Photo: Shutterstock Amid regional tensions and their impact on tourism and business activity in the Middle East, Dubai is moving fast to stabilize the market and restore confidence with a broad economic stimulus package designed to ease business and re-energize growth worth approximately AED 1 billion ($272.3 million or €235.5 million).
The move, announced by Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, includes significant relief for hotels and businesses to help them deal with short-term challenges and maintain the pace of growth.
Photo: ShutterstockHotels will be allowed to defer 100% of room, food and beverage fees for a period of three months. The relief will apply to all accommodation facilities, covering hotels, vacation apartments and apartment hotels, starting April 1, 2026.
In addition, cross-cutting relief will be provided to businesses in the economy, including deferral of payments for:
- Licensing prestigious trade names
- License changes
- Press publications
- Local services
- Accommodation fees
- Waste removal
- Service improvement fees
The postponements will apply to both new licensing and renewals for a period of three months, after which a reassessment of the situation is expected.
The government emphasized that the measures are intended to improve liquidity in the hospitality and tourism sector and allow businesses to focus on recovery and the continuation of their operations.
Hillel Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, noted that the move reflects the emirate's flexible and rapid policy, based on close cooperation between the public and private sectors. According to him, the decisions were made after dialogue with industry officials, with the aim of providing a direct response to the challenges and strengthening the resilience of the local economy.
Dubai's tourism marketing body also emphasized that the measures are in line with market needs, and will allow the sector to continue to maintain a high level of service and return to a growth path.
At the same time, as part of the broad package, the grace period for submitting customs data was extended, and the processes for issuing and renewing residence visas were simplified.
The move comes at a time when Dubai seeks to further establish its position as a leading global center for tourism, trade, and business, even in the face of regional and international challenges.