Abu Dhabi and Dubai hospitality and tourism recovery to accelerate in 2021 on vaccine push

Exclusive: Abu Dhabi expects hotel occupancy rates to hit 80% this year, from 70% in 2020, and will look at easing travel restrictions for international visitors, DCT chief says

At 321 metres, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai is one of the world's tallest hotels. AFP

For the thrill-seeking tourist, Ras Al Khaimah is home to the world's longest zip-line, at Toroverde Adventure Park on Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak. RAK Tourism

For sheer spectacle, Dubai is home to many of the Middle East's tallest buildings.  Reem Mohammed / The National

The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, has been at the heart of efforts to restore Khor Fakkan’s heritage buildings. Here is a view of the city at sunset from the Burj Rabi, a traditional guard tower erected to keep watch over the city of old. Antonie Robertson/The National

Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE's highest peak. RAK Tourism Authority

Dubai Mall, a draw for millions of tourists where shopping becomes spectacle. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A visit to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi with its many themed attractions can involve Yas Waterworld. Yas Island

Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island brings big screen themes to life for visitors. Reem Mohammed / The National

Abu Dhabi is rich in natural heritage. Kayakers at the Eastern Mangroves area. Victor Besa/The National

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the largest place of worship in the UAE and a symbol that demonstrates the diversity of the Islamic world. Ryan Carter / The National

Dubai Parks and Resorts' Motiongate Dubai attraction. Dubai Parks and Resorts

Legoland Water Park, one of several parks at Dubai Parks and Resorts, recently reopened at weekends. Dubai Parks and Resorts

Caesars Bluewaters Dubai island resort. Caesars Bluewaters Dubai

Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island. Victor Besa / The National

Dubai Creek predates the modern city but grew with and is a tourist destination in its own right. Reem Mohammed / The National

Kite Beach at Umm Suqeim in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A cityscape from the observation deck of The View at The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai AP

Dubai Aquarium at Dubai Mall. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The UAE hospitality and tourism industry's recovery is expected to accelerate in 2021 driven by its Covid-19 vaccine push and easing travel restrictions in some markets, government officials and hoteliers said.

Abu Dhabi expects its hotel occupancy rates to increase to at least 80 per cent this year, from 70 per cent in 2020, Saood Abdulaziz Mohamed Al Hosani, undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, told The National.

"While we forecast a substantial recovery for Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector in 2021 ... our focus remains on delivering high-quality, exciting experiences with health, safety and well-being as our number one priority," he said. "Abu Dhabi is well prepared to welcome increasing numbers of new arrivals in a safe environment."

The UAE, a regional tourism and business hub, can bank on its speedy Covid-19 vaccination campaign, the hosting of the Dubai Expo world fair in October, open borders and visa reforms, which will boost the number of visitors to the country, officials and hoteliers said.

Abu Dhabi plans to expand its Green List (countries, regions and territories that you can travel from if planning a trip to the emirate) and anticipates a growing number of countries to be added to it in the "near future", the DCT official said.

The DCT's Green List, which currently comprises of 14 countries, is constantly being reviewed based on Covid-19 developments globally. It is designed to allow travellers from select destinations to enter the capital without the need to quarantine.

"Given the extraordinary efforts that have been made to ensure public safety, we will be looking at easing travel restrictions for international tourists allowing for even more visitors to safely enjoy their holiday in Abu Dhabi," Mr Al Hosani said.

The UAE's high rate of vaccinations administered per capita will have a "positive impact" on its travel agreements with countries, which would depend on certain health and safety criteria, he said.

"The necessary preventative measures will also remain in place for the well-being of our community, while we enable more incoming travel without compromising our safety standards," Mr Al Hosani said.

The DCT official also expects the return of in-person business conferences and events as the department works with stakeholders to ensure public health remains a priority, he said.

Industry analysts expect the recovery of business travel to lag behind leisure trips as companies trim budgets and video-conferencing technology becomes the norm.

Neighbouring Dubai, which opened its borders to international visitors in July 2020, is optimistic about the industry's outlook this year.

"As we build on the strong rebound in 2020 and as confidence continues to grow within the industry and among travellers and with vaccinations being rolled out around the world, we expect to see momentum accelerating throughout 2021," Issam Kazim, chief executive of Dubai Tourism, told The National. 

Growth drivers include the Dubai Expo, the UAE's 50-year celebrations, and a surge in domestic tourists, he said.

The emirate is in a "strong position" to capture target markets as they re-open their borders due to its strategy of diverse markets and agility, he said. However, he also said that the pace of the global industry recovery depends on Covid-19 developments and travel restrictions easing.

Dubai's focus this year is to tap into the conferences business, boost leisure events and start a new global marketing campaign in May to showcase the emirate as a summer destination for families, he said.

Dubai hosted more than 810,000 international guests in the first two months of 2021 compared to 3.27 million visitors in January and February of 2020, according to Dubai Tourism. In 2020, the emirate had 5.51 million visitors or a third of the number of visitors in 2019.

The UAE recorded the world's second-highest hotel occupancy rates after China in 2020 and hoteliers expect properties to be just as busy this year.

"The UAE in 2021 is going to finish the year with some of the strongest numbers in the world," Guy Hutchinson, chief executive and president of Rotana, told The National. "It's inevitable."

Rotana's Dubai properties reached an occupancy rate of 70 per cent, given the restrictions on capacity, while its Abu Dhabi hotel occupancy rates were in the "high 80s" during the first quarter of 2021, he said.

In the summer, based on current bookings, occupancy will "tail off a bit" but remain strong in the "late 60s" mark, he said, noting that "visibility remains complex".

Once the key source markets of Saudi Arabia, the UK and Germany re-open, the rebound in leisure travel to the UAE will be "immediate and the numbers will be beyond expectation", he said.

Marcus Bernhardt, chief executive of Steigenberger Hotels and Deutsche Hospitality, said the UAE's hospitality and tourism industry is "all set to rise" this year.

Hotels must adapt to travellers' changing mindset during the pandemic, when they're likely to opt for accommodation that is safer, less crowded and offers flexibility in bookings or cancellations.

"Travel in this 'new normal' looks and feels different," he said.

Aloki Batra, chief executive of Five Hospitality, said the Israel market is a "huge opportunity" following the normalisation of relations with the UAE, given the spending power and interest from both Israeli residents and large Israeli diaspora.