New Dh1.5bn economic package brings fresh relief for Dubai hotels and tourism firms
Latest measures ease operating costs across visitor economy sectors
DUBAI – Dubai’s latest Dh1.5 billion economic incentives package has introduced a broad set of support measures for the tourism and hospitality industry, with hotels, holiday homes, restaurants and tourism operators among key beneficiaries.
Approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the package forms part of a wider Dh2.5 billion support effort introduced within less than two months.
Tourism establishments registered with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism are set to benefit from several exemptions and fee deferrals aimed at reducing operating costs across the sector.
Among the measures announced is an exemption from the collection of Tourism Dirham fees, along with sales fees imposed on hotel rooms and restaurants. Holiday home operators will also receive exemptions from permit and licence fees.
The package extends to events and tourism-related activities, with permit fees for exhibitions, conferences and events waived alongside postponement and cancellation charges.
Authorities have also announced exemptions on fees related to sales and commercial promotions, while tour guide fees and desert safari activity charges will be reduced.
Additional support includes deferred e-link fees for tourism companies and postponement of hotel establishment classification fees, creating wider financial flexibility for businesses across the hospitality sector.