The South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2025, held at Yashobhoomi, Delhi, India, was a grand convergence of global travel leaders, tourism innovators, and key decision- makers. Among them was Bader Ali Habib, Director of Proximity Markets, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), who shared exclusive insights on Dubai’s evolving travel strategies, sustainability efforts, and engagement with India’s dynamic market.

Dubai at SATTE 2025: Strengthening India-Dubai Travel Relations

Bader Ali Habib described SATTE 2025 as an incredible platform, highlighting the importance of face-to-face interactions in the travel industry. Dubai has consistently been one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian travelers, and DET’s participation aimed to enhance connectivity, collaboration, and business opportunities in South Asia.

“The kind of people we meet here—from travel trade to media—is invaluable. Ideas emerge, partnerships strengthen, and direct access makes a huge difference,” said Habib.

The event served as an opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, address evolving travel demands, and showcase Dubai’s latest tourism innovations.

Dubai’s Key Travel Strategies for 2025 and Beyond

Habib outlined four major strategic focus areas that Dubai DET is implementing to further strengthen its position in the Indian market:

Luxury and Fashion-Driven Tourism

Dubai aims to attract high-net-worth Indian travelers by collaborating with luxury brands and fashion icons.

Recent collaboration with Indian designer Gaurav Gupta, showcasing Dubai as a fashion hub.
Expanding the luxury shopping and high-end retail sector, making Dubai an even more attractive destination for affluent travelers.

Expanding Stopover and Transit Tourism

Dubai is one of the world’s busiest transit hubs, with millions of Indian travelers transiting through Dubai en route to Western destinations.

Targeted marketing efforts to convert transiting passengers into stopover visitors.
Recent policy changes allowing Indian travelers with US, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Japan visas to obtain visas on arrival—making Dubai an effortless stopover destination.

Strengthening Regional Connectivity in India

Expanding outreach beyond tier 1 cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai to tier 2 and tier 3 markets such as Surat, Pune, Ludhiana, and Coimbatore.
Localized marketing campaigns in regional languages (Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Punjabi) to engage diverse Indian audiences.

Targeting the Gen Z Travel Segment

Recognizing that Gen Z is reshaping global travel, Dubai is launching youth-focused campaigns showcasing Dubai’s contemporary, cultural, and adventure tourism experiences.

Positioning Dubai as a “second home” for young Indian travelers who previously visited with family.
Creating Nostalgia-driven marketing campaigns to reintroduce Dubai’s new experiences to young Indian travelers.

Cultural & Entertainment-Based Tourism: A Key Attraction for Indians

Habib highlighted that Dubai’s cultural appeal plays a crucial role in attracting Indian visitors:

Strong cultural parallels between India and Dubai (food, festivals, weddings, and Bollywood influence).
Dubai’s growing Indian expatriate community making the city feel like a second home.
Hosting grand Indian weddings, film premieres, and Diwali celebrations in Dubai to reinforce cultural ties.

“Dubai is home to the largest Indian expatriate community. From food to festivals, we make sure Indians feel at home while experiencing world-class luxury and hospitality,” he noted.

Digital & Influencer Marketing: Dubai’s New Age Tourism Approach

With the rise of digital platforms, AI, and influencer marketing, Dubai DET is leveraging new- age media:

Running full-scale digital campaigns on social media, YouTube, OTT platforms, and AI- driven marketing.
Partnering with popular Indian influencers and travel content creators to enhance engagement and reach younger audiences.
Exploring new AI solutions to personalize marketing for Indian travelers.

“We believe in adapting to new media trends. From influencer marketing to AI-powered travel planning, Dubai is evolving its outreach strategies for maximum impact,” said Habib.

Sustainability & Responsible Tourism in Dubai

Dubai is actively pursuing sustainable tourism initiatives, with a strong commitment to:

Eliminating single-use plastics in the tourism sector.
Dubai Reefs Project—a marine conservation initiative promoting sustainable tourism.
The Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) certification program to ensure hotels and attractions meet environmental standards.
Launching Therme Dubai, the world’s tallest wellness resort, focused on eco-conscious luxury travel.

“Sustainability isn’t just an option; it’s the future. Dubai is investing in green initiatives to preserve our environment while providing unmatched travel experiences,” said Habib.

Upcoming Attractions & Hospitality Developments in Dubai

For 2025 and beyond, Dubai is unveiling exciting new attractions to captivate global travelers:

Ain Dubai – The world’s largest observation wheel offering panoramic views of Dubai.
House of Hype – A next-generation indoor entertainment complex with immersive digital experiences.
New Luxury Hotels – Mandarin Oriental (Downtown), Ciel Hotel, and Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, redefining luxury hospitality.

Dubai’s Vision for the Future

As Dubai continues to innovate, expand, and adapt, it remains a top destination for Indian travelers. With enhanced connectivity, evolving tourism strategies, and a strong focus on sustainability, Dubai is poised to lead the future of global travel.

Dubai continues to lead in sustainable tourism with initiatives like Dubai CAN, a citywide campaign promoting eco-friendly practices, water conservation, and reduced plastic usage. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s commitment to responsible tourism, encouraging both residents and visitors to adopt sustainable habits while exploring the city.

Meanwhile, Ramadan plays a significant role in cultural and entertainment-based tourism, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Dubai’s rich heritage, traditions, and hospitality. During this sacred month, the city transforms with vibrant Ramadan markets, Iftar experiences, and cultural performances, providing an immersive experience for tourists.

Visitors can enjoy majestic Ramadan tents, traditional Emirati cuisine, and spiritual gatherings while discovering the essence of this holy month.

By integrating sustainability and cultural tourism, Dubai enhances its appeal as a global travel destination, catering to eco-conscious travelers and those seeking authentic cultural experiences. These initiatives position the city as a leader in responsible, heritage-driven tourism.