4-STAR HOTELS REPORT STRONG ROOM DEMAND & HIGH OCCUPANCY DURING SEPTEMBER 2001

The Government of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) confirmed that a majority of the four star hotels in Dubai reported higher occupancy during September 2001 in comparison to last year.

"We were pleasantly surprised by these findings following the recent events in the USA," said DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem.

"As many as 66% of the four star hotels in Dubai responded to our survey and reported positive findings."

"These findings confirm that Dubai is well placed to overcome the present predicament," said a confident Mr. bin Sulayem, "I reiterate that Dubai will endure the short-term effects of the recent events because we are an established destination with strong contacts with the international tour operators, travel trade and the media."

"The international travel trade has full awareness of and confidence in Dubai as a destination and we will continue to monitor the situation and take a proactive stance," Mr. bin Sulayem said.

Mr. bin Sulayem noted that the 4-star September 2001 occupancy rates for the hotels surveyed recorded a marginal percentage change of 1.5% over September 2000 to reach 69.65%.

Jean Samman, General Manager of Capitol Hotel and Group Coordinator of the DTCM's Hotel and Hotel Apartment Group's 4-star hotels said, "There is little doubt that business has been affected since the recent events in the USA and there have been cancellations, however, we have compensated for the loss in leisure travellers by focusing on the business travellers and corporate clients."

He went on to add that "While the future remains uncertain, we are working on a month-by-month basis and with Ramadan just round the corner, we are focusing on increased inter-emirate business as well as targeting GCC travellers through our promotions."