Dubai DET, Marriott International sign MoU to strengthen hospitality ecosystem
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Marriott International, one of the world's largest hospitality companies, which aims to further boost the city's international visibility, diversify the destination offering, elevate guest experiences, and nurture next-generation industry talent.
The MoU extends the long-standing collaborative efforts between DET and Marriott International, and marks another important step in advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global destination for business and leisure.
Signed by Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Sandeep Walia, COO, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, the MoU reinforces their commitment to accelerate the growth of the city's tourism and hospitality sectors.
The MoU sets the foundation for potential collaborations whereby Dubai will be prominently promoted to guests worldwide through Marriott International's portfolio of hotels.
In addition, potential joint marketing initiatives including multi-channel advertising, high-impact social media campaigns, and influencer collaborations will spotlight Dubai's unique attractions, cultural heritage, and exceptional experiences, aiming to drive wider international awareness and visitor demand.
Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, said, 'The growth and resilience of our tourism sector is driven by robust strategies and the collective commitment of forward-thinking partners such as Marriott International. The new MoU is inspired by visionary leadership to ensure Dubai remains at the forefront of global tourism and hospitality innovation. By leveraging the reach and expertise of one of the world's most prominent hotel groups, we are amplifying Dubai's global profile and delivering richer experiences to our visitors. As we pursue the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, such alliances embody the spirit of public-private collaboration that define Dubai's continued success in delivering unforgettable experiences to visitors from around the world.'
Sandeep Walia, COO, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, added, 'We are proud to have a portfolio of over 50 hotels in Dubai across all segments – select, premium and luxury, that align with the diversity of experiences the city offers for every type of traveller. DET continues to set an example of unity and cohesion between the public and private sector, and their collaboration has been an integral part of our long-standing legacy and success in this market. We remain committed to working with DET to deliver memorable moments to guests from across the globe and provide them with an opportunity to unlock and discover experiences in this beautiful destination.'
Plans include the integration of Dubai's iconic landmarks, culinary scene, and immersive experiences into Marriott International's seasonal travel packages and within the group's loyalty programme offering. This initiative aims to provide guests with authentic, locally-curated experiences, deepening their connection with the city and supporting Dubai's position as a must-visit destination.
The collaboration between DET and Marriott International highlights the strength of Dubai's public-private partnerships in driving sustained tourism sector growth, evidenced by a robust performance so far in 2025. Dubai welcomed 7.15 million international overnight visitors in the first four months of this year, up 7 percent on the same period last year. This follows a record 18.72 million visitors, who arrived in Dubai in 2024, a 9 percent YoY growth.
To further elevate service standards, DET's Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) will deliver specialised training for hotel staff through its Dubai Way programme, featuring customised training modules focused on customer service excellence, cultural awareness, and guest relations, ensuring that hospitality professionals deliver world-class service tailored to diverse global visitors.
The MoU reflects DET's ongoing efforts to establish meaningful partnerships, including the Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis launched by DCT and Marriott International in March 2025. Through this initiative, students receive exclusive internship and mentorship opportunities with industry leaders, further supporting Dubai's talent development agenda and specifically helping to build a broad pool of home-grown talent for the tourism workforce.
With over 80 properties and 23,000 rooms across 23 renowned brands in the UAE – including 59 properties in Dubai alone – Marriott International continues to play a key role in shaping the city's hospitality landscape. DET's collaboration with Marriott International is part of its broader strategy to engage global industry leaders in shaping a future-ready tourism sector.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
UAE Moments
11 minutes ago
- UAE Moments
From Dubai to Anywhere—It's Now a Pricier Ride
If your summer travel plans suddenly feel too expensive, you're not alone. Airline ticket prices from the UAE to popular destinations have jumped significantly since June 13, as escalating tensions between Israel and Iran force carriers to reroute flights, adding time and fuel costs. Destinations in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America are seeing increases of 15% to 60%, according to fare trackers like Google Flights and Skyscanner. These price hikes are directly tied to airspace restrictions over the conflict zone and rising demand during peak travel season. UAE to India: Summer ritual gets pricey For many Indian expats in the UAE, flying home during summer is a yearly routine. But this year, fares to Mumbai and Delhi have seen a steep surge. One-way tickets that typically cost Dh380 to Dh440 are now reaching Dh800, depending on the airline and date—marking a 50–60% increase. For families, the price gap adds up fast. US routes rerouted, fares soar Flights from the UAE to major US cities like New York and Chicago have also become more expensive. Tickets to New York now average Dh1,210 to Dh1,325, compared to Dh1,030 before June 13. Round-trip fares are crossing Dh2,475, up 15–20%, as airlines take longer routes to avoid Iranian airspace. Africa-bound flights not spared Flights to Nairobi are also affected. One-way tickets have jumped from Dh550 to Dh750, while round-trip prices are now hovering around Dh1,195, up 25% in just a week. Some carriers are adding stopovers to safely navigate around restricted zones, leading to longer travel times and higher costs. Europe, Israel routes feel ripple effects Even European destinations not directly over the conflict area are seeing price increases. Flights to Frankfurt, for example, have gone from Dh750 to Dh950 —a 25% rise —due to congestion on alternate routes. As for Israel, direct flights from Dubai to Tel Aviv have become more expensive and less available. Fares are now around Dh1,080, up 70%, with fewer daily departures and longer layovers. Why flight prices are rising fast With portions of Iranian and Israeli airspace restricted, airlines are rerouting over longer paths—through the Gulf, Central Asia, or Northern Africa. This means longer flight times, higher fuel usage, and fewer available aircraft, all of which drive prices up. The summer travel rush is making it worse. What UAE travelers can do If you're planning to fly soon, book early and track fare trends through platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner. Try to travel midweek or during off-peak hours for possible savings. Also, consider flexible or refundable options, as more changes in flight paths or schedules may occur if regional tensions escalate. Bottom line
Emirates Woman
24 minutes ago
- Emirates Woman
How to declutter your home with this Dubai-based professional organiser
Salam Shaban, professional Dubai-based organizer and founder of Tidymess, discusses how you can reset your space for a successful 2023. What inspired you to enter the organisational space? I always loved organising, so it was something I was eager to learn more about. After seeing the amazing work of Marie Kondo I felt inspired to pursue it more seriously. Once I created a system that worked so well for myself and my family, I felt it was important to share it with others. You launched Tidymess a few years back. What was the initial response to the concept? At the time, it was a very new concept. I found myself having to explain it to most people I knew. Once people started to see my work they thought it was a great idea and encouraged me to pursue it. How have things evolved since you launched? I've been so lucky to have received such a phenomenal response from my clients and social media. This has really helped me grow my business. Every day people hire me and my team to help organize their spaces. We immerse ourselves in their homes and move through their spaces tailoring a highly-functional system. In the beginning, it was difficult to take on large projects, but as my team grew, we are now capable of really helping our clients organise as many spaces in their homes as they need. For those who are having a refresh for a new year, what are your top tips to start organising your space and life? Before buying anything new, take a minute or two to think about where it is going to live in your home and life. Think about how long you will need this item and what will happen to it in the future when you no longer do it. If it is something that you feel will add no real value to your space, then you most probably don't need it. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tidymess (@tidymess_dxb) A particular place where clutter can build is your wardrobe. What is the best way to approach decluttering this space? Ask yourselves questions such as: When was the last time you wore it?; Is it in good condition?; Does it have sentimental value?; Have you worn it in the past year?; Does it fit you properly? Your answers will help you decide whether you want to keep, donate or store away your item. Over the years, what have been the hurdles you've experienced when building the Tidymess concept? Starting any business from scratch is a challenge. In my case, I was starting a business from scratch about a new concept that few people had heard of. I would say bringing my vision to life was a great challenge because it took a while for people to realize the necessity of adopting a new lifestyle for their homes as opposed to seeing my work as simply 'cleaning up' the house. What have been the key milestones? I would say my first milestone was when I was able to bring in a team to help me serve my clients better. Building a team gave me a sense of accomplishment that something I had started on my own was now growing into something more. My second milestone was after having my third child and realizing that I did not need to stop working. It took a lot of mental and emotional energy to see that it was okay for me to keep doing what I loved. Once I started taking on new projects again, I was so proud of myself and happy that I had not just let it go because of my new responsibilities and busy life. What does the future hold for Tidymess? Continue to grow and reach more people. Everyone can be a part of this concept. Whether they want to hire our services, buy our favourite products online or simply gain a few ideas from our social media page. I hope my team and I can help more people organize their spaces and love their homes. What will you be doing to reset your mindset and body for 2023? Keep finding that balance. As a mum of three and founder of a female-owned business, I find myself wearing many hats at once and that can quickly become overwhelming. I just need to keep finding that balance between my home life, work life and also those moments that are just for me. January's – The Reset Issue – Download Now – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Unsplash @hutomo-abrianto
Arabian Business
4 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE real estate: 6 major hotspots to invest in right now, delivering 9% returns
The UAE's real estate sector recorded transactions worth over AED 239 billion (approximately $65 billion) in the first quarter of 2024, according to official figures. Property consultancy Whitewill has identified six locations drawing investor attention during the summer period. According to the analysis, the market favours projects combining lifestyle, location, and financial returns. 1. Dubai Creek Harbour Dubai Creek Harbour continues to generate demand from buyers seeking waterfront properties with access to Downtown Dubai. The development features master-planned waterfront living with green spaces and views of the Dubai Creek Tower. Waterfront apartments in the area start at AED1.45 million, whilst luxury villas exceed AED5 million. The location delivers rental yields between 6 per cent and 6.8 per cent with consistent appreciation rates. The Albero at Green Gate development by AHAD represents a low-rise project within the high-rise zone, offering landscaped privacy and smart layouts designed for end-users. 2. Al Marjan Island Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah has experienced increased demand, particularly ahead of the upcoming Wynn Resort development. The resort will transform the area into a hospitality hub with gaming and entertainment facilities. Property prices begin at AED585,000 for apartments, with ultra-luxury homes reaching AED30 million and above. The location provides rental yields of 8 per cent to 9 per cent and above, with some areas recording over 20 per cent year-on-year appreciation. SORA by AARK exemplifies current developments with hotel-style amenities, sea views, and curated interiors. 3. Business Bay Business Bay continues attracting buyers focused on income-generating assets in central Dubai. The area combines proximity to the Dubai International Financial Centre and Downtown Dubai with access to the Dubai Canal. Studios and one to two-bedroom apartments average AED1.4 million, delivering yields between 6 per cent and 7 per cent with strong resale demand. The Waldorf Astoria Residences provides a branded address combining high-end services with practical living standards. 4. Abu Dhabi Yas Island Yas Island in Abu Dhabi draws buyers seeking leisure amenities alongside family appeal and short-stay rental opportunities. The island features theme parks, golf courses, marinas, and cultural attractions within a planned residential setting. Villas average AED 4.5 million, with apartments priced between AED1.2 million and AED3.8 million. Yields remain steady at 6.5 per cent to 7 per cent. The Waldorf Astoria Yas Island offers waterfront living backed by a hospitality brand. 5. Dubai South Dubai South attracts investors seeking affordability aligned with UAE infrastructure development. The location sits near the planned Al Maktoum Airport International Airport expansion, logistics hubs, and Expo 2020 legacy infrastructure. Off-plan units start at AED 800,000, with projected value growth of 15 per cent to 25 per cent by 2030 and rental returns between 6 per cent and 8 per cent. Al Waha in Expo City features a wellness-focused, car-free community design in the innovation hub. 6. Jumeirah Village Circle Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) remains popular with buyers seeking strong yields without compromising lifestyle elements. The area provides rental income and resident satisfaction. Apartments begin at AED 650,000 and entry-level villas at AED 1.6 million, offering yields between 7 per cent and 8.6 per cent. Consistent rental demand makes the district suitable for first-time investors. Havelock Heights by HMB delivers boutique living with rooftop amenities and rental potential. 'While each area is unique, Al Marjan Island and Dubai South hold exceptional long-term promise. The former is becoming the UAE's entertainment capital with hospitality-led growth, while the latter is powered by airport expansion, creating a foundation for sustained capital growth and end-user migration. Both represent early-stage opportunities in rapidly maturing ecosystems—a perfect fit for investors with vision. While Dubai Creek Harbour and Yas Island remain strong lifestyle markets, the real long-term multiplier effect will come from assets in these high-conviction, underpenetrated districts where supply is still limited and strategic government investment is ongoing,' Whitewill said in a statement.
