Tourism

Dubai’s tourism offering has continued to expand in recent years, and with the emirate consistently rising to meet new challenges and break new records, this trend looks set to continue. Visitor numbers have increased every year since 2003, resulting in a CAGR of 8.3% for 2003-13. Investment into the sector is rising quickly as well: 6.2% of total investment in the UAE during 2013 was directed to the tourism and travel sector, with estimates suggesting investment growth could reach 9.7% for 2014. Preparations for Dubai Expo 2020 are underpinning large infrastructure projects like the airport expansion, upgrades to tram and train links, and major ongoing hotel developments. An increasingly wide variety of sporting competitions are also being hosted by Dubai, and new stadiums and facilities are set to boost the emirate’s image as a sports hotspot.

This chapter contains an interview with Helal Almarri, Director-General, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).