backThe UAE has firmly established itself as a global tourism powerhouse, and 2025 has further cemented this reputation. After welcoming over 18 million visitors in Dubai alone in 2024 ‒ a 9% year-on-year leap and a new record for the emirate ‒ the nation has leveraged its visionary leadership, infrastructure, and strategic mega-events to drive unprecedented growth in its hospitality sector. Dubai’s momentum has accelerated further in 2025. In the first five months alone, the emirate welcomed 8 million visitors, resulting in peak hotel occupancy of over 80%. As of early 2025, Dubai’s hotel construction pipeline comprises over 50 projects totalling approximately 15,000 rooms, while the wider UAE has 16,000 rooms under construction. According to Cavendish Maxwell, Dubai is expected to add over 11,000 rooms by 2027, with over 4,600 slated for completion this year, underscoring sustained investor confidence in the market’s robust fundamentals. From Dubai’s continued dominance in luxury and business tourism to Ras Al Khaimah’s bold emergence as a leisure and gaming destination, the UAE’s hospitality landscape has evolved rapidly in 2025. This dynamic environment has sparked renewed investor interest, with several high-profile hotel transactions either closing or being announced this year. This article explores the most significant deals, examines new market and legal trends, and analyses how owners and operators are navigating an increasingly complex and competitive environment.
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