In pictures: Dubai hotels anticipate winter rebound, expect up to 30% price surge amid strong bookings

Dubai hotels expect to close in on pre-pandemic numbers this winter, driven by solid bookings from India and Europe.

Since visit visa applications for African countries like Nigeria and Kenya opened up, hotels are anticipating good group movements compared to last year.

Hoteliers are banking on MICE events such as Gitex 2023, ADIPEC, and COP28 to boost year-end performance, supported by robust forward bookings.

Hotel prices in Dubai may surge by 20-23 per cent, while other emirates like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah could witness price increases of 15-20 per cent, says Godfrey Lopez of Uranus Travels.

Preferred tourist areas this year include Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Downtown, JVC, JBR, JLT, and Palm Jumeirah.

Five-star hotels offer rates ranging from Dh600 to Dh1,400 per night for November 1, with super-premium properties starting at Dh1,700.

Four-star hotels range from Dh350 to Dh800 per night for two, but prices may rise by up to 25 per cent in December.

For October 15, five-star hotel rates start at Dh1,200, with VAT from Dh300 to Dh700. Most of the rooms in this category are running low on availability. Local booking sites show ‘only a few rooms left’.

Four-star hotels are priced from Dh700 to Dh1,130 (excluding VAT) and offer flexible booking options.

Hotels near Expo City Dubai (Dubai Investment Park, Al Furjan, and Jumeirah Golf Estate) could raise prices by up to 30 per cent due to COP28.

Experts recommend early October bookings for November and December travel, especially with winter's peak season and international events in Dubai.

Budget-conscious travellers can consider hotel apartments as an option.

Hotel apartments, available in various areas, are best booked in advance to secure favourable rates, as prices may increase by up to 30 per cent, given their popularity among group travellers.