Sheikh Mohammed emphasises the role of tourism in Dubai’s economic growth

Dubai Ruler visits One&Only One Za’abeel, the first vertical urban resort in the emirate

Strong partnerships between public and private sectors have been key to Dubai’s success in delivering exceptional tourism services and facilities, the Dubai Ruler has said.

During a visit to One&Only One Za’abeel, the first vertical urban resort in Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, highlighted the pivotal role of the tourism sector in Dubai’s economic expansion. He noted the significant growth of the sector in recent years, driven by an increasing number of visitors.

Dubai is expanding its world-class infrastructure to realise the vast growth promise of its various sectors, including tourism. He stated that these efforts are accelerating efforts to achieve the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to make the city one of the world’s top three urban economies.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; and Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Managing Director, Investment Corporation of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed was briefed about One&Only One Za’abeel, the resort developed by Kerzner International. The latest addition to Dubai’s hospitality offerings features 229 opulent hotel rooms and suites distributed across 15 floors. It also has sports facilities and an infinity pool, the longest in Dubai, stretching 120 metres and soaring 100 metres above ground level.

The opening of the urban resort in early January comes at a time when the emirate’s tourism industry is experiencing significant growth, providing visitors with a wide range of choices. Recent statistics from the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai reveal that by the end of November 2023, the city had a total of 149,680 hotel rooms in 820 establishments. This marks a significant rise from the 145,000 hotel rooms in 794 establishments recorded at the end of November 2022.