Hotels in Dubai are showing increased demand as September brings a calendar of international conferences and exhibitions, leading to higher room prices near the Dubai Trade Centre.
Khaleej Times checked prices on Booking.com and found that accommodation costs in several hotels located near the exhibition area significantly rose during the busy dates in September compared to the quieter period.
For example, at Novotel Dubai World Trade Centre, the price per room increased from Dh300 to Dh825, representing an increase of approximately 175 percent. Similarly, ibis Dubai World Trade Centre saw a rise from Dh233 to Dh618 (an increase of about 165 percent), and ibis Dubai One Central—from Dh200 to Dh484 (an increase of about 142 percent).
Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Centre also showed a similar increase, raising rates from Dh231 to Dh558. Other properties demonstrated a more moderate rise: Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre increased from Dh669 to Dh1,299, and The H Dubai—from Dh501 to Dh961.
Overall, in many hotels, prices rose from around Dh600 to over Dh900. When checking 15 comparable properties, Khaleej Times found that the average displayed rate increased from approximately Dh372 to Dh689, corresponding to an increase of about 86 percent.
These figures are based on publicly displayed booking tariffs and may change depending on the room type, availability, and booking conditions.
Hotel operators also note the strengthening demand as Dubai exits its traditionally quiet summer season. Pratik Kachru, CEO of Khamas Hospitality, noted positive signs for September. He stated: 'We are already seeing positive indicators for hotel occupancy ahead of September compared to the traditionally quieter August.'
Kachru added that Dubai's continuous investment in tourism, infrastructure, and major international events contributes to strengthening demand. He predicts: 'With a strong upcoming calendar, including the Arabian Travel Market, we expect a stronger fourth quarter driven by both business and leisure demand.'
Several major international events are scheduled in Dubai in September, such as Middle East Energy, AIM Congress, International Property Show, Dubai Derma, Crypto Expo Dubai, Arabian Travel Market, GISEC Global, and Seamless Middle East. Many of these events take place at the Dubai Trade Centre, making hotels in the Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, DIFC, and Downtown areas easily accessible to thousands of exhibitors, delegates, and business visitors.
Industry leaders noted that summer hotel rates are usually more affordable than during peak tourist periods. Tarek Labib, Head of Commercial Department for IHG Hotels and Resorts for SWA, Middle East and Africa, reported that summer demand across the UAE remained healthy thanks to weekend trips, family tourism, and resort-organized experiences.
He emphasized: 'Hotel rates in the summer are usually more affordable than during peak tourist seasons,' adding that hotels are increasingly focusing on packages and value-added offers rather than broad price reductions.
This shift from lower summer prices to a period of active business events is now reflected in hotel prices around major exhibition venues. Booking.com also showed high levels of accommodation unavailability on some dates checked by Khaleej Times. However, such figures reflect availability on the booking platform and should not be considered an official indicator of Dubai hotel occupancy.
The price increase near the Trade Centre indicates that demand is highest near venues hosting major exhibitions. Kachru believes this momentum will continue in the final months of the year as Dubai enters its peak tourist season. He added that 'Dubai is historically a global choice for the winter season' and continues to attract visitors from all over the world.