As the summer season begins, many Dubai residents and ex-pats are kicking off their vacation plans. Year two into the pandemic, traveling abroad has become a more viable option as borders begin to open up around the world and vaccine rates are climbing. Still, some residents have opted for staycations around the UAE instead, choosing to avoid the red tape and safety concerns around flying. This influx of local tourism has also helped bolster the UAE tourism sector that is still recovering from the massive losses of 2020. As an international leisure and entertainment destination, Dubai and the surrounding emirates offer plenty of options for those staying local.
Top Dubai staycations
The summer months in Dubai are not usually the busiest season of the year for the tourism sector. With soaring temperatures and high humidity, escaping to cooler climates is common practice for most residents, but ever since the travel restrictions caused by the pandemic grounded many would-be travelers, local hotels are resorts are seeing a dramatic push in hotel occupancy.
Atlantis, The Palm, a mega-resort on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah, features over 1,500 rooms, including two underwater suites that give guests an up-close and personal view of the hotel's marine residents. This family-friendly resort is a playground for adults and children, including multiple pools, private beaches, and one of the world's largest waterparks, Aquaventure.
For a luxurious family escape, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray offers four-bedroom suites on their serene lagoon or five-bedroom seafront accommodations. With private pools and top-quality restaurants, this staycation offers a taste of Dubai royal living, as it should. The resort is owned by Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed al-Maktoum, and premium services are at the heart of this Dubai favorite.
For residents who prefer the benefits of resort amenities without an overnight stay, Privlee offers membership packages that give access to over 60 five-star pools and beaches, 70 gyms, 450 restaurants, and more across the UAE. During the summer, memberships are available for 1,500 AED for three months, with up to three kids free. For anyone who's wanted to lounge by the pristine beaches of the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaima or sip sundowners in the lagoons of Anantara The Palm Dubai, this membership is the ultimate way to maximize that staycation feel, all summer long.
Safety precautions
Dubai continues to exercise recommended safety practices for all hotel guests and staff to ensure a reduced spread of coronavirus. With increased numbers of vaccinated residents, various venues across the emirates are now requiring proof of vaccination prior to entry. To learn more about the requirements of each hotel, it is highly recommended to contact the hotel staff prior to booking to ensure all necessary documents are in order.
The economic recovery of the UAE's tourism sector
With occupancy rates predicted to reach 70-80% in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the UAE is well on its way to reaching pre-pandemic revenue numbers. After one of the strictest lockdown regulations in the world back in 2020, the emirates are reaping the benefits of a virtually re-opened economy, resuming plans for events like the Dubai Expo that is expected to welcome thousands of visitors each day. This is also welcome news to other hospitality sectors, including restaurants and bars, plus shopping destinations across the UAE's mega malls. For company's looking into business setup in Dubai, the emirate's revived economy will help the entire region regain its foothold as the Middle East's hub for business.
Responsible for over 12% of the country's GDP, travel and tourism are at the heart of the UAE's goals for growth in the coming years. As the world moves forward with new strategies to protect its citizens, life in the UAE continues to be an aspirational goal and positive example for other countries looking for a return to normalcy.