Tourism & Business Growth in DUBAI

The country, described as the "Rising star" in the world of tourism
Due to its location the UAE has been able to act as a connecting link between Europe and the Indian subcontinent, the Far East and Africa since time immemorial. It is still playing the role of intermediary between these vastly different cultures, the only difference being that air travel has significantly increased the number of visitors who come to the UAE. Traditional Arab hospitality and a delightful winter climate complemented by a highly sophisticated infrastructure and crime-free environment, have also contributed in recent years to creating an ideal atmosphere for the development of tourism.

The growth of the tourism industry in Dubai in the past few years is generally described in superlatives: incredible, phenomenal, outstanding, stellar, inspiring, triumphant and just about any other laudatory adjective you can think of. Although one might be tempted to pass this off as marketing hype, in Dubai's case, it may well be warranted. Tourism in the area is booming.

Independent studies show that the tourism industry has accounted for a steadily increasing percentage of Dubai’s GDP (Gross domestic product), with some estimates putting it as high as 20 per cent. In fact tourism is expected to over take oil exports as an important source of revenue in the near future. Its official target has been to attract 15 million annual visitors by 2015. Arrivals totaled some 6.9 million in 2007, with the UK and Ireland providing 800,000 of them. This year's first quarter saw a year-on-year increase of 6.9 per cent, with UK and Ireland figures up as much as 11.3 per cent. Importantly, hotel stock is set to rise almost 30 per cent between 2007 and 2010, leaving the emirate with almost 65,000 guest rooms two years from now. When you pair this with a current overall occupancy rate of well over 80 per cent.

Transportation connections

Dubai’s location at the cross-roads of Europe, Asia and Africa makes for easy accessibility. Most capitals and other major cities have direct flights to Dubai. More than 120 airlines operate to and from Dubai International Airport to more than 260 destinations, making it one of the worlds busiest. Dubai is also the home base of Emirates Airline, international airline of the UAE, which operates scheduled services to more than 100 destinations

Shopping tourism

Dubai has been called the "shopping capital of the Middle East. The city draws large numbers of shopping tourists from countries within the region and from as far as Eastern Europe, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent. Dubai is known for its souk districts. Souk is the Arabic word for market or place where any kind of goods are brought or exchanged. Traditionally, dhows from the Far East, China, Sri Lanka, and India would discharge their cargos and the goods would be bargained over in the souks adjacent to the docks .Dubai's most atmospheric shopping is to be found in the souks, located on either side of the creek, where bargaining is part of the buzz.

Modern shopping malls and boutiques are also found in the city. Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport offers merchandise catering to the multinational passengers using Dubai International Airport.

While boutiques, some electronics shops, department stores and supermarkets may operate on a fixed-price basis, most other outlets consider friendly negotiation as a way of life.