The recent award to Dubai as host city for the Expo 2020 has reinforced the general global interest in the Emirate, and this in turn supports the industry as it continues to go from strength to strength. 

According to Dubai Economic Department, Dubai will need to double its hotel supply to accommodate the anticipated 20 million visitors it expects by 2020. 

To support the continued growth, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a series of directives to enhance and streamline hotel investment and development in Dubai.  

These directives range from streamlining approval processes for hotel development with Dubai Municipality, to allocation of government land for development of 3 and 4 star hotels in Dubai, with exemptions on rezoning fees and some Municipality fees for a period of time.  We are awaiting the release of further detail in respect of these directives, and will be reporting on them as soon as the information becomes available.