Forecasting how any sector will fare over the coming years is always fraught with danger. Predictions for the GCC region’s hospitality industry is no exception, as a number of factors such as oil prices and geopolitics will invariably have some part to play.

Most regional commentators agree, however, that occupancy rates — especially in the UAE — are likely to remain stable throughout the coming year. Following this, the region as a whole is expected to experience growth as new developments come online ahead of Expo 2020 in Dubai and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

There are already a number of high-profile developments planned or underway in Dubai. Some 30,000 hotel rooms are expected to be introduced to the Emirate during the course of the next two years.

Commenting on the UAE’s pipeline of hospitality projects, Ross Trivett, general manager of hotels and hospitality at ISG Middle East, says: “It is yet to be seen whether Dubai can sustain the high levels of occupancy for which it is known. Similarly for Abu Dhabi, oversupply in the short term poses some risks; but there has also been a healthy and steady growth in leisure tourism, which is likely to be maintained for the next few years.”

As each Gulf country has its own set of unique options to offer when it comes to hospitality, drawing comparisons can be difficult. Nevertheless, there is one trend that seems to draw all of GCC member states together at present: the need to diversify their hotel offerings.

This trend is likely to see hospitality projects incorporate more affordable and family-oriented accommodation in a bid to attract a wider and more varied customer base. Robert Hawkins, Roda Hotels’ corporate vice president for technical services, says that this diversity forms a key part of his company’s UAE development strategy.

“We have a number of hotel developments underway, and most will include five-, four-, and even three-star offerings,” he reveals.

“Hotels offering a wide range of accommodation, including a lower room-rate option, are the way forward,” he adds.

Roda’s ‘Lifestyle’ hotel concept represents one example of this type of accommodation. The rooms included within this segment will cater to the midscale and affordable sector.

The idea was born out of the belief that affordability should not mean the sacrifice of style or a loss of comfort. The company’s first Lifestyle project is scheduled to open in 2017 as part of Dubai’s Jewel in the Creek master development.

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