Dubai News: Dubai Tourism chief welcomes tourists to city amid ongoing regional tensions: ‘Dubai is open’

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing Corporation, welcomed tourists from around the world to Dubai. He said despite the changing regional situation, the city continued to welcome visitors through key experiences, hotels and attractions in the suburbs.In an interview with Khaleej Times, Kazim said that public services in Dubai are still running normally and residents and international tourists can still use tourism products including beaches, shopping destinations and other attractions. Authorities are closely monitoring developments and while some venues may have temporarily adjusted access, operations across the larger tourism ecosystem continue as needed.

Safe and guaranteed

The official emphasized that the safety of travelers has been at the core of Dubai’s “business as usual” approach. “Visitor safety is always a top priority for us. Safety is integrated into every decision we make, every operation we conduct, every experience we offer,” he said. He added that Dubai would not choose between security and hospitality, but would offer both with the help of a system “built precisely to do that”. “This is the promise of Dubai, which is delivered consistently no matter what happens around us.”

Flights resume

Air connectivity is an important pillar of tourism in the Middle East, especially in cities with large expat populations such as Dubai. As of April 1, Emirates has resumed flights to more than 65 locations around the world, reconnecting global and Middle Eastern airspace. Visitors are encouraged to stay in touch with official sources, including Dubai’s dedicated travel advisory page: Please visit dubai.com/en/travel-advisory.

Hospitality experience

Dubai’s hospitality industry also remains ready to welcome tourists, with hotels operating hotels and offering accommodation deals to residents and tourists. Luxury resorts and independent restaurants remain active, highlighting the coordination between authorities and private sector stakeholders. “We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether it’s a large hotel chain, independent restaurant or retail destination, we listen carefully and act accordingly,” Kazim said.

Catering initiatives

Middle Eastern cuisine is one of the most alluring and delicious flavors for travelers. As a result, carefully curated experiences and initiatives also promote tourism activities in the city. As of April 19, a gastronomic event called “Dubai, the Good Way to Eat” is currently underway, offering curated gastronomic experiences at restaurants in the emirate and inviting visitors to explore and connect through shared dining experiences.

Dh1 billion incentive package

Dubai Municipality has also launched a Dh1 billion incentive program aimed at supporting businesses in key sectors such as tourism and hospitality. Under the regulation, hotels can defer payment of sales fees for rooms, food and beverages, and tourist dirhams for three months. Businesses also received operating expense relief. In 2025, Dubai will welcome a record 19.59 million international overnight visitors. This number is expected to decrease this year, taking into account the impact of ongoing regional tensions caused by the US-Israel-Iraq war. Measures such as these allow businesses to attract customers while ensuring liquidity. Additionally, they enable Dubai to deliver the seamless travel and hotel experience that it has become famous for over the past decade.