Travel And Tourism in the United Arab Emirates
Euromonitor International's Travel And Tourism in the United Arab Emirates report offers a comprehensive guide to the market at a national level. It looks at travel accommodation, transportation, car rental, tourist attractions and retail travel. It identifies the leading companies and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market, including background information on disposable income, annual leave and holiday taking habits.
Buy online to access strategic market analysis and an interactive statistical database of market size data for travel accommodation, transportation, car rental, travel retail, tourism attractions and health and wellness tourism, tourism inflows and outflows, tourism spending and company and brand shares.
Tables: 99 | Publication date: Sep 2009
Why buy this report
- Get insight into trends in market performance
- Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change
- Identify market and brand leaders and understand the competitive environment
Product coverage
Car rental; Demand factors; Health & wellness tourism; Tourism flows domestic; Tourism flows inbound; Tourism flows outbound; Tourism receipts and expenditure; Tourist attractions; Transportation; Travel accommodation; Travel retail
Executive summary
The 2008 “speed bump”
Despite the global economic crisis and fears of a slowdown in the global travel and tourism industry, growth continued in the UAE’s travel and tourism industry during 2008. Growth rates were sometimes slower, notably in terms of outbound tourism flows and tourism spending, and sometimes stagnating, notably for inbound tourism flows, travel accommodation, car rentals and transportation. Tourism developments and plans carried on, with many new hotels opening in 2008, while Abu Dhabi unveiled a new plan for the development of tourism which revealed its ambition to focus on the high-end and MICE segments. In the meantime, Dubai further entrenched its position as the year-round “shopping capital” of the region, with the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Dubai Summer Surprises registering a record number of visitors.
Airlines flying against the wind
The UAE’s air transport niche performed well in 2008, and UAE Airlines seem to be among the top performers in the world during that year. Both Emirates Airlines and Etihad ordered a large number of aircraft, as they seek more growth in terms of destinations served and frequency. Both airlines registered strong revenues in 2008, unlike most of the global airlines, which are in crisis and struggling against the rising cost of oil, environmental concerns and the global economic crisis. Air Arabia, the UAE’s main low-cost carrier, also performed well in 2008, and newcomer flydubai is set to enhance the industry’s competitiveness in 2009.
Hotels: the winning portfolio
With rising demand, the supply of hotels is often insufficient, especially during major conferences, events and festivals taking place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. New developments are therefore always welcomed. Among all major players, one seems to have truly grasped the specific needs and expectations of customers in this part of the world: Rotana Hotels engaged in a re-branding and new product launch strategy during 2008, whereby the group re-branded its suites to “Ajraan”, introduced a new low-cost business brand “Centro”, and a new Sharia’ compliant brand – “Rayhaan”. This diversification and expansion into different areas gave Rotana the leading position in the UAE.
Betting on the region
As the economy is shaky and inflation high, residents of the GCC countries and the Middle East are increasingly likely to take holidays in nearby destinations where they can enjoy cheaper holidays and spend less money on airline tickets. This adds to the large number of business travellers who live in the region and do business within the GCC and Middle East, taking regular trips to neighbouring markets. Intra-regional travel is therefore picking up growth faster than ever before, and will drive developments in coming years.
To fear or not to fear
The future is bright for the UAE, and despite the global economic crisis, the Middle East is likely to bounce back from a slowdown in 2008, as much of the slowdown in this part of the world was a mere “reaction” which is likely to readjust during 2009. The main threat for the UAE and a key challenge is the rising inflation which may impede growth and affect the UAE’s competitiveness as a tourist destination. Confidence in the UAE nevertheless remains strong, as projects are plentiful, and the influx of expatriates living and working in the region is relentless, and expected to grow even stronger as the crisis in the west drives more citizens to live and work the country. Massive tourism developments such as Dubailand, the Al Makhtoum Airport – set to be the largest in the world – Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Islands, and many others, are setting the stage for more growth in coming years.
Table of contents
TRAVEL AND TOURISM IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES : MARKET INSIGHT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The 2008 “speed bump”
Airlines flying against the wind
Hotels: the winning portfolio
Betting on the region
To fear or not to fear
KEY TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS
Economic Indicators
Legislative Environment – Visa Regimes
Legislative Environment – Gambling
Government tourism policy
Sustainable Tourism
Consumer Lifestyles
Low-cost Carriers
Emerging Niches
Internet Developments
TERRORISM AND SECURITY
LEAVE ENTITLEMENT
CONSUMER DEMOGRAPHICS
BALANCE OF PAYMENTS
MARKET INDICATORS
Table 1 Leave Entitlement: Volume 2005-2008
Table 2 Holiday Demographic Trends 2003-2008
Table 3 Holiday Takers by Sex 2003-2008
Table 4 Holiday Takers by Age 2003-2008
Table 5 Length of Domestic Trips: 2003-2008
Table 6 Length of Outbound Departure: 2003-2008
Table 7 Seasonality of Trips 2005-2008
MARKET DATA
Table 8 Balance of Tourism Payments: Value 2003-2008
DEFINITIONS
Tourism parameters
Travel accommodation
Transportation
Car rental
Travel retail
Tourist attractions
Health and wellness
Internet sales
Internet sales: dynamic packaging
Internet sales: traditional package holiday
Summary 1 Research Sources
LOCAL COMPANY PROFILES - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
ABU DHABI NATIONAL HOTELS (ADNH) - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 2 Abu Dhabi National Hotels: Key Facts
Summary 3 Abu Dhabi National Hotels: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
EMIRATES AIRLINES - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 4 Emirates Airlines: Key Facts
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 5 Emirates Airlines: Competitive Position 2008
RAK AIRWAYS - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 6 RAK Airways: Key Facts
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
ROTANA HOTELS MANAGEMENT CORP LTD - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 7 Rotana Hotel Management: Key Facts
Summary 8 Rotana Hotel Management: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 9 Rotana: Competitive Position 2008
TOURISM FLOWS INBOUND IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
INBOUND DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
MODE OF TRANSPORT
PURPOSE OF VISIT
CITY ARRIVALS
INCOMING TOURIST RECEIPTS BY COUNTRY
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 9 Arrivals by City in the United Arab Emirates 2007/2008
Table 10 Arrivals by Country of Origin: 2003-2008
Table 11 Leisure Arrivals by Type 2005-2008
Table 12 Business Arrivals: MICE Penetration 2005-2008
Table 13 Arrivals by Method of Transport: 2003-2008
Table 14 Arrivals by Purpose of Visit: 2003-2008
Table 15 Incoming Tourist Receipts by Country: Value 2003-2008
Table 16 Tourism Expenditure by Sector: Value 2003-2008
Table 17 Method of Payments for Incoming Tourist Receipts: % Breakdown 2005-2008
Table 18 Forecast Arrivals by Country of Origin: 2008-2013
Table 19 Forecast Arrivals by Method of Transport: 2008-2013
Table 20 Forecast Arrivals by Purpose of Visit: 2008-2013
Table 21 Forecast Incoming Tourist Receipts by Country: Value 2008-2013
TOURISM FLOWS OUTBOUND IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
DESTINATIONS
OUTBOUND DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
MODE OF TRANSPORT
PURPOSE OF VISIT
OUTGOING TOURIST EXPENDITURE BY COUNTRY
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 22 Departures by Destination: 2003-2008
Table 23 Leisure Departures by Type 2005-2008
Table 24 Business Departures: MICE Penetration % Breakdown 2005-2008
Table 25 Departures by Method of Transport: 2003-2008
Table 26 Departures by Purpose of Visit: 2003-2008
Table 27 Outgoing Tourist Expenditure by Country: Value 2003-2008
Table 28 Outgoing Tourist Expenditure by Sector: Value 2003-2008
Table 29 Method of Payments for Outgoing Tourism Spending: % Breakdown 2005-2008
Table 30 Forecast Departures by Destination: 2008-2013
Table 31 Forecast Departures by Method of Transport: 2008-2013
Table 32 Forecast Departures by Purpose of Visit: 2008-2013
Table 33 Forecast Outgoing Tourist Expenditure by Country: Value 2008-2013
TOURISM FLOWS DOMESTIC IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
DESTINATIONS
MODE OF TRANSPORT
PURPOSE OF VISIT
DOMESTIC TOURIST EXPENDITURE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 34 Domestic Trips by Destination: 2003-2008
Table 35 Domestic Trips by Purpose of Visit and by Method of Transport: 2003-2008
Table 36 Domestic Tourist Expenditure: Value: 2003-2008
Table 37 Method of Payments for Domestic Tourism Spending: % Breakdown 2005-2008
Table 38 Forecast Domestic Trips by Purpose of Visit and by Method of Transport: 2008-2013
Table 39 Forecast Domestic Tourist Expenditure: Value: 2008-2013
TRAVEL ACCOMMODATION IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
HOTELS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 40 Hotel Performance in United Arab Emirates 2007/2008
Table 41 Travel Accommodation Sales by Sector: Value 2003-2008
Table 42 Travel Accommodation Outlets by Sector: Units 2003-2008
Table 43 Travel Accommodation by Sector: Number of Rooms 2003-2008
Table 44 Regional Hotel Parameters 2008
Table 45 Travel Accommodation Sales: Internet Transaction Value 2003-2008
Table 46 Hotel National Brand Owners by Market Share 2004-2008
Table 47 Hotels National Brand Owners by Key Performance Indicators 2008
Table 48 Forecast Travel Accommodation Sales by Sector: Value 2008-2013
Table 49 Forecast Travel Accommodation Outlets by Sector: Units 2008-2013
Table 50 Forecast Travel Accommodation Sales: Internet Transaction Value 2008-2013
TRANSPORTATION IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
AIRLINES
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 51 Transportation Sales by Sector: Value 2003-2008
Table 52 Airline Capacity: 2003-2008
Table 53 Airline Utilisation: 2003-2008
Table 54 Airline Passengers Carried by Distance: % Breakdown: 2003-2008
Table 55 Transportation Sales: Internet Transaction Value 2003-2008
Table 56 Airline Market Shares 2004-2008
Table 57 Airlines National Brand Owners by Key Performance Indicators 2008
Table 58 Forecast Transportation Sales by Sector: Value 2008-2013
Table 59 Forecast Transportation Sales: Internet Transaction Value 2008-2013
CAR RENTAL IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 60 Car Rental Sales by Sector and Location: Value 2003-2008
Table 61 Structure of Car Rental Market: 2003-2008
Table 62 Average Car Rental Duration by Sector 2004-2008
Table 63 Average Car Rental Duration: % Breakdown 2004-2008
Table 64 Time of Booking: % Breakdown 2005-2008
Table 65 Car Rental Sales: Internet Transaction Value 2003-2008
Table 66 Car Rental Market Shares 2004-2008
Table 67 Car Rental National Brand Owners by Key Performance Indicators 2008
Table 68 Forecast Car Rental Sales by Sector and Location: Value 2008-2013
Table 69 Forecast Car Rental Sales by Sector: Internet Transaction Value 2008-2013
TRAVEL RETAIL IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
GROWTH SECTORS
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 70 Travel Retail Outlets by Sector: Units 2003-2008
Table 71 Travel Retail Products Sales: Value 2003-2008
Table 72 Travel Retail Sales by Destination: % Value Breakdown 2003-2008
Table 73 Travel Retail Online Sales by Sector: Internet Transaction Value 2003-2008
Table 74 Travel Retail Products Market Shares 2004-2008
Table 75 Travel Retail Products National Brand Owners by Key Performance Indicators 2008
Table 76 Forecast Travel Retail Outlets by Sector: Units 2008-2013
Table 77 Forecast Travel Retail Products Sales: Value 2008-2013
Table 78 Forecast Travel Retail Online Sales by Sector: Internet Transaction Value 2008-2013
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Dubai Shopping Festival
Dubai Summer Surprises
Ski Dubai
Jumeirah Beach Park
Creek Side Park
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 79 Tourist Attractions Sales by Sector: Value 2003-2008
Table 80 Tourist Attractions Visitors by Sector: 2003-2008
Table 81 Tourist Attractions Sales: Internet Transaction Value 2003-2008
Table 82 Leading Tourist Attractions by Visitors 2003-2008
Table 83 Forecast Tourist Attractions Sales by Sector: Value 2008-2013
Table 84 Forecast Tourist Attractions Visitors by Sector: 2008-2013
Table 85 Forecast Tourist Attractions Sales: Internet Transaction Value 2008-2013
HEALTH & WELLNESS TOURISM IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 86 Number of Hotel/Resort Spas: Units 2003-2008
Table 87 Health & Wellness Tourism Sales by Type: Value 2003-2008
Table 88 Spa Consumer Markets: Domestic Tourism 2005-2008
Table 89 Spa Consumer Markets: Arrivals 2005-2008
Table 90 Forecast Health & Wellness Tourism Sales by Type: Value 2008-2013