Dubai showcases its affordable luxury

For many years, Dubai has worked to earn its reputation as one of the world’s leading luxury destinations, with its pioneering spirit and the development of myriad unparalleled attractions. Numerous high-profile projects such as the recently unveiled Atlantis, The Palm and the iconic Burj Al Arab have led the world in the quality of hospitality that they offer, where visitors can expect the best.

With so many trailblazing projects, Dubai’s popularity continues to grow, and the government has been sure to develop a highly desirable, increasingly diversified premium tourism product, to meet the needs of an ever expanding audience. With this in mind, Dubai’s plethora of prestigious developments has been joined by a new breed, of quality ‘affordable luxury’ accommodation.

Recognising the need to appeal to different markets, Dubai has developed a range of hotels, providing a highly-desirable yet affordable alternative to travellers. And, the emirate’s low-cost options retain the exceptional quality of service and facilities for which Dubai is renowned. These ‘affordable luxury’ options include a Premier Inn, which opened earlier in 2008, as well as three Holiday Inn Express hotels and two Ibis hotels all of which are geographically spread throughout Dubai. And, in addition to this, a further two Ibis hotels are due to open in the first half of 2009, expanding the emirate’s cost-effective accommodation option further.

To accompany the accommodation, Dubai has also developed a range of affordable dining and shopping options. Many of the malls offer big name brands at reduced, tax-free prices particularly at the Dubai Outlet Mall, and the traditional souks also provide an opportunity for visitors to pick up authentic Arabian goods at very reasonable and negotiable prices. The malls also boast a range of ‘cheap eats’ for those looking for a quick pit-stop during a hard day’s shopping, while street stalls and local bistros offer visitors the chance to sample local specialties at a very reasonable rate. And with a plethora of taxis and abras (water taxis), visitors can easily – and inexpensively – navigate the city.

The emirate’s geographical location is also one of its greatest assets, rendering it easily accessible from all four corners of the globe. And the UK is particularly well-appointed, with some 138 direct flights a week from across the country.

Dubai’s popularity continues to grow, despite the problems facing the world’s economies, with the UK remaining the largest source market and recording an impressive 9.2 per cent increase in visitors during the first three quarters of 2008. This confidence and appeal in the emirate means that Dubai is well on the way to achieving its projected annual visitor figures in excess of 800,000.

Commenting on Dubai’s predictions for 2009, Ian Scott, UK and Ireland director of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing, reveals that “Dubai remains a hugely popular business and leisure destination, the destination of choice for discerning travellers who seek a fail-safe, world-class holiday experience. The emirate is continually evolving and expanding to meet and grow consumer demand, and this is reflected in the quality of new projects that are regularly unveiled.

“Easily accessible, with year-round sunshine and a suburb quality of experience, Dubai can offer the affordable solution for holidaymakers seeking a longer-haul break. People may be taking fewer holidays, however they will be looking to expect the best from their travel experiences, and excellence is what we have come to expect from Dubai’s offering.”

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