Latest news with #AED450
Sydney Morning Herald
28-04-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Seven highlights of Dubai beyond the glitzy skyscrapers
Dubai's version of an 'Old Town' is neatly contained along the western side of Dubai Creek. The well-preserved area, also referred to as Bastakiya, dates back to the 1890s and features traditional architecture of low-rise sand-hued dwellings topped with wind towers that are separated by narrow, winding streets. Wander on foot or join a tour on the open-air majlis-inspired Heritage Express trolley bus. 4 The Spice Souk The spice, gold and textile souks in Deira are the heart and soul of Old Dubai. Swamped with vendors selling everything from 'crystal menthol' to masala tea, this buzzy pocket is an absolute must for tea and herb junkies. Make a beeline for Mr Ali's store Rise, where he proudly sells saffron from his third-generation farm in Iran. (Don't let border control stop you from stocking up: dried herbs are allowed back in Australia as long as they're commercially packaged and declared). 5 The Majlis Gallery Among the labyrinthine streets in Al Fahidi District is one of the city's most prominent fine-art spaces, the Majlis Gallery. It displays work by artists from all over the region in a variety of mediums such as paintings, sculptures, glasswork and photography, and often hosts international artists-in-residence. Even if you don't plan on shipping home a piece, the gift shop has abundant objets d'art that could easily slip into a suitcase. See 6 Out of the frying pan Led by long-time locals and sisters Arva and Farida Ahmed, walking food tour company Frying Pan Adventures is the unofficial authority on authentic dining in the emirate. Their longest-running tour 'Middle Eastern Food Tour Pilgrimage' explores Deira, the area where the women grew up and still live. This almost four-hour moveable feast features everything from Palestinian falafels to Iraqi fare and Arabic baklava. See 7 The hotel few know about Inexpensive XVA Art Hotel (rooms from AED450/$190) is tucked down a narrow alleyway in Al Fahidi District and is one of Dubai's best kept secrets. The boutique hotel occupies a heritage-listed, 100-year-old house and its 15 rooms are scattered around three courtyards, each with a different design. It's the only hotel within the area and doubles as an art gallery, with the onsite shop providing a tailoring service and selling souvenirs such as camel milk soap and jewellery. See Loading
The Age
28-04-2025
- The Age
Seven highlights of Dubai beyond the glitzy skyscrapers
Dubai's version of an 'Old Town' is neatly contained along the western side of Dubai Creek. The well-preserved area, also referred to as Bastakiya, dates back to the 1890s and features traditional architecture of low-rise sand-hued dwellings topped with wind towers that are separated by narrow, winding streets. Wander on foot or join a tour on the open-air majlis-inspired Heritage Express trolley bus. 4 The Spice Souk The spice, gold and textile souks in Deira are the heart and soul of Old Dubai. Swamped with vendors selling everything from 'crystal menthol' to masala tea, this buzzy pocket is an absolute must for tea and herb junkies. Make a beeline for Mr Ali's store Rise, where he proudly sells saffron from his third-generation farm in Iran. (Don't let border control stop you from stocking up: dried herbs are allowed back in Australia as long as they're commercially packaged and declared). 5 The Majlis Gallery Among the labyrinthine streets in Al Fahidi District is one of the city's most prominent fine-art spaces, the Majlis Gallery. It displays work by artists from all over the region in a variety of mediums such as paintings, sculptures, glasswork and photography, and often hosts international artists-in-residence. Even if you don't plan on shipping home a piece, the gift shop has abundant objets d'art that could easily slip into a suitcase. See 6 Out of the frying pan Led by long-time locals and sisters Arva and Farida Ahmed, walking food tour company Frying Pan Adventures is the unofficial authority on authentic dining in the emirate. Their longest-running tour 'Middle Eastern Food Tour Pilgrimage' explores Deira, the area where the women grew up and still live. This almost four-hour moveable feast features everything from Palestinian falafels to Iraqi fare and Arabic baklava. See 7 The hotel few know about Inexpensive XVA Art Hotel (rooms from AED450/$190) is tucked down a narrow alleyway in Al Fahidi District and is one of Dubai's best kept secrets. The boutique hotel occupies a heritage-listed, 100-year-old house and its 15 rooms are scattered around three courtyards, each with a different design. It's the only hotel within the area and doubles as an art gallery, with the onsite shop providing a tailoring service and selling souvenirs such as camel milk soap and jewellery. See Loading
Trade Arabia
16-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
UAE offers promising opportunities for tourism investment
The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for tourism investment, supported by an attractive investment environment, advanced infrastructure, and policies that foster sectoral growth, reported WAM. The UAE's tourism sector is witnessing a surge in investment opportunities across all areas — from infrastructure development to hotels, resorts, entertainment projects, and sustainable tourism initiatives aligned with the country's green economy goals. Government entities continue to play a pivotal role by launching strategic initiatives to enhance tourist destinations, support innovation, and collaborate with the private sector to uphold the highest standards of quality and excellence. Through its National Tourism Strategy 2031, the UAE aims to rank among the world's top tourist destinations. The strategy seeks to increase the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP to AED450 billion ($122 billion), attract AED100 billion in new investments, and welcome 40 million hotel guests annually by 2031. Last year, the UAE recorded strong growth and significant achievements in tourism. Hotel revenues reached nearly AED45 billion, marking a 3% increase compared to 2023. Hotel occupancy rose to 78%, one of the highest rates both regionally and globally. The UAE ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 18th globally in the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 issued by the World Economic Forum. According to global consultancy Arthur D. Little, the UAE has gone beyond building luxury hotels, successfully integrating hospitality with rich cultural and entertainment experiences. Industry officials and tourism experts affirmed that the sector still holds vast untapped potential. They emphasise that major projects — within tourism and across other sectors — are set to further stimulate tourism growth and boost the attractiveness of investment in the field. Mohamed Al Rais, Honorary Chairman of Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group (DTTAG), and Executive Director of Al Rais Travel and Shipping Agencies (Al Rais Group), stated that the UAE has witnessed numerous pioneering and exceptional projects in the tourism sector in recent years. These developments, he said, have elevated the sector to a leading position in the region in terms of tourism experiences, and established the UAE as a global leader in various tourism-related fields. He also emphasised that the UAE continues to strengthen its status as a premier global investment and tourism destination through major projects across its emirates — a testament to investor confidence in the sector's long-term sustainable growth prospects. Hosni Abdelhadi, CEO of Carlton Hotel and Suites UAE, emphasised that the strong momentum in the country's tourism sector reflects a clear leadership vision aimed at solidifying the UAE's position as a fully integrated global tourism and investment destination. He also noted that the ongoing expansion of tourism and hospitality infrastructure projects is boosting investor confidence and opening new avenues for growth.
Hi Dubai
14-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Tourism Sector Soars with Bold Investments and Strategic Vision
The UAE is rapidly solidifying its reputation as a global hub for tourism investment, driven by a dynamic mix of visionary policies, robust infrastructure, and a commitment to excellence and innovation. Investment opportunities in the UAE's tourism sector are expanding across the board — from world-class resorts and entertainment destinations to sustainable tourism projects aligned with the nation's green economy ambitions. Government-led initiatives continue to enhance tourism offerings, support private sector collaboration, and maintain high standards that elevate the country's appeal on the global stage. Central to this growth is the National Tourism Strategy 2031, which sets ambitious goals: increasing the tourism sector's GDP contribution to AED450 billion, attracting AED100 billion in fresh investments, and drawing 40 million hotel guests annually by 2031. The sector's momentum is already evident. In 2024, hotel revenues reached nearly AED45 billion, a 3% rise from the previous year. Occupancy rates climbed to 78%, among the highest globally. The UAE also claimed the top spot in MENA and 18th worldwide in the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024. According to consultancy Arthur D. Little, the UAE has moved beyond luxury, blending hospitality with rich cultural and entertainment experiences. Industry leaders agree that untapped potential remains vast. Mohamed Al Rais of Al Rais Group highlighted the surge in pioneering tourism projects, underscoring the UAE's status as a regional and global tourism leader. Echoing this, Hosni Abdelhadi, CEO of Carlton Hotel and Suites UAE, credited strong government vision and infrastructure expansion for boosting investor confidence and setting the stage for sustained growth. With strategic direction and investor-friendly policies, the UAE's tourism sector is poised for a transformative decade. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
14-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE offers promising opportunities for tourism investment
ABU DHABI: The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for tourism investment, supported by an attractive investment environment, advanced infrastructure, and policies that foster sectoral growth. The UAE's tourism sector is witnessing a surge in investment opportunities across all areas — from infrastructure development to hotels, resorts, entertainment projects, and sustainable tourism initiatives aligned with the country's green economy goals. Government entities continue to play a pivotal role by launching strategic initiatives to enhance tourist destinations, support innovation, and collaborate with the private sector to uphold the highest standards of quality and excellence. Through its National Tourism Strategy 2031, the UAE aims to rank among the world's top tourist destinations. The strategy seeks to increase the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP to AED450 billion, attract AED100 billion in new investments, and welcome 40 million hotel guests annually by 2031. Last year, the UAE recorded strong growth and significant achievements in tourism. Hotel revenues reached nearly AED45 billion, marking a 3% increase compared to 2023. Hotel occupancy rose to 78%, one of the highest rates both regionally and globally. The UAE ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 18th globally in the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 issued by the World Economic Forum. According to global consultancy Arthur D. Little, the UAE has gone beyond building luxury hotels, successfully integrating hospitality with rich cultural and entertainment experiences. Industry officials and tourism experts affirmed that the sector still holds vast untapped potential. They emphasise that major projects — within tourism and across other sectors — are set to further stimulate tourism growth and boost the attractiveness of investment in the field. Mohamed Al Rais, Honorary Chairman of Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group (DTTAG), and Executive Director of Al Rais Travel and Shipping Agencies (Al Rais Group), stated that the UAE has witnessed numerous pioneering and exceptional projects in the tourism sector in recent years. These developments, he said, have elevated the sector to a leading position in the region in terms of tourism experiences, and established the UAE as a global leader in various tourism-related fields. He also emphasised that the UAE continues to strengthen its status as a premier global investment and tourism destination through major projects across its emirates — a testament to investor confidence in the sector's long-term sustainable growth prospects. Hosni Abdelhadi, CEO of Carlton Hotel and Suites UAE, emphasised that the strong momentum in the country's tourism sector reflects a clear leadership vision aimed at solidifying the UAE's position as a fully integrated global tourism and investment destination. He also noted that the ongoing expansion of tourism and hospitality infrastructure projects is boosting investor confidence and opening new avenues for growth.
