Dubai World Central (DWC), the 140 square kilometre city taking shape in Dubai, United Arab Emirates will provide an impetus to the Middle East’s ambitious efforts in attracting a global tourist audience, said HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai City of Aviation Corporation-Dubai World Central.

His statement came prior to Arabian Travel Market 2008, the leading Middle East and Pan-Arab travel and tourism exhibition being held at the Dubai International Convention Centre from 6-9 May.

“The Middle East is experiencing higher growth rates than the world average and the region needs to be geared for further growth in coming years,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

“Dubai is sure of over 40% growth in tourist numbers over the next three years when the expected world average growth is in single digit in the next decade. While the travel and tourism industry accounts for about 10% of global GDP, Dubai’s tourism aspirations represents 30% of the UAE’s GDP.”
 
Dubai hosted seven million tourists in 2007, with projections for 10 million by 2010 and 15 million by 2015.

“Currently there are 47,000 hotel rooms in Dubai with plans to triple that to 141,000 rooms by 2015,” explained Sheikh Ahmed. “This represents a massive number of hotels to be constructed in the next seven years and this is where DWC steps in – to be a catalyst to that construction boom in the hotel industry which will eventually be a home for tourists.

“DWC is providing a real estate platform for hospitality and leisure operators to construct their properties in new Dubai which will be home to Al Maktoum International Airport, set to be the world’s largest international airport.”

DWC Golf City, DWC Commercial City, DWC Residential City, Dubai Logistics City and DWC Aviation City comprise DWC components.

Khalid bin Harib, CEO, DWC Real Estate said: “Our participation in ATM is aimed at local, regional and global investors perfectly positioned to highlight the project’s recent developments geared to boost tourism and business, marking Dubai not only as a tourist attraction, but also as a regional business hub.

“DWC will build 35-50 hotels by 2015 which will include every leisure and entertainment aspect. Many investors and developers have already reserved a number of plots and construction of the first hotels will commence this year. We expect to have 10 hospitality properties in the next three years.”