Hotel Issues
One of the main limitations hindering Dubai currently is the hotel market, admits Bachar. “Dubai World Trade Centre is fantastic, they are very flexible and they do whatever they can to compete on a global scale from a pricing and value standpoint, but some companies are really looking for big hotels, and we don’t have them yet.”
Bachar explains that Dubai is suffering from a lack of ‘transitional hotels’ — those which are capable of self containing congresses which could go up to 2000 delegates. “Just to say we have 700-odd hotels and hotel apartments here is one thing, but you really have to look at the dynamics of the hotels that are interested in this business.”
“Most [congresses] are in that 500 to 1500-delegate range – they are forced to go into a convention centre,” he says.
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“In North America, Europe and coming up in Asia, there are lots of hotels that can self-contain those events,” Bachar explains. “A hotel is sometimes a more affordable option, as you’re able to give them revenue from the room, F&B and outlets, whereas a convention centre is dependent on rental and food and beverage and insularly revenues.”
The first big transitional hotel will be the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. “A lot of our hotel options are there for 500 delegates, but getting above 1000, options are limited, so this will add a completely new dimension. The Conrad will also have a vast amount of convention space, which will be great as well,” he explains.
“If we were building the perfect hotel set up in Dubai, we’d have another three or four of those big transitional hotels. They have 15 to 20 across the US where you could easily accommodate groups of 2000 people, and they are very, very popular.”
As for the next year, Bachar reveals that in January, it will be launching new branding, just prior to its 10th anniversary in February. However, in the meantime, he offers some advice for hotels: the convention sector is only going to continue to grow, “so keep in mind the MICE industry as you continue to do your forecasting and business plans, as it’s an important business sector for the city and its hotels”.
Dubai's upcoming convention highlights
Clean Middle East Pulire, Nov 27 – 29
The international show on cleanliness and hygiene aims to create awareness about scientific cleaning practices, and allows companies to showcase products, technologies and services to potential buyers in the Middle East.
China Homelife Show, Dec 4 – 6
This fair aims to be the largest platform for home products from China in Middle East, and will try to help lead Chinese enterprises to find a ‘new silk road’ by themselves.
The Middle East Com Telco Summit, Dec 4 – 5
The perfect place for all telecoms, media and ICT players to discuss the changing realities of the ever more complex market and to gain insight from the most innovative companies who are succeeding in this increasingly competitive arena.
Global Entrepreneurship Summit, Dec 11 – 12
Offering key stakeholders clear insight into the regional new business climate in a constructive and peer-to-peer setting, the show provides entrepreneurs and SMEs access to institutional and private investors seeking to explore new business alliances.
Indian Property Show, Dec 13 – 15
With more than 300 projects exhibited by over 70 developers, attendees will be able to see a spectrum of properties available, different investment options, financing sources, Vaastu consultations and sort out legal queries on the Indian property market.
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