WTM 2007 Press Release

World Travel Market stand: ME2000 October 2007
Design to inspire: Dubai’s innovation leads the way

At World Travel Market 2007, Dubai will demonstrate that it remains at the forefront of development with a range of new projects fuelling consumer demand and playing a key role in encouraging the significant growth in international visitor figures to the emirate. In line with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 – the emirate’s vision for positioning Dubai as a global tourist destination – by the year 2010, global visitor figures are expected to reach 15 million from 6.4 million in 2006.

“Dubai is truly setting the pace of innovation with an extensive range of inspirational projects. The diversity of adventurous and pioneering developments that are taking place in the emirate, from the world’s first Armani Hotel to the world’s largest airport highlight the emirate’s bold, forward-thinking attitude to progress, setting it apart from the competition. These projects, to name but a few, make Dubai the dynamic, enlightening and vibrant destination that it is today,” said Khalid bin Sulayem, director general of the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

The diversity of Dubai’s offering leaves visitors fulfilled, with something to suit everyone whether it is in the city, desert, mountains or by the beach. Its pioneering approach to innovative projects and developments means that Dubai provides an experience second to none. And with superior quality at the heart of the emirate’s promise, visitors to Dubai really can expect the best.

Dubai is forging ahead with creating iconic developments that pioneer new holiday experiences, setting it apart from its competitors and maintaining its position as a leading world-class business and leisure travel destination. Among these ground-breaking hotel projects is Atlantis, The Palm, Kerzner International Limited’s 1,539-room destination resort which will be opening at the centre of the crescent on The Palm Jumeirah at the end of 2008. It will boast a 50-acre waterscape, the largest in the region, and an entertainment village with five speciality restaurants including Nobu, a nightclub, and 27,000 square feet of retail outlets. In addition, another 18 hotels with over 5,500 rooms and 930 apartments are scheduled to open in 2008.

The exquisite service offered by all of Dubai’s luxury hotels is first class, allowing visitors to be immersed in the ultimate indulgences. And soon, Dubai will be adding the world’s first Armani Hotel to its extensive portfolio. Located in Burj Dubai (the world’s tallest tower), the Armani Hotel is scheduled to open in early 2009 and will include 175 guest rooms and suites, restaurants and a spa covering more than 40,000 square metres. Alongside the hotel, Burj Dubai will also boast 160 luxury apartments designed by Giorgio Armani.

Another of Dubai’s trailblazing initiatives which has gained worldwide interest is Dubailand, a unique 3 billion sq. ft. multi-use development projected to attract millions of visitors from around the world. A number of projects such as the Al Sahra Resort, parts of Dubai Sports City and the Dubai Autodrome with its Formula 1 racetrack are already operational and this year Universal City has been launched. With 4,000 luxury hotel rooms, 100 restaurants, retail outlets, office space, and an exclusive residential area, the £1 billion Universal City development will cover 22 million sq. ft. The centrepiece will be Universal Studios Dubailand, a specialised theme park, reputed to be among the world’s largest theme parks covering an area of 6.5 million sq. ft. Other elements of Dubailand will include Bawadi – the longest hospitality, shopping and entertainment destination in the world including the world’s largest cluster of hotels with 51 hotels boasting 60,000 rooms including Asia-Asia the world’s biggest hotel with 6,500 rooms.

Expansion plans to further establish the emirate’s position as a gateway to the region are also well underway with Dubai World Central International Airport (JXB) currently being developed, eventually becoming the world’s largest airport. The first runway is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2007, with the first terminals due to open in mid-2008, when cargo flights are expected to be airborne initially. The airport itself will be the hub of an entire aviation city and will be able to handle 120 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo a year when fully operational.

Dubai is the world’s ultimate ‘must-visit’ destination, establishing itself as a global leader in terms of quality, style and luxury. Drawing the attention of a worldwide audience, Dubai creates iconic and innovative developments that establish new holiday experiences and drive visitors to the emirate. Prosperous and assured, Dubai boasts a skyline full of iconic structures, including the Burj al Arab hotel and Burj Dubai, which display the destination’s ambition and success to the world. With more ground-breaking projects on the way, the excitement has only just begun with visitors becoming inspired by Dubai’s offering.

Dubai’s progressive and bold attitude to innovation and development has continued to position it as a leading destination not only in the Middle East but also in the world. With an unrivalled adventurous spirit and rapid pace of development, the emirate offers myriads of exciting and inspirational opportunities for both business and leisure travellers.

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