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: 109 | Publication date: Oct 2008
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
Explosive Growth
The UAE's economy is booming and there seems to be no limit to the growth which is being experienced in the different emirates, notably in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Driven by this growth and by the new developments brought about by economic prosperity, there was a significant increase in tourist arrivals in the UAE in 2007. Tourism numbers are therefore continuing to rise in line with the government's ambitious plans to boost the economy, including tourism. This vision has been spelled out in the 2015 Dubai Strategic Plan and is visible in the efforts of Dubai's and Abu Dhabi's tourism authorities to promote the emirates across the world as viable destinations for tourism. Other emirates are also catching on, with increasing potential seen in Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah, which are also increasingly popular destinations among domestic tourists.
Budget in the UAE?
With the surge of low-cost airlines in the Middle East, the establishment of a new hub for Jazeera in Dubai and unprecedented growth recorded by Air Arabia, sales of low-cost carrier seats increased by 60% in 2007. Growth in the low-cost sector is evidence of growing demand for budget travel in a region that has long neglected budget tourism infrastructure. As such, the structure of tourism arrivals to the UAE is already experiencing a shift towards more budget tourism and decreased perceptions of the UAE as a "luxury only" destination for the rich. In light of this, the easyGroup has already started eyeing the UAE as part of a growth strategy in the Middle East, for its new brand of hotels, easyHotels, as the budget segment becomes a potential growth market for tourism. This will also push travel agencies and tour operators to target tourists from new destinations with packages that are less expensive and offer a different range of accommodation along with low-cost carrier deals.
Where to Stay
The hotel sector is booming in the UAE, with at least 20 new hotels being built each year. Occupancy rates are high. The majority of luxury hotels and hotel chains are found in Dubai, with names such as Jumeirah, Rotana, the Fairmont, Le Meridien, Hyatt and Shangri La.
Aside from traditional and luxury hotels, and in addition to new budget hotel developments in the UAE, a new trend is catching on, with Sharia compliant Islamic hotels targeted at Muslims from across the region travelling in families and who prefer to stay in an environment that is in keeping their values and beliefs. These hotels forbid the consumption of alcohol, for example, and are likely to become popular destinations for Arabs.
Ambitious Developments
One of the most ambitious tourism development projects in the UAE is Abu Dhabi's "Desert Islands" which are being developed in light of the emirate's "eco" orientation and respect for the environmental and heritage legacy of late UAE president, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayn. Abu Dhabi is creating a unique multi-experience tourism destination which blends natural heritage and eco-tourism. The Desert Islands destination expands over Abu Dhabi's western coastline and consists of eight islands offering natural reserves, cultural destinations and environmental conservation tourism, such as the Arabian National Park. The islands are set to become a massive tourist attraction, including a number of high-end travel accommodation and entertainment facilities.
In Dubai, Dubailand is the largest project in the pipeline, including among others the Dubai Sport City, featuring large state-of-the-art stadiums; Motor City; the Great Dubai Wheel; the Islamic Culture; The Global Village; Dubai Heritage Vision and Science World; the Mall of Arabia, which is set to become one of the largest shopping centres in the world, and several other attractions catering mainly to families. The project's first phase is set for completion in 2010, and its strategy and key objectives revolve around attracting tourists from the region and from across the world. This should also lead to a substantial increase in leisure tourist arrivals to the UAE.
The Future of Health and Wellness in the UAE
With increasing dedication to the development of the health and wellness sector in the UAE, and an appropriate infrastructure being developed to support the sector, the country is on track to become a prime destination for health and wellness tourism. Adding to the increasing number of spa hotels and resorts, a major development for medical and health tourism is the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), set for completion in 2010. The DHCC is yet another new city within the city of Dubai which is targeted at the health and wellness industries. The development of the DHCC will drive growth in the health and wellness sector in the coming few years and has already started to operate a number of facilities under phase one of its development. When completed, the DHCC will offer a number of medical teaching institutions, private hospitals and clinics, pharmaceutical offices and research centres, as well as spas and rehabilitation centres. It will also include some residential villas, apartments, and 5-star hotels surrounding an artificial lake, and is designed to promote medical tourism.
Table of contents
TRAVEL AND TOURISM IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES : MARKET INSIGHT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Explosive Growth
Budget in the UAE?
Where to Stay
Ambitious Developments
The Future of Health and Wellness in the UAE
KEY TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS
Economic Indicators
Legislative Environment
Government Tourism Policy and Sustainable Tourism
Consumer Lifestyles
Low-cost Carrier Development
Emerging Niche Sectors
Internet Developments
TERRORISM AND SECURITY
LEAVE ENTITLEMENT
CONSUMER DEMOGRAPHICS
BALANCE OF PAYMENTS
MARKET INDICATORS
Table 1 Leave Entitlement: Volume 2005-2007
Table 2 Holiday Demographic Trends 2002-2007
Table 3 Holiday Takers by Sex 2002-2007
Table 4 Holiday Takers by Age 2002-2007
Table 5 Length of Domestic Trip: 2002-2007
Table 6 Length of Outbound Departure: 2002-2007
Table 7 Seasonality of Trips 2005-2007
MARKET DATA
Table 8 Balance of Tourism Payments: Value 2002-2007
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
Sources
Summary 1 Research Sources
LOCAL COMPANY PROFILES - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
AIR ARABIA - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 2 Air Arabia: Key Facts
Summary 3 Air Arabia: Operational Indicators 2005-2007
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 4 Air Arabia: Competitive Position 2007
DNATA WORLD TRAVEL SERVICES LLC - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 5 DNATA Holidays: Key Facts
Summary 6 DNATA Holidays: Operational Indicators 2005-2007
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 7 DNATA: Competitive Position 2007
ETIHAD AIRWAYS LLC - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 8 Etihad Airways: Key Facts
Summary 9 Etihad Airways: Operational Indicators 2005-2007
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 10 Etihad Airways: Competitive Position 2007
JUMEIRAH INTERNATIONAL LLC - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 11 Jumeirah: Key Facts
Summary 12 Jumeirah: Operational Indicators 2005-2007
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 13 Jumeirah: Competitive Position 2007
ROTANA HOTELS MANAGEMENT CORP LTD - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 14 Rotana: Key Facts
Summary 15 Rotana: Operational Indicators 2005-2007
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 16 Rotana: Competitive Position 2007
TOURISM FLOWS INBOUND IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
INBOUND DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
MODE OF TRANSPORT
PURPOSE OF VISIT
INCOMING TOURIST RECEIPTS BY COUNTRY
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 9 Arrivals by Country of Origin: 2002-2007
Table 10 Leisure Arrivals by Type 2005-2007
Table 11 Business Arrivals: MICE Penetration 2005-2007
Table 12 Arrivals by Method of Transport: 2002-2007
Table 13 Arrivals by Purpose of Visit: 2002-2007
Table 14 Incoming Tourist Receipts by Country: Value 2002-2007
Table 15 Tourism Expenditure by Sector: Value 2002-2007
Table 16 Method of Payments for Incoming Tourist Receipts: % Breakdown 2005-2007
Table 17 Forecast Arrivals by Country of Origin: 2007-2012
Table 18 Forecast Arrivals by Method of Transport: 2007-2012
Table 19 Forecast Arrivals by Purpose of Visit: 2007-2012
Table 20 Forecast Incoming Tourist Receipts by Country: Value 2007-2012
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 21 Departures by Destination: 2002-2007
Table 22 Leisure Departures by Type 2005-2007
Table 23 Business Departures: MICE Penetration % Breakdown 2005-2007
Table 24 Departures by Method of Transport: 2002-2007
Table 25 Departures by Purpose of Visit: 2002-2007
Table 26 Outgoing Tourist Expenditure by Country: Value 2002-2007
Table 27 Outgoing Tourist Expenditure by Sector: Value 2002-2007
Table 28 Method of Payments for Outgoing Tourism Spending: % Breakdown 2005-2007
Table 29 Forecast Departures by Destination: 2007-2012
Table 30 Forecast Departures by Method of Transport: 2007-2012
Table 31 Forecast Departures by Purpose of Visit: 2007-2012
Table 32 Forecast Outgoing Tourist Expenditure by Country: Value 2007-2012
TOURISM FLOWS DOMESTIC IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
DESTINATIONS
MODE OF TRANSPORT
PURPOSE OF VISIT
DOMESTIC TOURIST EXPENDITURE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 33 Domestic Trips by Destination: 2002-2007
Table 34 Domestic Trips by Purpose of Visit and by Method of Transport: 2002-2007
Table 35 Domestic Tourist Expenditure: Value: 2002-2007
Table 36 Expenditure per Domestic Trip: 2002-2007
Table 37 Method of Payments for Domestic Tourism Spending: % Breakdown 2005-2007
Table 38 Forecast Domestic Trips by Purpose of Visit and by Method of Transport: 2007-2012
Table 39 Forecast Domestic Tourist Expenditure: Value: 2007-2012
TRAVEL ACCOMMODATION IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
HOTELS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 40 Travel Accommodation Sales by Sector: Value 2002-2007
Table 41 Travel Accommodation Outlets by Sector: Units 2002-2007
Table 42 Regional Hotel Parameters 2007
Table 43 Travel Accommodation by Sector: Number of Rooms 2002-2007
Table 44 Travel Accommodation by Sector: Number of Beds 2002-2007
Table 45 Travel Accommodation Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2002-2007
Table 46 Hotel National Brand Owners by Market Share 2003-2007
Table 47 Hotels National Brand Owners by Key Performance Indicators 2007
Table 48 Forecast Travel Accommodation Sales by Sector: Value 2007-2012
Table 49 Forecast Travel Accommodation Outlets by Sector: Units 2007-2012
Table 50 Forecast Travel Accommodation Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2007-2012
TRANSPORTATION IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
AIRLINES
PRIVATE JETS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 51 Transportation Sales by Sector: Value 2002-2007
Table 52 Airline Capacity: 2002-2007
Table 53 Airline Utilisation: 2002-2007
Table 54 Airline % Utilisation 2002-2007
Table 55 Airline Volume Sales by Seat Class: % Breakdown: 2002-2007
Table 56 Airline Volume Sales by Distance: % Breakdown: 2002-2007
Table 57 Transportation Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2002-2007
Table 58 Airline Market Shares 2003-2007
Table 59 Airlines National Brand Owners by Key Performance Indicators 2007
Table 60 Forecast Transportation Sales by Sector: Value 2007-2012
Table 61 Forecast Transportation Internet Sales by Sector: Internet Transaction Value 2007-2012
CAR RENTAL IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 62 Car Rental Sales by Sector and Location: Value 2002-2007
Table 63 Structure of Car Rental Market: 2002-2007
Table 64 Average Car Rental Duration by Sector 2004-2007
Table 65 Average Car Rental Duration: % Breakdown 2004-2007
Table 66 Time of Booking: % Breakdown 2005-2007
Table 67 Car Rental Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2002-2007
Table 68 Car Rental Market Shares 2003-2007
Table 69 Car Rental National Brand Owners by Key Performance Indicators 2007
Table 70 Forecast Car Rental Sales by Sector: Value 2007-2012
Table 71 Forecast Car Rental Internet Sales by Sector: Internet Transaction Value 2007-2012
TRAVEL RETAIL IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
GROWTH SECTORS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 72 Travel Retail Outlets by Sector: Units 2002-2007
Table 73 Travel Retail Products Sales: Value 2002-2007
Table 74 Travel Retail Sales by Destination: % Value Breakdown 2002-2007
Table 75 Travel Retail Products Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2002-2007
Table 76 Travel Retail Internet Sales by Sector: Internet Transaction Value 2002-2007
Table 77 Travel Retail Products Market Shares 2003-2007
Table 78 Travel Retail Products National Brand Owners by Key Performance Indicators 2007
Table 79 Forecast Travel Retail Outlets by Sector: Units 2007-2012
Table 80 Forecast Travel Retail Products Sales: Value 2007-2012
Table 81 Forecast Travel Retail Products Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2007-2012
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 82 Tourist Attractions by Sector: Value 2002-2007
Table 83 Tourist Attractions by Sector: 2002-2007
Table 84 Tourist Attractions Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2002-2007
Table 85 Leading Tourist Attractions by Visitors 2002-2007
Table 86 Forecast Tourist Attractions by Sector: Value 2007-2012
Table 87 Forecast Tourist Attractions by Sector: 2007-2012
Table 88 Forecast Tourist Attractions Internet Transaction Value Sales by Sector: Internet Transaction Value 2007-2012
HEALTH & WELLNESS TOURISM IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
HEADLINES
TRENDS
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 89 Number of Hotel/Resort Spas: Units 2002-2007
Table 90 Spa Sales by Type: Value 2002-2007
Table 91 Spa Consumer Markets: Domestic Tourism 2005-2007
Table 92 Spa Consumer Markets: Arrivals 2005-2007
Table 93 Forecast Spa Sales by Type: Value 2007-2012