Jumeirah Zabeel Saray in Dubai Sets Ambitious Growth Plan for Indian Luxury Market with Focus on Family-Friendly Travel and Weddings in 2024

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, a luxury resort located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, has been a symbol of opulence since its opening over 12 years ago. Designed to reflect the grandeur of a 14th-century Ottoman palace, the hotel has earned a reputation for its lavish detailing and world-class service. The property’s remarkable features include handcrafted stonework, gold leaf accents, and intricate motifs reminiscent of the Ottoman era, creating an atmosphere that appeals to those with a penchant for opulent craftsmanship. This design philosophy resonates strongly with guests from regions like India, where there is a shared appreciation for grandeur and luxury.

According to Mark Hehir, the General Manager of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, “The property tells a story of warmth, generosity, and joy, and its appeal is particularly strong with guests from India, who have a deep connection to opulent design and cultural heritage.” With its rich offerings, the hotel is setting ambitious targets for growth, particularly from the Indian luxury market, which has seen a steady rise in demand.

The Indian market is particularly significant for Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, and the hotel has tailored its offerings to cater specifically to this demographic. One of the main draws for Indian guests is the resort’s family-friendly environment, which includes a wide range of activities, a kids’ club, and other family-oriented amenities. These offerings ensure that families, particularly those travelling with children, feel both comfortable and entertained during their stay. Hehir adds, “Our family-friendly atmosphere is deeply integrated into our experience, making the hotel a perfect choice for Indian families seeking luxury travel.”

In addition to family-oriented services, the resort has also placed significant emphasis on catering to the tastes and preferences of Indian guests when it comes to cuisine. The hotel’s renowned Indian restaurant, Amala, serves authentic Indian dishes prepared by a skilled Indian chef, whose personal touch enhances the dining experience. “Our Indian restaurant is a standout feature, offering guests a genuine taste of India. We have ensured that our culinary offerings meet the high expectations of Indian guests, and our commitment to providing the best Indian cuisine has made Amala one of the most popular restaurants in Dubai,” says Hehir.

For Indian guests, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s picturesque garden lawn offers an exceptional venue for weddings. The space, combined with the hotel’s opulent foyer, creates a perfect setting for grand celebrations, especially weddings, which are a major draw for the Indian market. In fact, weddings have become a significant source of growth for the hotel, and Hehir notes that the hotel has managed this growth carefully to maintain the integrity and exclusivity of the property. “We’re seeing a steady rise in wedding bookings from India, but we take a balanced approach to ensure the property’s exclusivity is preserved,” he says.

In terms of overall growth from the Indian market, the hotel has experienced a robust recovery post-COVID, particularly in 2022, when Indian family and couple travellers flocked to Dubai in large numbers. While growth slowed slightly in 2023, 2024 has shown positive signs of recovery, with a modest increase of 5% in Indian guest arrivals compared to the previous year. Hehir attributes this steady growth to the hotel’s strategic focus on providing family-oriented luxury experiences and catering to the unique cultural preferences of Indian guests.

Looking ahead, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray plans to further tap into the growing Indian luxury travel segment. Over the next five years, the hotel aims to expand its suite inventory, doubling the number of luxury suites to cater to high-end families and couples from India. Room configurations will also be upgraded to offer greater comfort, and the hotel plans to introduce enhanced butler services to elevate the guest experience. “Understanding the cultural nuances of our Indian guests is a priority, and we are working to refine pre-arrival planning to ensure that every detail is in place before they even arrive,” Hehir explains.

The hotel also plans to reduce its overall room count from 405 to 375, which will allow the property to offer larger, more luxurious spaces, further enhancing the exclusivity and premium experience for discerning travellers. “Luxury is often defined by the finer details, and by reducing our room count, we can create even more spacious, luxurious suites that reflect our commitment to offering unparalleled luxury,” Hehir says.

Aside from India, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray generates significant revenue from markets such as the UK, Germany, and Russia. The hotel’s proximity to the GCC region has also contributed to strong demand, especially from local residents. Occupancy rates are typically high, averaging around 75% throughout the year, with peaks during weekends, particularly in summer. However, the property experiences even higher occupancy between October and May, with some weeks surpassing 85%.

Post-pandemic, the hotel has observed a shift in traveller demographics and preferences. While markets like Russia, the UK, and German-speaking countries have bounced back quickly, regions such as Southeast Asia, including China and Korea, have been slower to return. However, the hotel has seen a surge in visitors from Australia and the US, who are staying longer in Dubai, indicating a shift in how the city is perceived as a destination. “Dubai is no longer just a stopover destination for many travellers; it is now considered a primary holiday destination, especially for guests from Australia and the US,” Hehir comments.

In terms of engagement strategies with the Indian market, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has emphasized consistency and transparency in its approach. The hotel works closely with PR agencies, key wholesalers, and travel agents in India to maintain a strong presence in the market. “Rate parity is essential in today’s interconnected world, and we ensure transparency in our pricing to maintain trust with our partners,” says Hehir.

Looking ahead, the hotel plans to continue enhancing its offerings for Indian guests, particularly in culinary experiences. The Indian restaurant will undergo a significant transformation in Q4 2024, with a focus on interactive dining and a unique storytelling element. “We want to elevate the dining experience for our guests, and we believe this transformation will offer a dining experience unlike anything currently available in Dubai,” Hehir concludes.

Sustainability remains a priority for Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, and the hotel has implemented several eco-friendly initiatives inspired by Mark Hehir’s previous experience in the Maldives. These include the installation of a water bottling system to eliminate plastic usage, the creation of a sustainable garden to supply the hotel with leafy greens, and the installation of solar panels to offset the hotel’s energy consumption. The hotel is also working to reduce plastic usage by 5% annually, replacing it with sustainable alternatives.

With these efforts, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is positioning itself as a leading luxury hotel in Dubai, offering unique experiences for Indian travellers while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and cultural relevance.