No matter how much you try to convince them that 45-degree temperatures are no time for visiting, you'll find that the relatives will plan a summer break in Dubai regardless.
For some, it's the timing of the school holidays, while others are tempted by the wide range of discounts on offer. But everyone coming to Dubai benefits from great deals on hotels and airfare as travel suppliers collaborate with each other to lay out the red carpet.
"Dubai is the ultimate leisure destination for families, with so many affordable attractions for all ages. "Our promotion offers incentives and savings for families to spend their summer vacation in Dubai," says Russell Sheldon, Senior Vice-President, Network Passenger Sales Development at Emirates airline, which announced its global ‘Summer Smiles' campaign earlier this month. As part of the deal, which runs until September 30, up to two children under the age of 12 travelling with an adult are eligible to receive airfare discounted 50 per cent off the adult fare, complimentary accommodation (minimum three-night stay), meals at hotels, complimentary96-hour visas where required, and free access to various activities around the emirate.
Discount bonanza
Specials are also being rolled out on the accommodation front, where rates are being slashed across the spectrum. At Rotana Hotels and Resorts, summer rates start from Dh250 per room per night across Dubai.
Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts has further lowered already discounted prices across its hotels by 25 per cent. As a result, prices at the brand's Dubai hotels begin at Dh295 per night at the Mövenpick Hotel Deira to Dh425 at the Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach. And at Atlantis, The Palm, until September 30, rates begin at Dh895++ per room, per night, inclusive of unlimited complimentary access to The Lost Chambers, Aquaventure waterpark and preferential rates to the hotel's Dolphin Bay attraction.
At the relatively new Address Dubai Marina, summer rates start at Dh950, says Seema Pande, Area Director of Sales and Marketing. "Summer is comparatively quiet in Dubai due to the weather. However we are looking at around 60 per cent occupancy, which we believe is good for a hotel that is less than two years old," she told GN Focus via email.
But it isn't all just discounted room rates. Some hotels are teaming with other providers to lure travellers into their beds. Corp Executive Hotel Apartments Al Barsha has packaged free vehicle rentals from National Car Rental with welcome meals and discounts on laundry and F&B as part of its Arrive & Drive package, available until September 14. A two-bedroom unit comes in at Dh540++ per night.
"While many visitors are attracted by our convenient location next to the Mall of the Emirates on Shaikh Zayed Road in Dubai, with this offer we are opening up the whole of the UAE to our guests who can take off for the beach, the mountains, the new attractions of Abu Dhabi and the relaxing environment of the East Coast," says General Manager Aamir Pervez. "We offer free parking of course, plus access to our pool, gym and aerobics suite, 24-hour lounge and room service, while the apartment accommodation is both spacious and well-equipped - all adding up to the perfect components for an affordable and comfortable stay in Dubai."
Staff at the JW Marriott have cannily capitalised on Dubai's tallest attraction in a package that runs until December. For Dh1,375++, guests get two nights' stay with breakfast, dinner worth Dh750 for two at the JW Steakhouse, two tickets to the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa and a dhow cruise for two.
More for less
The Fairmont Dubai, meanwhile, has teamed with Mall of the Emirates this summer, offering accommodation, the use of health club facilities and swimming pools, free valet parking and shopping vouchers worth Dh500 from Dh699 per night. The package is valid until August 29 and is based on a minimum stay of three consecutive nights.
Raki Philips is Area Director of Sales and Marketing at Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. He believes the deals will pay off with guests eager for a staycation or a short-haul holiday. "We expect that the staycation phenomenon that we experienced last year will continue as travellers look closer to home this summer. As such we anticipate local residents looking for a quick weekend getaway to GCC travellers exploring the best of shopping and dining in this part of the region," he told GN Focus.
"We foresee fairly strong and consistent occupancies during the summer months as these packages combine very straightforward offerings - breakfast, upgrade to a suite or shopping credit. Overall, we're anticipating increased growth over last year's summer period, given the fact that the summer period is shorter this year which Ramadan falling in August. This is giving the impetus for many GCC travellers to look closer to home for their travels."
Steady occupancy
Bernhard Haechler, General Manager at the Shangri-La Dubai, says 90 per cent of the hotel's guests are expected to come from the GCC over the summer. Rates at the hotel start from Dh600++ and include breakfast as part of a promotion that runs until August 31.
"We are expecting steady occupancy over the summer that is in line with market trends," Haechler says. "When comparing 2010 to 2011 we have seen steady growth that reflects the improved global financial situation."
Pande of The Address is in agreement. "Our target audience is primarily GCC, Europe and Asia. The guests from these market frequent Dubai even during Dubai Summer Surprises, to make the most of the shopping festival."
