Hoteliers across Dubai are dusting off festive-season decorations early after seeing a spike in fourth-quarter reservations from the United Kingdom, Russia and the wider CIS. Operators interviewed by Gulf News said enquiries accelerated once travel insurers reinstated full cover for the Gulf in late June and airlines announced additional winter capacity. Al Habtoor Grand Resort reports that bookings for December are already tracking 15 percent ahead of 2025. Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk expects occupancy to match pre-conflict levels, driven by a packed events calendar that includes Gitex Global and COP28 follow-up forums. The rebound comes despite lingering suspensions by some European carriers, highlighting the Emirates-led hub model’s resilience. Dubai Economy and Tourism’s incentive package—waiving sales fees and the Tourism Dirham levy for three months—has helped hotels refurbish rooms and retain staff through the quiet summer. Industry analysts say the measures, part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, position the city to capture displaced demand from Mediterranean destinations facing heatwaves and wildfires. Corporate travel buyers should brace for tighter room supply and firmer rates from mid-November through New Year’s Day. Early block bookings and dynamic pricing tools are recommended, particularly for large meetings and incentive groups seeking beachfront properties.
Source: Gulf News
