Dubai’s tourism industry is hotter than the desert sand in July, and with a record-breaking 17.15 million visitors in 2023, that’s serious revenue for hotel investors. This data exceeded its previous peak of 16.73 million in 2019 and the 14.36 million recorded in 2022. The years 2020 and 2021 saw a slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the stats were not recorded.
The below chart gives a quick view of how Dubai’s tourism industry continues to thrive, with 2023 marking a new milestone.
Tourism’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP nearly doubled in 2023 compared to 2021, reaching an impressive 36.1%. This demonstrates the sector’s significant economic impact.
The UAE’s National Tourism Strategy 2031 sets sky-high targets: boosting tourism’s GDP contribution by AED 450 billion, attracting AED 100 billion in investments, and welcoming a staggering 40 million hotel guests annually by 2031. (Source: Cavendish Maxwell)
The above chart illustrates the growth in Dubai’s hospitality building supply from 2019 to 2023. It shows a promising sign for anyone considering starting a hotel business in Dubai, as it indicates strong growth potential and numerous business opportunities in the region. Additionally, the government offers attractive incentives, such as tax breaks and streamlined procedures, making it easier to establish a hotel business in Dubai.
So, are you ready? If you are among the several investors wanting to start a hotel business in Dubai, then here are the factors and requirements you need to know!
Here Is How You Can Start A Hotel Business In Dubai
1. Follow Standard Procedures
Dubai has specific legal and judicial requirements that are more or less similar for all businesses and industries. However, there are several discrepancies in terms of the requirements for a hotel business in Dubai.
For example: A hotel business needs to acquire a tourism license in Dubai, while most businesses need a trade license. Thus, do not simply follow the same procedures, rather check, gauge and know the variances.
2. Appoint A Manager
Establishing a hotel business in Dubai requires a manager that has relevant qualification and approved certification, through which he/she can hold the given position. The manager play an important role in terms of ascertaining the requirements of the hotel industry as well as will also aid through the process of initial approval and licensing for the hotel business in Dubai.
3. Get The Initial Approval
After you know the provisions as well as the variances get the initial approval. To acquire an initial approval for a hotel business in Dubai you would require:
- An application form from the DED.
- Passport copy and IDs of the applicants.
- Location blueprints, plot maps and ‘building completion certificate’ for the hotel property.
- Classification card for the hotel business.
- Passport copy of the Manager with educational certification and experience letters.
- DTCM (Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing) approved ‘certificate of good conduct.’
- Approval from the Dubai general police headquarters.
4. Get The License
A tourism license in Dubai is required for a hotel business. To get a license a list of paperwork and approvals are needed, a gist of them are as follows;
- Fee receipt of the initial approval
- Trade name certificated and related payment receipts
- ‘No objection certificate’ in case of an international group or brand of hotels
- Minimum three-months of tenancy contract approved by the landlord
- Ejari certification for the hotel property
- Documents required for the initial approval and pertinent certifications
- Consent from the Dubai Municipality and related judicial bodies for sanitation, waste management, public health, etc.
5. Print The License
The DTMC offers eservices through which you can print the license or collect it at the counter, to make things easier you can also appoint a business setup service provider, who would do the needful for you.
Ultimately, to get your tourism license in Dubai you need all the information and documents at hand mentioned above with the receipts made for the permissions and the license fee. Once verified, the applicant can collect the licensee from DTMC.
Ready to capitalize on this thriving market?
Safari Star Business Setup Consultants can help you navigate the process seamlessly. We offer comprehensive guidance on setting up your hotel business in Dubai, ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
With our expertise, you can be confident in your investment and prepare to welcome your share of Dubai’s millions of visitors.
Contact Safari Star today and turn your Dubai hospitality dream into reality!
