The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has formalized a strategic partnership with Emaar Hospitality Group through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement, finalized on September 16th, aims to advance Dubai’s status as a leading global destination for hospitality and tourism.
The MoU was signed at DET’s headquarters by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), and Mark Kirby, head of Emaar Hospitality Group. This agreement is set to propel Dubai to the forefront of global hospitality trends, ensuring high-quality services and innovative tourism experiences for visitors.
DET’s focus is on fostering collaboration with both local and international hotel groups, driving growth and innovation in the hospitality sector. This MoU enhances these efforts by reinforcing public-private partnerships crucial for the development of Dubai’s tourism industry.
The collaboration will emphasize the creation of new tourism products and experiences that merge Dubai’s cultural heritage with modern attractions and luxurious hospitality offerings. By doing so, DET and Emaar Hospitality Group aim to highlight Dubai’s unique attractions and cater to the diverse interests of global visitors.
In addition to enhancing marketing and promotional activities, the MoU will support the development of tourism products and staff training.
These initiatives align with the ambitious Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which seeks to boost visitor numbers and cement Dubai’s position as a top global city for business and leisure.
His Excellency Issam Kazim remarked, “Inspired by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and guided by the goals of the D33 Agenda, this new MoU between DET and Emaar Hospitality Group marks another important milestone for Dubai’s tourism industry. Hospitality has been a cornerstone of Dubai’s journey towards becoming one of the most visited and most popular destinations in the world, with Emaar playing a crucial role in the city’s growth story.
We are confident that this collaboration will add to Dubai’s tourism momentum and global appeal by elevating the visitor and guest experience. This MoU reflects our shared commitment to consolidate Dubai’s position as a global leader in tourism and hospitality, and we look forward to continuing to work together with Emaar Hospitality Group to further enhance Dubai’s position as the best city to visit, live and work in.”
Emaar Hospitality Group, known for its portfolio of seven distinct brands and 12,600 keys, including Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels & Resorts, and Armani Hotels & Resorts, will collaborate closely with DET. Its award-winning facilities such as Arabian Ranches Golf Club and Dubai Marina Yacht Club are integral to this partnership.
Mark Kirby of Emaar Hospitality Group commented, “This strategic collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism heralds a transformative milestone in our mission to redefine luxury hospitality in Dubai. By seamlessly integrating our expertise with DET’s visionary goals, we are poised to create impactful tourism experiences that resonate on a global scale. Through this partnership, we aim to enhance Dubai’s appeal, drive visitor growth, and set new standards for excellence in the hospitality industry.”
Dubai’s tourism sector continues to thrive, having set a record in 2023 with 17.15 million international overnight visitors. In the first seven months of 2024, the emirate welcomed 10.62 million international visitors, marking an 8 percent increase from the same period in 2023. The hotel sector also performed impressively, with occupancy rates reaching 77.1 percent and the number of available rooms growing to 151,417 by July 2024.
