The latest Ernst & Young Middle East Hotel Benchmark survey shows that UAE hotels recorded the highest occupancy rates in the region during the January-September 2009 period. Abu Dhabi recorded 75 percent occupancy levels during this period, slightly higher than Dubai’s 71 percent occupancy.
Dubai beach hotels had the highest occupancy levels in the region with year-to-date occupancy of 83 percent, followed by hotel apartments at 76 percent and Dubai city hotel occupancy levels of 66 percent. Dubai hotels maintainted occupancy levels of between 60 and 65 percent during the September 2008-September 2009 period. Average room rates for Dubai during this period fell from $249 the year before to $189.
