UAE hotels provide complimentary waterpark admission, along with an opportunity to win an entirely funded vacation over the summer.
UAE Hotels Boost Summer Staycations with Discounts and Perks
Hotels across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are offering significant discounts and attractive perks to UAE residents, aiming to increase domestic tourism and enhance the country's hospitality sector. These offers extend beyond Dubai to all seven emirates, including Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah, in line with Dubai's Vision 2025.
One of the key strategies being employed is the provision of discounted packages for residents, offering savings of up to 40% and additional value-adds such as free stays for children, dining vouchers, and spa credits. JA Resorts & Hotels, for instance, welcomes guests with a personalised boarding pass welcome card at check-in, complete with a custom itinerary and any special celebrations.
To attract a broad segment of local travelers, hotels are also offering tailored family- and nature-focused experiences. Rixos Premium Dubai, for example, offers guests who stay three nights or longer tickets to the world's largest waterpark in Atlantis. The Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort in Sharjah provides free tickets to water parks, aqua aerobics, and yoga sessions.
Seasonal promotions and limited-time deals, like "Getaway Deals," are also being offered to provide attractive rates during peak and shoulder periods, especially at luxury and beachfront resorts. Central Hotels and Resorts, for instance, have added new dining venues, upgraded all rooms, included a fully automated in-room guest experience system, and a dynamic pricing strategy.
Hotels are also aligning with major events and exhibitions to drive business tourism and occupancy in city hotels. This is supported by relevant offers, such as those provided by Kempinski Hotels, which has announced a Double Discovery Dollar Promotion for members, allowing guests to earn twice the Discovery Dollars (D$) on all eligible direct bookings from August 1 to September 30, 2025.
Digital marketing optimizations are also playing a crucial role in increasing direct bookings and capturing last-minute demand. Central Hotels and Resorts will move all restaurant menus and payment systems to QR code access in the coming months. Iftikhar Hamdani, area general manager for Northern Emirates at Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort, Sharjah, stated that the hotel's aggressive social media campaign has significantly boosted direct bookings this year, breaking records in both telephonic and online reservations.
These combined efforts have resulted in a notable increase in domestic contribution to hotel revenue, making staycations a strategic growth pillar for the UAE hospitality sector amid rising international travel costs and uncertainties. According to reports, the contribution of domestic tourism to hotel revenue has increased up to 35%.
In summary, UAE hotels are leveraging a mix of aggressive pricing, value-added offers, event synchronization, and advanced digital marketing to sustain high occupancy during summer staycations. The limited-time promotion is available across the entire Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) Discovery portfolio, which includes more than 850 hotels across 45 brands worldwide.
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- In addition to boosting summer staycations, UAE hotels are focusing on various aspects of the local community, such as the business, career, and lifestyle sectors, offering tailored packages for professionals and families.
- To cater to the food enthusiasts, several hotels are providing discounted rates at their in-house restaurants, offering the chance to savor culinary delights from around the world.
- For sports enthusiasts, hotels are partnering with nearby sports facilities and offering special packages for guests, ensuring an active and enjoyable stay for guests.
- The real estate sector is also being addressed, as hotelslike Central Hotels & Resorts have added new dining venues and upgraded rooms, creating an appealing atmosphere for both short-term and long-term guests.
- To target travelers seeking adventure and exploration, hotels are offering unique family- and nature-focused experiences, such as tickets to waterparks and outdoor activities, while incorporating luxury and relaxation for a balanced stay.
- To keep up with the ever-evolving digital landscape, hotels are taking steps to implement advanced digital solutions, like QR code access for restaurant menus and payment systems, making bookings and check-ins seamless and modern.
