Dubai hotels slash prices for locals as war deters tourists

Dubai's luxury hotels, once exclusive to millionaires, are now accessible to local residents at half price. This shift comes as a war in the Persian Gulf, initiated by Israel and the United States against Iran, has shaken the emirate's security image and led to a significant drop in foreign tourists.

Hotels on the iconic Palm Jumeirah are seeing renewed activity thanks to promotions targeting UAE citizens and residents, who constitute about 90% of the population. For many locals, like Lebanese doctor Fadi Iskandarani, these unprecedented discounts make previously unaffordable luxury stays a reality.

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I never stayed in a hotel on the Palm because the prices were enormous.

"I never stayed in a hotel on the Palm because the prices were enormous," Iskandarani told Agence France-Presse, recounting a weekend stay made possible by rates four times lower than usual. While the atmosphere is quieter than in peak times, with some hotel floors closed due to the 'shortage' of tourists, the accessible luxury is a welcome change.

Michael Robinson, director of Anantara The Palm, confirmed that while weekend occupancy, especially on Saturdays, often exceeds 90% with local guests, weekday rates plummet to 20-30%. The hotel offers discounts up to 50%. "The main difference is the length of stay," Robinson noted. "Local guests come for one or two nights, while international tourists stayed a week, ten days, or sometimes two weeks." Despite the logistical challenges of catering to local visitors, primarily arriving by car, these promotions are crucial for maintaining profitability.

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The main difference is the length of stay. Local guests come for one or two nights while international tourists stayed a week, ten days, or sometimes two weeks.