All the key highlights from Arabian Travel Market 2022 in Dubai

The four-day live event – which was inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline, and group chairman of Dubai World – has been deemed a resounding success.

“In addition to doubling our visitor numbers year on year, ATM 2022 hosted 1,500 exhibitors and attendees from 150 countries,” Danielle Curtis, the exhibition director ME for Arabian Travel Market, said.

“These figures are especially impressive given that lockdowns are still taking place in China and other destinations. What’s more, the development of the travel and tourism sector throughout the Middle East region shows no signs of abating, with GCC hotel construction contract awards set to rise by 16 percent this year alone.”

Analysis from Colliers International has forecasted that $4.5 billion worth of hotel construction contracts will be awarded in the GCC during 2022.

The total contribution of the travel and tourism industry to the GDP of Middle East countries is expected to reach around $486.1 billion by 2028, according to recent data shared at the event.

Governments across the region are attracting hefty investments in their tourism industry, with Bahrain attracting $492 million of tourism capital investment in 2020, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia earmarking $1 trillion to its travel and tourism sector through to 2030.

In case you missed the event, here are key highlights for you:

1. Overview of each day at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022
2. Medical tourism and quality of healthcare services in Abu Dhabi highlighted at Arabian Travel Market 2022
3. Travellers are prioritising in-destination experiences to shape the future of tourism: ATM 2022 research
4. Global ministers detail how FDI in hotel rooms, tech, and experiences are helping Middle East tourism
5. Investing in long-term employee success is critical to bridging talent retention gaps in the hotel sector
6. Abu Dhabi Summer Pass offers UAE visitors, tourists access to theme parks, the Louvre, and cultural sites
7. Dubai tops global hotel occupancy ranking as 3.9 million foreign travellers visit emirate in Q1 2022 as per the data released at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market 2022
8. At the 29th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Shurooq revealed plans to develop two luxury hospitality megaprojects in Sharjah as it looks to boost UAE eco-tourism
9. Harmonising Air Travel: Saudi’s new framework to make global travel simpler, easier, and more fun
10. Dubai’s DXB airport expects 58.3 million travellers in 2022 as global air connectivity rises
    

1. Overview of each day at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022

Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2022) Day 1

The show’s opening session, which was moderated by CNN’s Eleni Giokos, featured Issam Kazim, chief executive officer of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing; Scott Livermore, chief economist at Oxford Economics; Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, president – Middle East, Africa and Turkey at Hilton; Bilal Kabbani, industry head – Travel and Tourism at Google; and Andrew Brown, regional director – Europe, Middle East and Oceania at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The show’s opening day also featured the first session of the ARIVALDubai@ATM forum, during which industry experts explored the role that in-destination experiences are playing in shaping the future of global travel and tourism.

Later in the afternoon on Day 1, ministers from the UAE, Jordan, Jamaica and Botswana took to the Arabian Travel Market Global Stage to discuss the importance of investment, technology, and inclusivity in driving Middle East tourism forward, as part of the International Tourism & Investment Conference (ITIC) Ministerial Roundtable.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2022) Day 2

The second day of ATM 2022 saw senior representatives from Air Arabia and Etihad Aviation Group join JLS Consulting’s John Strickland on the ATM Global Stage for a discussion about efficiency and sustainability within the aviation sector.

Later in the afternoon, D/A’s Paul Kelly offered his perspective on how to connect with the Arabic travel audience more effectively.

At the end of day two, video-sharing platform ‘Welcome to the World’ secured up to $500,000 of investment after winning the inaugural ATM Draper-Aladdin Startup Competition on the Arabian Travel Market Travel Tech Stage.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2022) Day 3

Day three of Arabian Travel Market featured sessions focused on what guests really want, sports tourism, hospitality tech trends, dining experiences, metaverse-based travel services, the role of influencers and more.

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) also hosted two panel discussions on the third day, shining a spotlight on sustainability and long-term trends within the business travel segment.

As part of the conference agenda for the fourth and final day of Arabian Travel Market 2022, representatives from Atlas, Wego Middle East and Alibaba Cloud MEA took to the ATM Travel Tech Stage to explore how data is changing airline retailing.

Panellists shared insights into how to build data-led organisations, and why companies that successfully harness travel data today will be most likely to succeed in the longer term.

The morning sessions included a session hosted by WTM Responsible Tourism, on the Arabian Travel Market Global Stage, focusing on how the latest innovations can be used to promote responsible technology for travel and tourism.

Concluding this year’s edition of Arabian Travel Market, afternoon sessions included a discussion about the return and rise of city tourism.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2022) Day 4

The final day of the live event also included the announcement of Arabian Travel Market 2022’s ‘Best Stand Design’ and ‘People’s Choice Award’, which were presented to SAUDIA for its futuristic and striking concept.

Other stands awarded for their creativity included the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah International, Ishraq International and TBS/Vbooking.

Industry experts also took to the Arabian Travel Market Global Stage for a panel discussion about the future of the region’s hospitality industry.

Moderated by Paul Clifford, group editor – Hospitality at ITP Media Group, the panel discussion featured insights from Christopher Lund, director – head of Hotels MENA at Colliers International; Mark Kirby, head of Hospitality at Emaar Hospitality Group; Tim Cordon, area senior vice president – Middle East and Africa at Radisson Hotel Group; and Judit Toth, founder and CEO of Vivere Hospitality.

Commenting on the need to attract and retain talent within the Middle East’s hospitality sector, Radisson Hotel Group’s Cordon said: “The organisations that get this right are going to benefit because, of course, we know how expensive it is to bring new people into our business and it’s even more expensive if you lose them. I don’t think you can talk about the future of hospitality without talking about the future of talent.”

Vivere’s Toth pointed out that it was equally important to educate industry professionals on the priorities and mindset of younger employees and guests alike.

Toth said: “[The younger generation] think completely differently. They live in a world of crypto and NFTs. How are they going to be able to bring their ideas and talents into the [hotel] business? And remember, on the other side, your new and future customers are also coming from the same background, with the same motivations and understanding. So, it’s a matter of bringing in new talent that shares common ground with new customers.”

Speaking on the continued importance of nationalisation efforts, Emaar Hospitality Group’s Kirby said: “Emiratisation coexists with how we develop our leadership teams to operate hotels. We focus on leadership at this level to come from within, [drawing on] internal talent. The fact that we’re growing and opening new hotels helps us, because it provides opportunities for our existing team members to move up.”

“ATM 2022 has provided a timely opportunity for the global travel and tourism sector to gather in Dubai and explore the future of our industry. Innovation, sustainability, technology and talent acquisition and retention will be crucial to its long-term success,” Curtis concluded.

Following the success of the hybrid approach adopted for last year’s edition, the live, in-person component of Arabian Travel Market 2022 will be followed by the third installment of ATM Virtual, which will take place next week from Tuesday 17 to Wednesday 18 May.

2. Medical tourism and quality of healthcare services in Abu Dhabi highlighted at Arabian Travel Market 2022

Prominent healthcare services for medical tourists will be showcased by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022.

Arabian Travel Market 2022 saw Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector regulator highlighting key investment opportunities in the emirate.

Joining the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi stand, the DoH will present Abu Dhabi’s latest therapeutic disciplines, world-class services, and outstanding facilities to visitors and medical tourists, according to the state-run news agency, Wam.

The executive director of Healthcare Facilities at the DoH, Hind Al Zaabi, said: “The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is excited and proud to represent Abu Dhabi’s leading healthcare sector at the upcoming Arabian Travel Market 2022.

“With the continuous support and guidance of the UAE’s wise leadership, Abu Dhabi could reinforce its position as a world-class destination for healthcare and medical tourism. The emirate’s advanced healthcare infrastructure and innovative operations were instrumental in our outstanding response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Al Zaabi added: “During our participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2022, we aim to better understand the needs of international patients to ensure the delivery of the highest quality of care in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.”

The department will also showcase its Capacity Master Plan, which is specifically designed to help Abu Dhabi respond to its current and future healthcare demands and provide and plan investment opportunities available in the emirate in the next two decades.

The medical tourism programme available in Abu Dhabi is tailored to provide travelling patients with high-end medical services and ensure they are well taken care of from the moment they arrive in the emirate.

The programme includes services such as a relaxed medical visa and on-ground transportation to ensure patients enjoy a steady and smooth recovery while feeling at home.

3. Travellers are prioritising in-destination experiences to shape the future of tourism: ATM 2022 research

In 2019, travel experiences achieved $254 billion in global gross industry sales, making it the third-largest sector in travel and tourism after transportation and accommodation, according to research revealed during the Arabian Travel Market 2022 (ATM 2022).

The vital role of in-destination experiences was placed under the spotlight during the opening session of the ARIVALDubai@ATM forum at the ATM 2022‘s Travel Tech Stage.

The co-founder and CEO of Arival, Douglas Quinby, said, “We surveyed travellers about what matters most to them when they are travelling and they prioritised attractions, activities, and tours above other factors.

“Experiences are not just the ‘things to do’ – they are the reasons to go, representing a significant opportunity for the travel and tourism industry.’’

Operators in in-destination experiences sector include organisers of tours, activities, attractions, and experiences with more than 140 diverse business categories working in the field.

Up to 50 percent of operators have launched their businesses since 2015, while more than 70 new startups within tours, activities, and attractions have raised $2.6 billion since 2017.

Technology adoption and getting connected is also another major focus for the in-destination industry as it moves to a new phase.

Quinby added: “Consumers are increasingly booking their travel experiences online – a trend that has accelerated significantly since the pandemic.

“The sector, therefore, needs to look to technology adoption and working with reservation system providers to make their products more accessible online.’’ 

For the first time in Dubai since a successful virtual format at Arabian Travel Market in 2021, the Arabian Travel Market event is examining current and future trends and focusing on growing business through marketing, technology, distribution, thought leadership, and executive-level connections.

Other topics discussed during the one-day forum included the role of sustainability in driving the in-destination business forward.  

4. Global ministers detail how FDI in hotel rooms, tech, and experiences are helping Middle East tourism

With the travel and tourism industry is expected to contribute approximately $486.1 billion to the GDP of Middle East countries by 2028, and will remain attractive for foreign direct investment (FDI), senior ministers said at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

Ministers of tourism from around the globe convened at the 2022 Middle East Tourism Investment Summit, held at the Arabian Travel Market Global Stage, to highlight access to project finance in the post-Covid-19 era and discuss FDI opportunities and challenges for destination tourism in the region.

“For the UAE hospitality accommodation sector, investment in rooms and keys remains a primary focus as evidenced by a 5 percent growth in the number of rooms compared to 2019 levels, with a variation of service levels and accommodation type,” said Ahmad Al Falasi (below), Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs and Chairman of Emirates Tourism Council of the UAE, who was speaking at the panel.

“However, while the big-ticket FDI will continue to grow in terms of rooms, from the service side, we see a lot of venture capital deployed on technological solutions for tourism. As the customer-demand for elevated tourism experiences continues to evolve, we see technology as an important investment area in the future. So, while recovery is going well, we need to be mindful of being equitable in our recovery to ensure that the whole ecosystem benefits,” he continued.

Governments across the region are attracting hefty investments in their tourism industry, with Bahrain attracting $492m of tourism capital investment in 2020, for example, and Saudi Arabia earmarking $1tr to its travel and tourism sector through to 2030.

FDI opportunities in Middle East tourism

Continued FDI is needed in Jordan’s SME and startup ecosystem to ensure that not it not only survived the pandemic but that it continues to thrive with women, youth and local communities empowered as a vital pillar of the country’s tourism industry, Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Nayef Al Fayez explained.

Similarly, Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica, described how FDI in knowledge development and new ideas is a vast new dimension to enable innovation in the country’s travel and tourism sector. Tourism investments will have to change to bridge the supply disruption gaps and build back the capacity of tourism to be the driver of economic growth and development.

The Botswana Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Philda Nani Kereng, said: “In investing in the tourism sector, we want to meet the needs of the tourist that emerges out of Covid-19 by developing a new diversified tourism product.

“This is a tourist that wants new experiences, to heal from the lockdown and to engage with the local culture and biodiversity of the destination.”

Arabian Travel Market 2022 concluded on Thursday, 12^th May, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

“ATM’s strategy is to support the industry with a summit that acts as a platform for tourism ministers, policymakers, industry leaders and investors to discuss topical issues, challenges and future trends in the sustainable development of tourism and travel throughout the region,” said Danielle Curtis (above), exhibition director ME, Arabian Travel Market.

5. Investing in long-term employee success is critical to bridging talent retention gaps in the hotel sector

The growing competition to attract and retain talent is one of the most important issues that needs to be addressed in the hospitality industry as hotel owners, managers, and employees all have a stake in it, an expert told Arabian Business.

However, the process of streamlining talent management strategies will need to start with gathering and analysing the right data.

“Organisations must survey and talk to their current employees, especially newly on-boarded and front-line employees. Listen to employee feedback about what worked, what didn’t work, and what could be better,” Houssam Mansour, the general manager of Dubai’s Form Hotel, said.

“Investing in an employee’s long-term success through learning and growth opportunities is also an essential talent strategy to attract and retain the best possible talent.”

Such recommendations could be crucial to strengthening employee experience which, in turn, translates to better customer experience.

Mansour added: “The industry can extract insights from their data to determine what processes are achieving their goals and whether those processes are solving problems. The data also shows what opportunities exist to improve processes that would attract and retain the best talent.”

Dubai has topped another global ranking, taking the top spot in hotel occupancy at 82 percent in the first quarter of 2022.

Showcasing a successful tourism strategy, Dubai welcomed 3.97 million international overnight visitors between January and March 2022, up from 1.27 million visitors during the same period last year, according to data released by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022.

Dubai’s hospitality sector also witnessed a significant increase in footfall and room occupancy during the Eid-Al-Fitr break in 2022, compared to the same period in 2021.

“With most countries, including the UAE, easing travel restrictions and dropping PCR tests requirements, we have seen holiday movement and back-to-home travel pick up fast this year. International travel has witnessed a tremendous increase in the UAE after the ease of restrictions by the UAE government,” Mansour added.

This boom in Dubai’s hospitality industry is having a direct impact on the job opportunities opening up within the sector.

Mansour explained: “With more hotels and resorts being built every year, there are plenty of opportunities available for those looking to move to Dubai.

“The hospitality industry is one of the largest employers in Dubai, with an estimated 1.6 million people working in this sector. This number is set to grow even further as more rooms are added to the existing hotels, and new ones are built.”

The industry offers many different types of jobs for those interested in working abroad. Jobs in this industry range from front-of-house positions such as waiters and hotel staff, to back-of-house roles such as chefs and kitchen staff.

The new sweeping set of regulations for the UAE Golden Residence Visa, Green Residency visa, the long-term visit visas and entry permits for job seekers have also positively impacted interest in Dubai’s hospitality sector, which required the impetus after the end of Expo 2020 Dubai.

“The UAE’s hospitality industry was stimulated by Expo 2020 just when we needed it most and we are confident that this momentum is set to continue with strong occupancy and revenue rates throughout the industry. Post the pandemic and its aftermath, the industry has been hit hard by this crisis, and many have questioned whether it will ever fully recover,” Mansour said.

“We think we’ve found something that will help: we look back at the resounding success of Expo 2020, rising above the challenges of a global pandemic to bring the world together in celebration of humanity and has made millions of people aware of Dubai’s potential as a tourist destination — not just for travellers who want to see a new place, but also for travellers who want to experience it.”

These sentiments echo the thoughts of other experts who spoke at the Arabian Travel Market 2022, stating that travellers are prioritising in-destination experiences to shape the future of tourism.

The 29th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is examining current and future trends and focusing on growing business through marketing, technology, distribution, thought leadership, and executive-level connections.

6. Abu Dhabi Summer Pass offers UAE visitors, tourists access to theme parks, the Louvre, and cultural sites

Officially unveiled at Arabian Travel Market 2022, Abu Dhabi’s ‘Summer Like You Mean It’ campaign uncovers experiences that travellers can enjoy during the summer at affordable prices.

The new campaign will include sunrise yoga sessions at the Louvre Abu Dhabi; the world’s fastest rollercoaster ride at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi; a once-in-a-lifetime experience to swim with tiger sharks at the National Aquarium; an island retreat at Nurai; the opportunity to visit the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace; and more.

The tourist campaign also offers the Abu Dhabi Summer Pass, which will be rolled out with promotions across multiple experiences, cultural sites, and family entertainment attractions.

The Abu Dhabi Summer Pass will give travellers access to three leading theme parks, including Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi).

The summer pass will also offer access to cultural sites, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, the majestic Presidential Palace Qasr Al Watan, Qasr Al Hosn, and free transportation via Yas Express and Abu Dhabi bus systems.

The director-general for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, said: “Global travellers have their eyes on the Middle East, so now is the perfect time to be sharing Abu Dhabi with the world, shining a light on just how many unique and diverse experiences are waiting to be explored affordably in and around the UAE’s capital.

“This summer, we want travellers to experience the known and unknown of Abu Dhabi, uncovering the hidden gems of our destination – at their own pace, whether it’s the thrills of our world class indoor theme parks or the race of the Yas Marina Circuit, to the rich depth of culture and activities that ensure the whole family is inspired and entertained.

Al Geziry added: “The UAE capital has something for everyone. We want to make those precious memories more accessible by providing competitive and compelling offers throughout the season so travellers can experience summer exactly as it can and should be enjoyed.”

Officially unveiled at Arabian Travel Market 2022, Abu Dhabi’s ‘Summer Like You Mean It’ campaign uncovers the unmatched experiences travellers can enjoy during the summer in Abu Dhabi, all at affordable prices.

Specific details to be unveiled in the coming weeks as the pass is rolled out.

To upgrade the holiday experience even further, prices at top hotels across the region in summer will be 30 percent less than during high season.

With a compelling pipeline of hotel discounts and promotions due to be unveiled in the coming months, there’s never been a better time to visit Abu Dhabi.

7. Dubai tops global hotel occupancy ranking as 3.9 million foreign travellers visit emirate in Q1 2022 as per the data released at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market 2022

Dubai has topped another global ranking, taking the top spot in hotel occupancy at 82 percent in the first quarter of 2022.

Showcasing a successful tourism strategy, Dubai welcomed 3.97 million international overnight visitors between January and March 2022, up from 1.27 million visitors during the same period last year, according to data released by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022.

This represents a 214 percent year-on-year growth in foreign visitors, placing the city firmly on track for a momentous year while reaffirming Dubai’s position as the first choice destination for global travellers, the state-run news agency, Wam, reported.

The Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said: “Dubai’s ability to surpass other major global cities in key tourism indicators demonstrates the success of the far-reaching vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to create a hub for business, investment, entrepreneurship, and tourism that rivals the world’s best.

“The strength of Sheikh Mohammed’s vision and his steadfast determination to make it a reality have enabled Dubai to overcome the most complex global challenges, including the repercussions of the recent worldwide health crisis, to create a destination that offers rich value for travellers whether they are visiting for leisure or business.”

Best Q1 performance in the sector since the pandemic

According to the DET data, the number of visitors during the first quarter of 2022 reflected the best Q1 performance since the global pandemic, creating a clear pathway for the city to progress towards its goal of becoming the world’s most visited destination.

Sheikh Hamdan added: “The exceptional number of visitors in the first three months of the year is testament to the fact that Dubai is at the forefront of global tourism recovery. These results attest to the emirate’s ability to develop a compelling new value proposition in a changed global environment and create innovative new offerings that meet the needs and preferences of the most discerning global travellers.

“In addition, the vast global diversity of its visitors reflects Dubai’s appeal as a destination that cuts across nationalities, regions and continents, and its growing status as a city that bridges global markets and cultures.”

March 2022 was a particularly exceptional month for post-pandemic tourism arrivals, as the city welcomed 1.78 million international visitors, a 11 percent increase over pre-pandemic visitation.

The city welcomed 1.61 million overnight visitors in March 2019. The emirate’s impressive Q1 2022 results also include a stellar performance by hotels that saw significant growth across key hospitality metrics.

The director general of the DET, Helal Saeed Almarri, said: “Spearheaded by the visionary leadership and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the exceptional performance in Q1 2022 cements the emirate’s position as the destination of choice for international travellers and lays a solid groundwork for the city to deliver sustainable growth.

“The hugely successful Expo 2020 Dubai, alongside a compelling portfolio of leisure and business events in the first three months of this year, has firmly placed the city on the world stage, while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global economy and tourism hub.”

Almarri added: “Since leading global tourism recovery with the reopening of the city to international travellers in July 2020, Dubai has only gone from strength to strength, building on the momentum year on year by carefully calibrating a multi-pronged approach with the support of our valued ecosystem of stakeholders and partners to ensure the city remains open, safe and accessible. With our result-oriented strategy becoming a role model for recovery, we are delighted to welcome the world as it yearns to be a part of Dubai’s successful tourism journey.

“While these critical metrics of Q1 2022 allow us to benchmark our progress, we will seek to broaden Dubai’s global appeal to new and diversified market segments, and focus on encouraging greater length of stay and repeat visitation. And as we move forward through 2022, we will also continually strive to achieve Dubai’s vision to become the most sought-after travel destination and the best city in the world to live in and work,” Almarri added.

Key metrics from Dubai’s tourism performance in Q1 2022

Dubai’s traditional source markets delivered impressive tourism volumes in the first quarter. Regional markets continued to make an impact on international visitation, further underscoring the success of the emirate’s diversified multi-geographic strategy.

MENA and GCC collectively contributed to 35 percent of the total volumes, reflecting Dubai’s continued appeal to travellers from proximity markets. Catering to the family-dominated GCC tourists were a host of attractions, retail, sporting and entertainment events.

Western Europe accounted for 24 percent of the emirate’s tourism arrivals, while South Asia accounted for 14 percent of total international visitation.

Hotels led robust rebound Dubai hotels achieved significant growth across key hospitality metrics in Q1 2022 with Average Daily Rate (AED649), Guests’ Length of Stay (4.3 nights) and Occupied Room Nights (10.22 million) exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

In Q1 2019, ADR was AED498 while Guests’ Length of Stay was 3.5 nights and Occupied Room Nights was registered at 8.63 million.

Continued domestic and international investment into the sector helped further boost hotel inventory, with an eight per cent increase in the number of hotel establishments and 10 percent growth in the number of rooms compared to the corresponding period in 2021.

The emirate’s visitors and residents are now able to choose from a total of 769 hotel establishments and 140,192 rooms, compared to 716 hotels establishments that were open with 117,434 rooms in Q1 2019.

In the first three months of 2022, hotels achieved average occupancy levels of 82 percent, which is almost on par with the occupancy levels of 84 percent for the same period in 2019.

In terms of hotel occupancy, the emirate ranked No.1 globally in Q1 2022, ahead of other international destinations including London (56.0 percent), New York (55.3 percent) and Paris (51.2 percent), according to data from hotel management analytics firm STR.

Dubai’s reputation as a global gastronomy hub

Dubai’s reputation as a global gastronomy hub was further bolstered by the arrival of the renowned fine dining food critique brand Gault&Millau.

Michelin is also set to launch its first Dubai restaurant guide. It is the second fine dining food critique brand to announce its arrival in the UAE in 2022, following the January announcement that Gault&Millau would launch in the UAE.

Building upon the city’s drive to further diversify its offerings to ensure a broad choice to travellers of all ages and interests, Q1 2022 saw the opening of new attractions and leisure landmarks including the Museum of the Future.

Dubai also continued to capture a raft of awards and recognition from across the industry, elevating the destination’s global reputation.

Dubai’s recent selection as the world’s most popular destination, the No.1 destination for ‘City Lovers’ and No. 4 destination for ‘Food Lovers’ in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2022 speaks volumes to the city’s endless appeal to diverse audiences from around the world.

Furthermore, 16 of Dubai’s restaurants were recognised in the inaugural edition of Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants in February 2022.

Dubai is home to more than 12,000 restaurants and cafes that serve food and beverage drawn from the cultures of over 200 nationalities residing in the city, the state-run news agency, Wam, reported.

Dubai remains committed to maintaining its position as one of the safest destinations in the world, with the UAE being one of the most vaccinated nations with more than 97 per cent of the population vaccinated and achieving No.3 position globally in Bloomberg’s Covid Resilience Ranking.

The chief executive officer of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “Dubai’s continued success as demonstrated by the Q1 2022 results validates the strategic framework that was put in place at the outset of the pandemic to implement the highest levels of health and safety, further reinforcing the trust that UAE residents and global travellers place in the city as one of the safest destinations in the world.

“Our commitment to safety and the strength of our government, public and private sector partnerships, as well as our effective promotional and marketing outreach, have been fundamental in fuelling growth during this period. As we are in the early stages of what promises to be an outstanding year for our tourism industry, we will continue to maintain constant dialogue with both our domestic and international partners to sustain Dubai’s multifaceted global appeal throughout 2022 and beyond.”

8. At the 29th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Shurooq revealed plans to develop two luxury hospitality megaprojects in Sharjah as it looks to boost UAE eco-tourism

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has revealed plans to develop two new megaprojects in the luxury hospitality sector, alongside three other projects that made their debut at the 29th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The developments aim to boost the UAE’s eco-tourism offerings while raising Sharjah’s profile as a leading destination in the region for heritage-inspired travel.

The acting CEO of Shurooq, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, noted that the two new projects announced at Arabian Travel Market 2022 mark an exciting expansion of Shurooq’s portfolio of boutique hospitality offerings in Sharjah.

Al Qaseer said: “Our emirate benefits from a deep-rooted history and rich biodiversity, whose protection and preservation are at the heart of Sharjah’s sustainable development strategies led by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

“Through our existing and upcoming portfolio of projects in eco-travel and luxury hospitality, Shurooq seeks to show the many faces of Sharjah to residents as well as travellers from around the world by creating authentic experiences that respect the environment and promote sustainability”.

The Serai Wing, Bait Khalid bin Ibrahim megaproject

The first of the two Shurooq megaprojects – named The Serai Wing, Bait Khalid bin Ibrahim – draws inspiration from a pearl merchant’s 19th-century family home in the Heart of Sharjah district, which Shurooq is converting into a modern 12-key boutique wing of The Chedi Al Bait.

Launched by Shurooq in 2017 and managed by GHM Hotels, The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, is a 53-key hotel offering luxurious Emirati hospitality and bespoke experiences.

The CEO of GHM, Tommy Lai, said: “The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, is consistently recognised for its excellence and innovation in creating memorable guest experiences, which we are excited to bring to The Serai Wing at Bait Khalid bin Ibrahim as well.

“Our offerings at the new property will be specially curated for family holidays and weekend escapades in GHM’s signature style. We look forward to welcoming visitors to The Serai Wing’s exclusive, transformative spaces which are designed to strengthen social and familial connections, as guests enjoy a luxurious stay and world-class service.”

Scheduled for completion in Q4 of 2022, the property will provide unique insights into traditional Emirati life, taking guests on a journey through the home of a family living in Sharjah, as it was over 100 years ago.

Alongside world-class accommodation and hospitality, additional guest attractions include access to the facilities of the Chedi Al Bait Hotel and access to Heart of Sharjah’s souqs and heritage areas.

Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer added: “Shurooq’s diversified portfolio of projects reflects our mission to enhance long-term investment prospects offered by Sharjah.

“For the stakeholders of the region’s travel and tourism industry – developers, travel councils and commissions, industry leaders, travel agents, and others, hotel operators, businesses and investors – Arabian Travel Market offers a key opportunity to network with us, share best practices, witness ways in which our projects are establishing the benchmark for innovation and sustainability in the travel and luxury hospitality, and finally, explore avenues for investments in Sharjah’s robust and diverse economy – particularly in sectors of leisure, hospitality and travel.”

The Najd Al Meqsar Village megaproject

The second megaproject unveiled by Shurooq has been named the Najd Al Meqsar Village.

Nestled in the mountainous terrains of the coastal city of Khorfakkan, the destination is being developed to bring travellers and residents a brand-new opportunity to experience the emirate’s diverse natural landscapes.

The project will see the development of 13 houses in the 100-year-old Najd Al Meqsar village, which were restored as part of a larger revitalisation project in the Wadi Shie archaeological site by the Sharjah Infrastructure Development Authority (Mubadara).

These houses are being transformed into luxurious heritage-style hotel units by Shurooq.

Within this project, seven hotel units, the 300-year-old Meqsar Fortress – which offers a vantage view of the historic settlement from a height of 220m, a barbecue, outdoor areas, and a mosque, are complete.

As part of the project, Shurooq will also develop nine villas with private pools, private farm villas, hiking trails, horseback riding routes, tracks for electrical club cars, and other attractions.

The chairman of the Initiatives Implementation Authority – Mubadara, Salah bin Butti Al Muhairi, said: “We are committed to working on everything that contributes to the sustainable development and infrastructural growth of the emirate.

“The collaboration with Shurooq to achieve shared goals has manifested itself in the Najd Al Meqsar project, and we are working to bring it to fruition in a way that will enhance Sharjah’s tourism appeal and strengthen its regional and global presence.”

Three eco-hospitality projects being developed by Shurooq

Shurooq’s leadership and innovation in eco-hospitality was also highlighted via three key projects at Arabian Travel Market 2022.

Marking its fifteenth consecutive participation at the region’s leading travel and tourism event, Shurooq showcased three of its most recent eco-tourism projects, including the Lux Al Jabal Resort – a luxurious getaway in Khorfakkan overlooking the Arabian Sea; the Lux Al Bridi Resort in Al Dhaid adjacent to the Sharjah Safari park – the region’s largest wildlife reserve home to 120 species; and Nomad – a glamorous trailer resort experience that Shurooq has introduced to the UAE.

Offering the best in 5-star hospitality, Shurooq’s Lux Al Jabal Resort is being developed on the sloped of the Soueifa mountain and offers 45 eco-friendly 1- and 2-bedroom units including simple and luxury options, and a private royal suite complete with a swimming pool.

The 187,000 square metre project on the slopes of the Al Soueifa mountain will also feature a clifftop restaurant, gym, kids play zone, reception, and lobby, and is set to be complete in 2023.

Shurooq is also developing the Lux Al Bridi Resort, a 5-star hospitality offering in Al Dhaid, Sharjah.

The boutique 35-key property will feature 21 one-bedroom, 8 two-bedroom, and 6 three-bedrooms units, in addition to a gym, spa and pool, a restaurant, and a kids club.

The resort is scheduled for a 2023 opening and is situated adjacent to the Sharjah Safari project – the largest conservation park in the region and home to the biggest wildlife safari in the world outside Africa.

Shurooq is partnering with Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) to ensure that the wild species inhabiting the park receive the best treatment. The two entities will collaborate to curate unique guest interactions with the wild.

Once complete, these two destinations will be managed by leading global hotel operator, the LUX Collective, headquartered in Singapore.

The third project showcased by Shurooq at ATM 2022 is Nomad by Mysk. A collection of 20 fully-equipped trailers designed to complement their natural surroundings will dot the sandy beaches of Al Hamriyah.

The authority stated that Nomad will start welcoming guests later this year, who will be treated to an offbeat escape, an exciting array of water sports and other beach activities.

Mysk by Shaza, which has been successfully managing and operating Shurooq’s ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand, has been appointed to manage and operate Nomad and the Najd Al Meqsar Village.

The two properties join the Sharjah Collection’s portfolio of distinctive boutique hotels and ecoretreats that dot key locations throughout the emirate and have been designed by Shurooq to enable guests unique and diverse close-to-nature experiences.

The executive vice president at Shaza Hotels, Sanjiv Malhotra, said: “Shaza Hotels was elated to launch the Mysk Retreats for the Sharjah Collection in 2019, long before the urban escapes segment was a thing.

“We are now honoured to work with Shurooq to enhance the offering by adding Nomad and Najd Al Meqsar to the growing collection of experiential living, far from the madding crowd set in beautiful locales.”

9. Harmonising Air Travel: Saudi’s new framework to make global travel simpler, easier, and more fun

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has revealed its Harmonising Air Travel policy – a framework that aims to make international travel simpler, easier, and more enjoyable by removing all confusion regarding travel requirements, which are currently discouraging millions of people from booking flights.

Designed in cooperation with the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the proposed framework will involve the creation of a single, clear, up-to-date online resource setting out requirements for entry to all participating countries.

The policy will be submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) General Assembly with the objective of receiving approval from Member States in October 2022.

GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Duailej said: “The pandemic exposed how disconnected the world really is. Our research shows that many people chose not to travel in 2021 – and will not travel in 2022 – because of confusing health requirements to get from country to country.  We are delighted to launch the Harmonising Air Travel policy, a proposed framework that will unify and strengthen our industry by enabling it to navigate future health crises.

“Aviation is the lifeblood of the global economy, and it is crucial to safeguard it from future disruption. The Harmonising Air Travel policy framework demonstrates the leadership role Saudi Arabia is taking to ensure that the sector thrives in the years to come.”

According to recent YouGov research, currently 32 percent of Americans, 47 percent of people in the Gulf, 40 percent of people in Italy and 40 percent of people in the UK say confusion over health requirements will prevent them from travelling in 2022.

Saudi Arabia’s latest policy will create a harmonised international reporting mechanism for health crises using purpose-built digital communications tools, world-class governance and coordination processes, and a system that will facilitate universal compliance, such as a globally-recognised Digital Health certificate.

As a result, travelers will have access to clear guidelines and requirements needed to get from origin to arrival.

The universal platform will be able to integrate all existing international aviation and government-to-government health crises communication systems.

The Harmonising Air Travel policy white paper was launched at the inaugural Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh.

Hosted by GACA, global leaders, aviation heads and regulators convened to find solutions to the sector’s greatest challenges – including passenger experience, sustainability and business recovery post-Covid.

10. Dubai’s DXB airport expects 58.3 million travellers in 2022 as global air connectivity rises

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has raised its strong outlook for 2022, with annual traffic now projected to reach 58.3 million, exceeding initial forecasts by a significant margin.

The airport recorded the busiest quarter since 2020 with 13.6 million passengers travelling through DXB in the first quarter of 2022, indicating that traffic recovery is gaining momentum at the world’s busiest international hub.

This is the second consecutive quarter when passenger traffic at DXB has surpassed the 10-million mark.

The CEO of Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, said: “DXB’s performance over the past successive quarters is nothing short of impressive and is a direct outcome of Dubai’s clear strategy and efforts to restore international air connectivity and mobility and lead the global aviation industry out of an unprecedented crisis.

“While the recovery was initially led by point-to-point traffic, which continues to exceed pre-pandemic levels, the opening of international travel across many key markets has enabled transfer traffic to rebound to 60 percent of 2019 levels.”

Key facts and figures

Bolstered by traffic of 5.5 million travellers in March 2022, DXB’s passenger volumes rose 15.7 percent in the January-March period, compared to the final quarter of 2021.

Comparing to the previous year, DXB’s passenger traffic of 13.6 million in Q1 2022 is considerably higher than 5.7 million passengers in the first quarter of 2021.

DXB is currently connected to 193 destinations across 92 countries via 73 scheduled international carriers.

In terms of cargo, DXB handled a total of 519,555 tonnes of cargo during the first three months of 2022, a contraction of 15.5 percent compared to the previous quarter, during which the hub recorded 614,834 tonnes of airfreight.

Flight movements during the first quarter totalled 81,966, an increase of 5.8 percent compared to the last quarter of 2021, during which 77,475 flights were recorded at DXB.

India held its longstanding position as DXB’s top destination country with passenger traffic reaching 1.6 million, followed by Saudi Arabia at 1.1 million, Pakistan at 997,000, and the UK at 934,000 passengers.

The top three cities in terms of passenger numbers were London at 617,000 passengers, Riyadh at 517,000 travellers, Jeddah at 337,000 passengers, and Istanbul at 324,000 passengers.