Businesses upbeat about Dubai opening up to tourists
- 22 Jun 2020
Inayat-ur-Rahman
Dubai has announced it will welcome tourists from July 7 after a closure of more than three months to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Chairman and Chief Executive, said: “I would like to thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed for their latest directives to reopen air travel which show their vision for Dubai as a world leader in business and tourism.”
“This is a strong affirmation of Dubai’s readiness to resume aviation and economic activity after comprehensive planning, review, and preparation,” he added.
Gulf Today spoke to business heavyweights and seasoned hoteliers, who were upbeat about Dubai’s bold move to start receiving tourists in the emirate from July 7.
Ayman Ashor, Cluster General Manager, Al Bandar Rotana and Arjaan by Rotana, said: “We welcome the new announcements and instructions announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum with great pleasure. We at Al Bandar Rotana Hotel Dubai Creek are glad and ready to welcome all residents and tourists back to the glamorous Dubai, promising them a pleasant and safe experience.
“We have implemented all the health and safety regulations set by the local health authorities and applied the safe space programme guidelines launched by Rotana Hotels,” Ashor concluded.
Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager, Bahi Ajman Palace & Coral Beach Resort Sharjah lauded Dubai’s bold move.
He mentioned that as the airports in Dubai will start receiving tourists from next month, they would be expecting more corporate clients and also more visitors from Kazakhistan and Ukraine, because these markets are very active during the summer season.
Imran Farooq, CEO, Samana Group of Companies, said: The wise decision by the Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum will help the COVID-affected economy to recover and will give a lifeline to local businesses. “We at Samana Group are ready to welcome the visitors and new business enquiries for our property arm Samana Developers and ready workspaces at Star Business Centres.
“We are constantly following strict safety precautions at all of our business entities,” Farooq concluded.
Kamal Vachani, Group Director, Almaya Group mentioned that Dubai is a promising city and the UAE always welcomes everyone with a smile and open heart, adding that this great move would provide a great relief and jubilation to the global tourists, who are looking forward to visit Dubai.