In the first six months of 2023, Dubai’s population increased by 50,000 people, marking the emirate’s ongoing success and global appeal. The city has also experienced a 28.5 per cent increase in rent over the last 12 months – another sign of the flourishing expat community. The growing population and surging real estate market have sparked renewed interest in housing options, with more people opting for long-stay hotel apartments across IHG’s brands over committing to 12-month lease contracts.
With an influx of property transactions from abroad continuing to impact the local market, Dubai’s promotion of entrepreneurship is driving a need for flexible living arrangements as expats explore new avenues to residency. To accommodate for the rising demand, IHG Hotels & Resorts – a global hospitality icon that operates 18 hotel brands in over 6,000 destinations – is offering uniquely curated long stay opportunities to expats across the UAE.
James Britchford, Vice President Commercial IMEA at IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “IHG’s presence across Dubai ensures that guests looking for long-stay options have a broad range of choices. Our diverse brands and local offerings are thoughtfully designed to suit the needs of a global expat community, ensuring that families, young professionals, and remote workers are all able to enjoy the benefits of hotel living. As the real state landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to staying ahead of the curve with our approach to long-stay solutions and delivering True Hospitality for Good to all our guests.”
Staybridge Suites Dubai Al Maktoum, one of IHG’s most popular live-in destinations, is specifically tailored to cater for extended stays, with apartment-style suites, living areas, and fully equipped kitchens. The property has welcomed a significant number of residents that prefer the amenities, location, and services of hotel living, with 60-to-70 per cent of the 244 units regularly booked up. The brand remains committed to providing the comforts of home with the convenience of a hotel, offering free Wi-Fi, access to on-site and nearby dining outlets, laundry facilities, and dedicated co-working spaces to long-stay guests.
This trend is common throughout Dubai, with another IHG long stay property – the InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City – also at 60 per cent capacity across its 341 luxury residence suites. Live-in guests can choose from one, two, three, or four-bedroom suites, with free Wi-Fi, 20 per cent off all food and beverage offerings, regular housekeeping, a complimentary shuttle service to nearby landmarks, and access to all hotel amenities.
Uzma Maaz, a long stayer at InterContinental Residence Suites, has been a resident of the hotel accommodation for the last five years. She said: “We have nothing but good things to say. From the staff to the service, everything is top notch. Also, the location – being next to the creek and having an exclusive shuttle service to the nearest mall is great.
“We are always treated with the utmost respect and love. The InterContinental staff are like family to us now,” she added.
