Business travel is an essential aspect of today’s working world, and with the increasing complexity of global business processes, the types of business-related travel have expanded correspondingly.
Whether travelling to the UAE for a critical client meeting or organising a team-building event in Dubai, it is always useful to know the requirements of various kinds of business travel. We will discuss the seven categories of business travel UAE entrepreneurs usually go for and offer some information on lodging requirements.
Event and Conference Travel
Business travel is often associated with event and conference travel, one of the most frequently occurring types of business travel. Business people go to conferences, workshops, and seminars to learn, to meet other professionals, and to carry their organisation’s message.
Accommodation Needs: In this case, when going to events and conferences, it is important to be close to the event venue. Some of the best locations to find hotels are in the downtown area or close to the conference facilities. For instance, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, it will be more efficient to stay in a hotel near this location so that one will not have to spend a lot of time moving from one area to another. It is also important to select places with business facilities such as free Wi-Fi and working areas.
Tip: To get the best rates and location when going to a large conference in Dubai, you can book early through a travel agency in Dubai.
Internal Meetings and Office Visits
Conferences and office calls are essential for organisations with several branches or offices in different countries. Such trips are usually of a short duration but can encompass several sites within a city or country.
Accommodation Needs: For these trips, flexibility is key. In this case, you may consider getting a serviced apartment or an extended-stay hotel since they afford the convenience of home along with the freedom of a hotel. In the UAE, possibilities such as staycations in Dubai allow working during the day and getting some rest at night. Such lodgings generally include a kitchenette, washer/dryer, and a large work area, which are suitable for extended stays.
Tip: Ensure that you get a hotel that is close to a bus or train station, or one that is on the company shuttle route.
Company Retreats
Team building exercises and other corporate events, such as company retreats, are meant to improve team cohesion, organisational culture, and idea generation. These trips usually take longer and include group activities, workshops, and free time.
Accommodation Needs: The most suitable places for organisational retreats are hotels or big houses that have both individual and common areas. In Dubai, most of the resorts provide corporate group services that include meeting facilities, team bonding activities, and relaxation services such as spas and golf courses. These settings ensure that teams get to work in perfect environments and then have adequate time to rest and recharge before getting back to work.
Tip: It is advisable to approach a travel agency in Dubai if you want to book accommodation that will meet all your group’s needs for a comfortable retreat.
Client Meetings
The chance to meet clients in person is still considered one of the most important factors in business interactions, particularly in regions like the UAE. Such trips may need to be conducted professionally and with a lot of attention to detail.
Accommodation Needs: In the case of client meetings, business travellers should use hotels or serviced apartments that are luxurious, comfortable, and private. Temporary housing should be close to the client’s workplace or in prime districts of the city. Most business travellers in Dubai like to stay in areas such as Downtown Dubai or close to the financial centre to be near their appointments while at the same time receiving the best services.
Tip: If you want to make a lasting impression, then it is recommended to book a room with access to the executive lounges or business facilities where you can formally conduct your meetings.
Trade Fairs and Exhibitions
Trade fairs and exhibitions are very important for organisations that need to introduce their products, get acquainted with other market participants, and know the latest trends. Such events usually include many hours and even days of communication with other people.
Accommodation Needs: In the case of trade fairs, the accommodation should be within walking distance of the fair venue, or if not, it should be easily accessible. Lodges that are preferred by business people with services such as check-in early, check-out late, and round-the-clock room service are preferred. Most of the hotels close to the Dubai Exhibition Centre offer transport services and other facilities to the participants of trade shows.
Tip: When you book a hotel through a travel agency in Dubai, you may probably be able to get hotel accommodation that offers a discount or an offer for people attending the trade fair.
Transfers and Offshore Work
Business travel can be categorised into different types, and some of the most difficult forms of business travel include long-term transfers and offshore work assignments. Most of these assignments involve moving to another city or even another country for a long time.
Accommodation Needs: For such trips, it is advisable to look for long-term rentals or serviced apartments. They provide the familiar atmosphere of home and privacy at the same time as the services of a hotel. Most of the expatriates in Dubai prefer to live in fully furnished apartments that come with amenities such as a gym, swimming pool, and security personnel who guard the compound throughout the day and night, thus making it safe and comfortable for the expatriates to live in those apartments for the agreed duration they are in Dubai.
Tip: Choose an accommodation that is close to service facilities such as supermarkets, hospitals, and transport facilities to make your long stay comfortable.
Bleisure Travel
Business leisure travel is also on the rise as people go on business trips and do not mind staying a little extra to explore the destination. Such a type of travel enables one to visit new places while at the same time attending to business.
Accommodation Needs: For leisure travel, one should consider accommodations that provide leisure services in addition to business services. In Dubai, for example, staycations are very common, and you can relax after the meetings with spa treatments, beach trips, or cultural sightseeing. Selecting a place that provides leisure and work options makes for a balanced trip.
Tip: Consult a travel agency in Dubai to plan your business and leisure activities to ensure that you get the best experience during your stay in the city.
Conclusion
It is crucial to consider the unique characteristics of various categories of business trips to make the right choice of lodging. Whether it is a business conference, a business meeting, or a business retreat, choosing the right hotel to stay at can boost one’s performance and experience. In a fast-growing business environment such as Dubai, it is more convenient to work with a travel agency since they can help book the most suitable accommodation for you.