DUBAI
Average room rates at hotels across the UAE inched up 1.4 per cent in February boosted by higher demand on the back of major events such as the International Defence Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi and Gulfood in Dubai.
According to the latest report by data provider STR, average occupancy rates at the UAE’s hotels rose 6 per cent year-on-year to reach 84 per cent, the highest occupancy rate for a February in the UAE since 2008.
Meanwhile, revenues per available room grew 7.5 per cent to Dh600. Average rates were Dh714 during the month.
Earlier data from STR said room rates in Abu Dhabi jumped nearly 18 per cent year-on-year in February alone to reach Dh577, marking the highest percentage change in the emirate for any month since February 2015. This was driven by demand from the Defence Exhibition and IBTM Arabia.
Elsewhere in the Middle East, average room rates in Jordan fell 5 per cent in February to reach 88 Jordanian dinars. STR said demand levels in Jordan have fluctuated over the past year with decreases as large as nearly 25 per cent and increases as high as 22 per cent.
STR analysts said ongoing security concerns have hindered Jordan’s hotel performance, resulting in a significant occupancy decline of 10 per cent in February to reach 41 per cent.
In the broader Middle East region, average room rates in February fell 1.8 per cent year-on-year to $176, while occupancy rates rose 3.2 per cent around 72 per cent. STR’s report said.
