Dubai is seeing steady growth in its hospitality segment, driven by a surge in the number of annual travellers. The Emirate welcomed 19.6 million international overnight visitors last year, up by about 5% (year-on-year). This has bolstered the city’s position as one of the most-visited cities in the world. It has directly led to demand for hotel-apartment properties or short/long-stay serviced apartments in Dubai.
Reports indicate that Dubai already has hotel apartments contributing approximately 17% of the total supply of rooms. The rise in average daily rates has also been driven by higher occupancy and year-round travel volumes. A shift is also visible to serviced apartments from hotels in Dubai. What are the reasons behind the same? That’s what we examine below.
Why Are Dubai Travellers Choosing Serviced Apartments Over Hotels?
Why are travellers in Dubai switching to serviced holiday apartments accommodation over hotels? Here are 10 reasons behind this huge shift in the city’s hospitality sector.
More Space
One of the biggest reasons for switching to serviced apartments in Dubai is the bigger space they offer. Apartments usually ensure 30% more space than regular hotel rooms, with separate zones for living, sleeping and dining.
Home-Like Privacy & Comfort
More travellers want spacious accommodation in Dubai which offers home-like comfort and privacy. They appreciate how their apartments offer homes away from home without being confined to a single room or tackling crowded lobbies.
Well-Equipped Kitchens
Serviced apartments give you an opportunity to cook your own meals in well-equipped kitchens with all necessary appliances and cookware. You can thus maintain your dietary regime and balance your dining-out costs alongside. It is a big benefit for long-stay travellers, families and remote workers.
Pocket-Friendly Stays
Furnished aparthotels in Dubai are lighter on the pocket and often more affordable than hotels. They offer better per-night value, particularly while sharing accommodation with friends or family. At the same time, the per-night costs may be lower for extended stays, with many properties offering discounts to long-stay travellers.
Retained Perks of Hotels
Serviced apartments retain several perks of hotels and you do not have to sacrifice amenities or luxury. Many units come with regular housekeeping, concierge services, on-site gym and pool access, room service and many other features.
Suitable for Groups and Families
You do not have to book multiple hotel rooms if you’re travelling with your family or in a group. Multi-bedroom units help you stay together, save costs and maintain individual privacy too. Adults and children can enjoy their own private spaces while still being together in Dubai.
All-Inclusive Living
One of the advantages of short or long-stay serviced apartments in Dubai is the all-inclusive lifestyle that you get. Unlike conventional rentals that need you to set up utilities and other essentials, they package everything into a single rate. This includes electricity, water, Wi-Fi and even some services like cleaning and maintenance.
On-Site Laundry
Doing laundry is costly at many hotels in Dubai and elsewhere. That’s where serviced apartments help you access on-site laundry services or washer dryer machines. It is a game-changing benefit for active vacationers and extended-stay travellers.
Digital Nomad/Business Friendly
Furnished aparthotels in Dubai often have dedicated amenities for digital nomads, remote workers and business travellers. You can take advantage of dedicated workspaces, high-speed internet and locations close to prime business hubs like Business Bay or Downtown Dubai.
Flexible Lease Terms
Most apartments have flexible lease terms instead of the restrictive and long-term leases usually seen in regular Dubai residential property rentals. You may book on a month-to-month or week-to-week basis depending on your exact itinerary. Staying just as long as you want is possible without rigid leases to deal with.
Where to Stay in Serviced Apartments in Dubai
Here are some neighbourhoods where you can consider booking business-friendly or holiday apartments accommodation in Dubai.
1. Dubai Marina:
Dubai Marina is synonymous with glittering high-rises and a lovely waterfront. It is an ideal area for couples and young professionals, with easy access to landmarks like the Marina Mall, The Walk and promenades. There is excellent walkability with pedestrian-friendly bridges, supermarkets and pharmacies all around.
Many apartments here offer direct access to waterfront promenades, infinity pools, 24/7 concierges and state-of-the-art fitness centres. You’ll also be connected to two Dubai Metro stations (Sobha Realty and DMCC) and the Dubai Tram network.
2. Downtown Dubai:
Synonymous with luxury living, it is the bustling heart of the city, ideal for luxury shoppers, corporates and first-timers. Many apartments here come with premium housekeeping, luxury spas, pools and rooftop terraces with gorgeous views.
Attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain and Dubai Mall are all present here. You can also access the dedicated Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station nearby (connected through air-conditioned bridges) along with major roads nearby.
3. Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR):
A resort-like beachfront zone, it is ideal for families and nightlife lovers alike. Many apartments here offer access to beach clubs, private balconies, playing zones for children and watersports activities.
The Beach at JBR is a key attraction here along with outdoor cinemas and multiple beachfront cafes, restaurants and retail stores. The Dubai Tram network is readily available here, linking directly to the Palm Jumeirah monorail and Dubai Metro.
4. Business Bay:
Business Bay is nestled south of Downtown and is ideal for business travellers. Many apartments here have co-working spaces, high-speed Wi-Fi and business centres. The Dubai Water Canal is the key hub of the area while you can easily access the landmarks in Downtown as well.
There are plenty of local stores and cafes here, while the Business Bay metro station is also nearby. The Sheikh Zayed Road is also accessible from the locality.
Serviced Apartments in Dubai- The Smart Options for Travellers
Serviced apartments offer the right blend of comfort, affordability and convenience in Dubai. With their hotel-style amenities and home-like environment, they are increasingly becoming bigger value propositions for global travellers to the Emirate. Higher availability across multiple locations is another contributing factor towards the surge in demand.
