Dubai’s Hotel Landscape Set to Soar Past Vegas: Aiming for 200,000 Rooms by Decade’s End

Dubai is poised to achieve a significant milestone by reaching 200,000 hotel rooms by the close of this decade, according to global hospitality industry leaders. Sébastien Bazin, the Group Chairman and CEO of Accor, expressed confidence in this projection, emphasizing the robust tourism plans in place across Gulf countries. Speaking at the Skift Global Forum East in Dubai, Bazin dismissed concerns of overcapacity, attributing the region’s success to a well-crafted tourism strategy.

Timothy Kelly, President of Atlantis Global, echoed this sentiment, predicting that Dubai will soon surpass Las Vegas in hotel room numbers. Kelly highlighted the emirate’s remarkable growth in tourist arrivals and the continuous influx of new hotels. Presently boasting 146,496 rooms across 804 establishments, Dubai’s hotel inventory is expected to reach around 160,000 rooms in the next 2-3 years and approach 200,000 by the decade’s end.

Kelly emphasized that Dubai’s unique success lies in both the increasing supply of properties and the corresponding demand, fueled by the emirate’s exceptional infrastructure and collaborative partnerships. Acknowledging Dubai’s distinct approach, he noted the government’s supportive role and the camaraderie among businesses.

He asserted that other global cities would find it challenging to catch up with Dubai in the coming decade due to the emirate’s exceptional combination of skills, infrastructure, and a skilled workforce. Kelly emphasized the integral role of the government as a reliable partner, setting Dubai apart as a final frontier in the hospitality sector.

The growth in hotel inventory aligns with Dubai’s continuous efforts to position itself as a leading global destination. As the city evolves into a hospitality hub, it leverages strategic planning, infrastructure development, and collaborative partnerships to outpace other renowned global destinations. With Dubai’s trajectory firmly set, it emerges as a beacon in the hospitality landscape, underlining its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the industry.