logo
DCT and Rotana unveil summer campaign to drive regional tourism and cement Abu Dhabi's year-round appeal

DCT and Rotana unveil summer campaign to drive regional tourism and cement Abu Dhabi's year-round appeal

Zawya02-06-2025
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Building on the strategic collaboration announced at Arabian Travel Market 2025, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Rotana, the Middle East's leading hospitality company, have now unveiled the first phase of their joint initiative to boost summer tourism to the emirate.
This partnership aims to address seasonal travel lulls and strengthen Abu Dhabi's positioning as a dynamic, year-round destination. With Rotana's strong regional appeal and global loyalty network, the collaboration is primed to drive bookings across Abu Dhabi's diverse source markets, particularly the GCC.
Summer Campaign: Stay More, Pay Less
From June through August, guests staying at Rotana properties in Abu Dhabi can enjoy an exclusive 'Stay 3, Pay 2' summer offer. For every three consecutive nights booked, the third night is free. For longer stays, the offer continues (e.g., stay 6, pay 4), creating greater value the longer guests stay.
The summer promotion also includes:
Free stays and dining for children across all room categories
Complimentary extra beds for kids, making it ideal for families
Access to curated leisure experiences at participating Rotana hotels in Abu Dhabi
Driving Summer Tourism Through Strategic Synergy
This campaign is a key activation of the DCT-Rotana partnership, designed to stimulate travel during the traditionally quiet summer months, reinforce Abu Dhabi's appeal as a family-friendly destination, and encourage direct bookings through exclusive incentives.
Eddy Tannous, COO, Rotana said: 'As a homegrown brand deeply rooted in the region, we are proud to partner with DCT Abu Dhabi on a campaign that supports the broader vision of positioning Abu Dhabi as a year-round destination. Through this initiative, we are combining strengths to deliver both economic impact and exceptional guest value, reaffirming our commitment to driving tourism growth in the emirate.'
A Partnership Shaping the Future of Travel
As part of DCT Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, the partnership with Rotana underscores the emirate's commitment to sustained, collaborative growth. It is one of several recent alliances formed to enhance Abu Dhabi's global profile, increase visitor numbers, and deliver seamless, tailored experiences across key international and regional markets.
For more information, visit: https://www.rotana.com/offers/31811
To learn more about Abu Dhabi, visit: visitabudhabi.ae
About Rotana
Rotana is one of the region's leading hospitality companies, founded in Abu Dhabi in 1992. It manages a portfolio of over 114 properties in operation and under development across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye. Known for its commitment to quality and guest satisfaction, Rotana operates six distinct brands: Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro Hotels, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts, Arjaan Hotel Apartments, Edge by Rotana, and The Residences by Rotana.
As a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), Rotana is part of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program—one of the world's largest for independent hotel brands—offering guests exclusive benefits at more than 900 hotels in nearly 100 countries. With its brand promise of 'Treasured Time', Rotana continues to expand its presence across key markets while delivering trusted hospitality experiences.
For more information, please visit www.rotana.com
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How the climate crisis is creating millions of refugees in the Middle East
How the climate crisis is creating millions of refugees in the Middle East

The National

time7 hours ago

  • The National

How the climate crisis is creating millions of refugees in the Middle East

• Remittance charges will be tackled by blockchain • UAE's monumental and risky Mars Mission to inspire future generations, says minister • Could the UAE drive India's economy? • News has a bright future and the UAE is at the heart of it • Architecture is over - here's cybertecture • The National announces Future of News journalism competition • Round up: Experts share their visions of the world to come

Nature's most underrated ally in the climate change fight is thriving in the UAE
Nature's most underrated ally in the climate change fight is thriving in the UAE

The National

time7 hours ago

  • The National

Nature's most underrated ally in the climate change fight is thriving in the UAE

Just beyond Dubai's skyscrapers and busy streets lies a five-square-mile wetland reserve that is a vital seasonal habitat for migratory birds. Earlier this month, the Dubai Executive Council approved a Dh650 million ($177 million) development plan for the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, as the reserve is known. And at the heart of this vision are trees – specifically, mangrove trees. The sanctuary is already home to thousands of mangrove trees, but it is in need of revival – which the new development plan does in addition to sustainably increasing its coverage area by 60 per cent. That's not just good news for birds and marine life; it's a bold bet on nature's most underrated ally in the fight against climate change. Countries are beginning to realise the massive untapped value of mangroves. They are nature's coastal bodyguards, buffering shorelines from storms and cyclones, reducing soil erosion and protecting against rising sea levels. Their tangled roots capture carbon dioxide – up to five times more than tropical rainforests – making them one of the planet's most powerful carbon sinks. Mangroves are also fish nurseries, bird sanctuaries and water filters. In the UAE, they provide critical breeding grounds for commercially important fish species such as mullet and sea bream. Ras Al Khor itself hosts over 450 species of wildlife, including large flocks of beautiful flamingos that rely on the mangroves and surrounding wetlands. Drones powered by AI are already being used in the UAE to plant and monitor mangroves at scale For coastal communities in the Global South, mangroves offer food security, income and natural protection all at once. Villages protected by mangroves have suffered significantly fewer casualties and damages during tsunamis and cyclones compared to those without them. These trees provide us with more benefits per square metre than any other ecosystem. The UAE sits at the crossroads of Asia and Africa which together host over 60 per cent of the world's remaining mangroves. This geographic position makes the Emirates a natural hub for mangrove conservation, knowledge exchange and restoration expertise. The government has already committed to planting 100 million mangroves by 2030, and this Ras Al Khor initiative is a major down payment on that promise. The country has become a hub for the wider industry associated with promoting the cultivation and spread of mangroves around the world. Large-scale, carbon-financed projects are being developed in the UAE and rolled out across Africa and Asia. The company is currently developing restoration and conservation projects on a coastal area similar in size to Luxembourg. NGOs like Emirates Nature-WWF and international players such as the IUCN are also active or headquartered in the UAE. The end result is a cluster that promotes knowledge-sharing and, ultimately, contributes to the fight against climate change in a niche, but nonetheless really impactful way. A single hectare of healthy mangroves can deliver the equivalent of nearly $33,000 per year in ecosystem services. This includes coastal protection, fisheries support, carbon sequestration and tourism benefits. Scale that up to the tens of thousands of hectares possible in the UAE and regionally, and you could be looking at a multi-billion-dollar nature economy. Mangroves also open the door to high-integrity carbon credits. As demand for nature-based carbon removal projects continue to rise, countries that can supply verified, high-quality blue carbon credits will stand to benefit. The UAE, with its ecosystem restoration commitments and home-grown blue carbon project developers, is perfectly placed to play a leading role in this marketplace. Historically, restoring mangroves has been slow, messy, and expensive. But that's changing fast. AI is now being used to map mangrove health, monitor growth and predict where restoration will succeed. Satellite imagery paired with machine learning can track seedling survival and carbon storage in real time. Drones powered by AI are already being deployed in the UAE to plant and monitor mangroves at scale. AI-powered tools are being used to map mangrove health, monitor growth and design community-led restoration projects that have the highest probability of success – saving time, money and effort. This innovation recently enabled the planting of 10 million mangroves at multiple sites in Mozambique in just three years. The UAE, with its tech-forward mindset and AI ambitions, could become a global hub for cutting edge nature-based solutions. With the right data infrastructure and policy support, mangrove forest restoration could become faster, cheaper and more transparent than ever. The Ras Al Khor announcement is a powerful moment for the UAE's mangrove ecosystem, and also a reminder to keep pushing to scale up. Indeed, the UAE has an opportunity to not only conserve existing mangrove forests but to lead a global mangrove renaissance. That means doubling down on science-based restoration using AI and satellite tech and continuing to draw investment in knowledge, training and project development. If done right, mangroves can become one of the UAE's most powerful climate assets. And that is the case not only for their value in biodiversity, but for coastal resilience, climate jobs and long-term economic stability. What's happening in the wetlands on the outskirts of Dubai provides a glimpse into an exciting future for the UAE and mangroves globally.

UAE Property: ‘How can I increase summer occupancy in my RAK rental unit?'
UAE Property: ‘How can I increase summer occupancy in my RAK rental unit?'

The National

time7 hours ago

  • The National

UAE Property: ‘How can I increase summer occupancy in my RAK rental unit?'

Question: I am buying an apartment in Ras Al Khaimah and want to rent it out for short-term rentals soon. How can I optimise summer occupancy and which local regulations must I adhere to? MP, Dubai Answer: Ras Al Khaimah is fast becoming a destination of choice, not just as a go-to staycation destination for the UAE holiday market, but also for longer-term visitors and tourists. With the arrival of the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in 2026/2027, the emirate is likely to become more popular as a short-term destination. Here are a few things to remember and adhere to. By law, all tenancy contracts in RAK must be registered through the RAK Municipality e-portal. The fee is Dh25 ($6.8) plus 5 per cent of the annual rent. Unregistered contracts are unenforceable, stripping landlords of eviction rights and security deposit recourse. Standard residential leases are allowed up to four-year terms, but short-term leases of say two to four months must still comply with the Rent Act's eviction notice requirement, which is a minimum 90 days, and the security deposit rule, which is 5 per cent of the annual rent. Offer two- to four-month summer lets bundled with free utilities, complimentary AC servicing and optional maid services. UAE residents that enjoy staycations value turnkey, worry-free stays. List on leading short-let platforms such as Airbnb, local short-term rental agents and collaborate with GCC-focused travel agencies to tap into regional leisure traffic. Ensure your unit is presented in the best possible fashion by furnishing with high-quality appliances, blackout curtains, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a dedicated workspace to attract both families and remote working professionals seeking respite from the summer heat. Employ revenue management software to adjust nightly or weekly rates based on occupancy forecasts or get comparable data from portals and local holiday home agents. Look out for any local events that will potentially capture higher premiums. Conduct professional cleaning and safety inspections between tenancies to maintain high review scores. Offer flexible check-in/out times and transparent cancellation policies to build guest trust. Monitor competitor rates regularly to ensure your pricing remains competitive without eating into your yield. By combining regulatory compliance with targeted marketing and professional service levels, part-time RAK landlords can boost summer occupancy from roughly 45 per cent (unmanaged) to over 75 per cent, capturing premium short-let rates and maximising annual income. Watch: Businesswoman moves from Dubai to RAK to find some quiet Q: I would be interested to understand what are the emerging areas in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in terms of capital appreciation, rental yields and which developers I should work with? CP, Sharjah A: While Dubai commands the headlines, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are quietly delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns in well-priced, master-planned communities. I will list below some top picks that I think combine credible developer track records, infrastructure momentum and balanced capital appreciation. Starting with Abu Dhabi, the main master developer is Aldar. Some of its main projects are: Al Reem Island: Boasting a 7.2 per cent year-on-year price rise in the first quarter of 2025 and gross rental yields of 7.6 per cent for apartments, Al Reem Island blends waterfront views with high-street retail. The Central Market and Gate Towers precincts have strong presales, minimising completion risk and ensuring pipeline transparency. Yas Island: Driven by entertainment megaprojects such as Warner Bros, Ferrari World, Sea World, Yas Waterworld and the Yas Mall expansion, luxury apartments command 6.5 per cent to 7 per cent yields, with prices up 6.6 per cent in early 2025. The upcoming first Disney World in the Middle East will further elevate property prices and demand for both long- and short-term rentals. Al Ghadeer: A reclaimed land community by Aldar located on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border, it offers entry-level pricing (sub-Dh1 million studios) and yields near 9.9 per cent, underpinned by affordable payment plans and infrastructural upgrades connecting to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. Main projects in Sharjah include: Aljada by Arada: This is a fully integrated town centre featuring three schools, 25,000 residential units, a 4.4-kilometre retail boulevard, hotels and public plazas, along with large green spaces and family entertainment areas. Aljada's off-plan apartments yield 5 per cent to 7 per cent, with an expected 7.5 per cent return on investment on handover. Arada's track record of delivering three large-scale projects on time adds to investor and end-user confidence. Tilal City (Sharjah Asset Management): Modelled on Mediterranean lagoons, Tilal City's early studio and one-bedroom launches delivered 6 per cent to 8 per cent yields, with mid-teen capital growth forecast as schools, clinics and malls open next year. Maryam Island: Launched in 2024, this waterfront mixed-use island has seen soft-launch price uplifts of around 8 per cent within six months and yields of around 6 per cent. This is driven by Sharjah's tourism push and the project's proximity to the Corniche.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store