Dubai is gearing up for a New Year’s period like no other. With the city’s iconic skyline illuminated by fireworks, festive markets buzzing, and the Dubai Shopping Festival in full swing, hotels are preparing for unprecedented occupancy and guest expectations.
Traditionally, the last week of December is the busiest for hospitality in the city, but industry insiders say 2025 is shaping up to be exceptional.
Hotels are balancing high demand with the need to deliver seamless, memorable experiences. As Jan Hanak, MD for UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt & Iraq at Radisson Hotel Group, notes, “We are expecting all hotels to be full on New Year’s Eve. Judging by the pace, which is well ahead of last year, 2025 will be no different. Naturally, with higher demand and higher rates, guest expectations are high, but our well-experienced teams are ready to deliver the best experience possible.”
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Dubai’s hospitality sector has become synonymous with precision and efficiency, especially during peak seasons. With occupancy rates reaching full capacity, hotels are deploying their most experienced staff and optimising logistics to ensure that every guest enjoys a flawless experience.
Hanak highlights the strategic approach to managing bookings: “Typically, NYE is booked well in advance, and not many guests leave their bookings to the last minute. Although we try to be as flexible as possible, we do apply stricter cancellation policies, such as pre-payment or a minimum number of nights reserved.”
Curated experiences for every guest
To differentiate their offerings during the high-demand season, hotels are rolling out tailored packages and events. Hanak explains, “Most of our hotels offer special New Year’s Eve events and packages.”
The city’s hospitality sector is increasingly focused on creating experiences that go beyond accommodation. From exclusive family-friendly events to VIP celebrations, these curated experiences are key to attracting high-spending travelers during the festive week.
Managing Dubai’s hospitality operations during the New Year requires a delicate balance of staffing, logistics, and guest experience. “Dubai is a well-established and advanced hospitality market and always busy during the New Year period,” Hanak says. “All hotels are well prepared in terms of staffing, and the same applies to our suppliers, who can manage this high-demand period efficiently.”
Advanced forecasting tools, including booking pace monitoring and pricing analysis, help hotels optimise inventory and revenue. “As this is a high-demand period, we are a bit stricter with guarantee and cancellation policies,” Hanak adds.
Fireworks views: A driving force for bookings
For many guests, the ability to witness Dubai’s spectacular fireworks is a deciding factor. Pranav Vohra, cluster commercial director at IHG Hotels Dubai Festival City, explains, “A great view of Dubai’s iconic New Year’s fireworks is extremely important for influencing guest bookings. Guests often choose to stay with us specifically for these spectacular views, which add an extra layer of magic to the celebration.”
To accommodate large volumes of guests, hotels have streamlined operations and introduced staff mobilisation measures. “Special training has been provided to our team, and the entire staff is fully mobilized for this occasion to handle increased guest volume efficiently. Processes have been streamlined to minimise wait times and optimise service delivery,” Vohra adds.
Rise of the staycation
New Year staycations in Dubai are on the rise, driven by both local and international travelers seeking curated, experiential celebrations. Saurav Puri, multi-property general manager at The St. Regis Downtown Dubai, notes, “New Year demand is significantly stronger this year. With seven days of citywide festivities, beautiful winter weather, Dubai Shopping Festival, and the enhanced Dubai Fountain shows, there is no more compelling destination to welcome the New Year.”
Unlike holiday stays, New Year bookings are oriented around high-energy experiences. Puri explains, “Holiday stays are about unwinding.
New Year stays are about elevated experiences, glamour, and crafting the final memorable chapter of the year, perfectly aligned with Dubai’s positioning as the world’s most experiential city.”
Signature experiences such as festive afternoon tea at Ginori Terrace, spa gifting, and dining events at BASTA have seen high demand, highlighting a shift toward purposeful, curated celebrations rather than conventional vacations.
Strategic locations and guest convenience
Location is a critical factor in guest decision-making. Thomas Kurian, general manager of LEVA Hotels, points out the advantages of proximity to Downtown Dubai: “Our prime location places guests within easy reach of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, City Walk, and other key attractions, making it ideal for enjoying the festive atmosphere.”
Guests also value comfort, accessibility, and family-friendly designs. “Direct access to Mazaya Mall and our reputation for attentive service make LEVA Hotel Mazaya Centre-Opposite Downtown Dubai a strong choice for New Year stays,” Kurian adds.
While early bookings dominate, last-minute reservations are growing in popularity. Kurian observes, “There has been a noticeable portion of bookings made within 1–2 weeks of New Year’s Eve, particularly among guests seeking spontaneous travel experiences or taking advantage of flexible cancellation policies.”
This trend reflects a shift in travel behavior, with travelers increasingly seeking memorable moments over conventional holidays. “Guests are no longer travelling for a holiday; they’re travelling for a moment, and Dubai is that moment,” Kurian emphasises.
Dubai’s hotels are transforming high occupancy pressures into opportunities for brand building and revenue growth. From premium packages and operational efficiency to prime locations and immersive experiences, the city’s hospitality sector exemplifies how meticulous planning can turn a busy New Year period into a showcase of excellence.
As Dubai gears up for a seven-day celebration culminating in its world-renowned fireworks displays, the efforts behind the scenes ensure that every guest enjoys a seamless, memorable experience, reinforcing the city’s position as the global epicenter of year-end festivities.
