guests during Ramadan shows a clear distinction, with the hotel welcoming a mix of business travelers, corporate event participants, and families from local and Gulf markets, highlighting how this diversity positively impacts the average length of stay and spending levels within the hotel, especially in food and beverage sectors.
Ghosha stated that domestic tourism is a crucial component of the hotel’s business mix during the holy month, with an increasing number of residents opting for short vacations, family gatherings, and group Iftar meals, enhancing performance especially during weekends.
He explained that preparations for Ramadan commenced early, involving proactive contracts and targeted promotional campaigns in key markets, along with carefully designed short-term offers and Ramadan packages to boost conversion rates and maximize return on rooms.
Urban Experience
Pranav Vohras, Commercial Director of IHG Hotels and Resorts in Dubai Festival City, confirmed that preparations for Ramadan this year go beyond hotel offerings to provide a comprehensive urban experience that combines hospitality, shopping, dining, and entertainment in a single waterfront destination.
Regarding expected performance, Vohras indicated that the group anticipates healthy and stable occupancy levels throughout the month, with stronger performance projected during the weekends and the final days of Ramadan.
He emphasized that strong local demand, alongside corporate Iftar and Suhoor bookings, coupled with ongoing momentum from the Asian market, which serves as a key driver for the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions sector, will support a balanced mix of leisure and corporate group demand.
Vohras remarked that regional and international markets continue to play a significant role in supporting performance, as the diversity of guest segments between leisure stays and family visits alongside business travel showcases the attractiveness of Dubai Festival City as an all-encompassing destination combining accommodation, meetings, shopping, and entertainment in one location.
He elaborated that targeted promotional campaigns, a consistent focus on service excellence, and the provision of both authentic and contemporary Ramadan experiences are fundamental pillars in maintaining strong demand and ensuring sustainable performance throughout the holy month.
Travel Patterns
Babar Khaniyari, General Manager of Tombi Dubai Palm, part of Hilton’s Tapestry collection, noted that Ramadan reflects a transformation in travel patterns for the hotel.
He shared that occupancy rates are expected to range between 80% and 90% during the holy month, with stronger performance anticipated during weekends and the last ten days of Ramadan.
Khaniyari highlighted that the hotel’s location on Palm Jumeirah and its focus on wellness concepts make it an attractive option for guests seeking tranquility, reflection, and relaxation.
He mentioned that domestic tourism plays a crucial role in supporting occupancy during Ramadan, noting that UAE residents often prefer short stays, wellness experiences, or family vacations without the need to travel abroad.
Khaniyari added that local guests alongside visitors from GCC countries represent about half of the hotel’s total occupancy during the holy month, reflecting the significance of this segment within the business mix.
He noted that the hotel has implemented a comprehensive strategy to maximize occupancy and enhance guest experiences through targeted digital campaigns directed at UAE residents and GCC audiences, as well as strategic partnerships with local media platforms and lifestyle magazines to raise awareness of Ramadan offers.
Moderate Weather
Rajdeep Roy, Revenue Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, expressed that the hotel anticipates stronger occupancy levels during Ramadan this year, driven by increased bookings from individual guests and tour groups coming from abroad, alongside growing local demand.
Roy explained that the moderate weather during this period and Dubai’s rising status as a preferred destination to celebrate the essence of the holy month, particularly with a focus on cultural tourism, contribute to enhancing accommodation demand.
He noted that local tourists are a fundamental component in supporting hotel performance during Ramadan, especially those seeking authentic Iftar and Suhoor experiences at historic locations like Dubai Creek.
He pointed out that “local stay” offers during weekends help to boost occupancy rates, whether from Dubai residents or those living in other emirates, emphasizing that families, corporate groups, and community members are significant drivers of bookings during the holy month.
Roy added that early booking campaigns have established a strong base of reservations ahead of the month, while rising demand leading up to Ramadan further enhances occupancy rates.
He noted that a competitive pricing strategy is a core factor in supporting growth, alongside marketing campaigns that focus on tiered pricing options, early booking discounts, and customized packages for groups.