A long-standing player in Dubai’s hospitality scene, Al Bustan Centre & Residence continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of travellers.
Located in Al Qusais, this all-in-one complex - home to a hotel residence and adjoining shopping mall - has carved out a unique position by catering to both long-stay guests and short-term business travellers, all while undergoing significant upgrades in line with Dubai’s competitive hospitality landscape. “For the last couple of years, we’ve really shifted our focus toward long-stay guests,” said Yasser Moussa, General Manager of Al Bustan Centre & Residence. “We now operate with around 70% of our inventory dedicated to long-term stays and 30% for daily business. This strategy has proven highly successful, especially during off-peak seasons.” With 640 apartment-style units, Al Bustan boasts one of the largest hotel inventories in the city. “Having such a large inventory makes it critical to maintain a strong long-stay base. It provides consistency and stability throughout the year,” Moussa explained. Dubai’s hospitality sector is famously competitive, but Al Bustan sets itself apart by offering more than just rooms. “We are a destination within a destination,” said Moussa. “Our property includes a fully operational shopping mall and extensive facilities, all managed by one company. This integration allows us to offer competitive pricing and added convenience for both short and long-term guests.” The property recently underwent a full renovation to modernise its facilities and elevate the guest experience. “We’ve completed a major renovation of the rooms, public areas, and most importantly, the mechanical and electrical systems. The entire air conditioning system, for example, has been replaced with new, efficient units,” he added. Despite ongoing changes in travel demand, the hotel has maintained robust performance. “Our current occupancy hovers around 85%, which is a remarkable achievement given the size of our inventory,” Moussa said. The property is also capitalising on Dubai’s growing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment. “Every year, Dubai attracts more corporate and government events. We are actively capturing this demand through strategic partnerships and tailored offerings for corporate clients,” he noted. Sustainability is another key pillar of Al Bustan’s transformation. “We’ve implemented sustainable practices across the property,” Moussa shared. “This includes eliminating single-use plastics, introducing eco-friendly amenities, using sustainable paper products, and upgrading engineering systems to align with Dubai’s sustainability goals.” The hotel has also introduced digital solutions to streamline guest experiences while reducing its environmental footprint. In 2025, guest expectations are shifting -- and Al Bustan is ready. “We’re seeing increasing demand from younger travellers, especially from the GCC and nearby markets,” Moussa observed. “We’re tailoring our offerings to cater to their preferences, whether it’s through design, entertainment, or sports tourism.” The property has also tapped into Dubai’s rising status as a hub for sports events. “Sports tourism is a growing trend, and we’ve already secured bookings linked to major events for the first time this year,” he said. As a loyal participant of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Al Bustan values the event as a critical business development platform. “We’ve never missed an ATM,” Moussa said proudly. “It’s our opportunity to meet with our global partners and discover new business opportunities. ATM continues to be a gateway for attracting travellers to Dubai.” Looking to the future, Moussa remains focused on personalised service as the cornerstone of Al Bustan’s value proposition. “We may not be the most luxurious property in Dubai, but we strive to offer the best personalised service. Our guests are our top priority, and we aim to make them feel at home.”