The Dubai Government introduces new tourist tax
To commence from April this year
The new 'Tourism Dirham' tax fee will range from Dhs7-20 and will only apply to guests staying in hotels, hotel apartments, guesthouses and holiday homes from April onwards. The charge will be based on a per room, per night basis as well as the type of accommodation.
In a statement The Department of Tourism and Commerce said: "The introduction of the Tourism Dirham will support Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, helping to ensure our continued competitiveness on the global stage which will be reflected positively on the growth of two of our economic pillars - trade and tourism."
The 'Tourism Dirham' is expected to help raise Dhs32 billion towards the cost of hosting the Expo 2020 projects, including new attractions such as, a crocodile park, safari park, butterfly garden, models of world monuments and a wetlands museum. Expo 2020 will reportedly cost the emirate US$8.7 billion, and is set to attract more than 20 million visitors.
