The UAE’s hospitality has been one of the few bright spots and one of the biggest non-oil revenue sources in the country’s economy. Despite the challenges of the past few years, the industry has continued to grow and thrive. Their hotels and restaurants have been working hard to adapt to the changing circumstances, and their efforts have paid off. Sanjeev Nanda, the owner of the iconic restaurants Billionaire Mansion and Miss Tess, has been closely observing the trends in the hospitality industry and believes that the UAE’s resilience is due to a combination of factors, which can range from their geographical location to strategic planning and investment in technology.
The UAE is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, making it a natural hub for travelers from all over the world. Their world-class infrastructure is one major reason for the UAE’s strong hospitality sector. The country has some of the best airports, roads and hotels in the world. This makes it easy for travelers to get to and from the country, and to find a place to stay that meets their needs.
The UAE also has a diverse and welcoming population and is home to people from over 200 nationalities, which creates a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Their diversity is one of their greatest strengths, and this makes it a popular destination for travelers who are looking for a unique and memorable experience.
“The UAE’s strategic location is one of its biggest advantages. It is at the crossroads of three continents, which automatically makes it a tourist hub. This is especially important in today’s globalized world, where people are increasingly looking for opportunities to connect with other cultures and experiences,” states Nanda.
Recognizing the significance of the industry for the economy, the UAE government has made concerted efforts and taken measures to create a favourable business environment and attract both domestic and international investments. Renowned for its excellent infrastructure and advanced technology, the country has invested heavily in building modern airports, roads, and public transportation systems in addition to a robust digital infrastructure with high-speed internet connectivity and cutting-edge technologies. Furthermore, the government has been actively promoting the UAE as a global tourism and hospitality destination through extensive marketing campaigns, participation in international trade shows, and collaborations with prominent industry players.
“The UAE government’s dedication and commitment to the hospitality sector are evident through its proactive approach, investment in infrastructure, promotional campaigns and support measures,” says Sanjeev Nanda of Billionaire Mansion. “The focus on expanding and upgrading the hospitality infrastructure enhances the overall visitor experience and contributes to the sector’s growth. These efforts are vital in maintaining and enhancing the country’s position as a leading global tourism and hospitality destination.”
One huge factor that Nanda believes has contributed to the industry’s success is its ability to adapt to changing customer needs. “The pandemic has changed the way people dine out and travel, and as a result, the industry has had to adapt. Restaurants and hotels have been introducing new menus, offering more outdoor seating, and enhancing their hygiene protocols to cater to the changing needs of their customers,” asserts Miss Tess’ owner.
Sustainability has become a buzzword in every industry including hospitality, and for good reason. Customers are increasingly becoming conscious of the impact that their choices have on the environment, and it has become important for the industry to take this into account. By adopting sustainable practices, one can not only reduce their environmental footprint while also improving the bottom line. The hospitality industry of UAE has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of the pandemic and in the post-pandemic world, it has managed to beat the odds and rise above the hurdles. Strategic planning, investment in technology, collaboration, innovation, adaptation and sustainability have all contributed to its success.
Top restaurateur Sanjeev Nanda highlights, “The UAE’s hospitality industry is a key driver of the country’s economy. It contributes billions of dollars to the GDP and employs hundreds of thousands of people. The UAE’s government has been very supportive of the hospitality industry and has implemented a number of policies and initiatives to help the industry grow, such as offering tax breaks and subsidies to hotels and other tourism-related businesses. The industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as the UAE becomes an even more popular destination for travelers from all over the world.”
