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Da Nang Aims for Upscale Tourism from Dubai's Elite Social Circle

Emirates, a renowned global airline, has commenced direct flights between Dubai and Da Nang, kicking off a transformative chapter for the latter, a bustling coastal city. The increasing connectivity from a thriving region is foreseen to spark substantive alterations, particularly for this...

Flight service from Emirates, a globally renowned airline, has initiated direct travel between...
Flight service from Emirates, a globally renowned airline, has initiated direct travel between Dubai and Da Nang. This strategic move from the bustling Middle East, a region witnessing rapid expansion, is predicted to instigate substantial transformations in the coastal city. Ensuring lasting attractiveness for this elite category of travelers has become a crucial focus point.

Da Nang Aims for Upscale Tourism from Dubai's Elite Social Circle

Emirates' Da Nang Arrival: How Middle Eastern Tourists are Transforming the City's Landscape

Emirates, the leading airline in the Middle East, has officially launched its direct route to Da Nang, a move set to redefine the coastal city's tourism scene. Here's a breakdown of the game-changing implications this new connection is set to bring.

Welcome to the New Da Nang

The inaugural Emirates flight was met with a grand welcome, signaling the start of a new era for Da Nang, a city keen on luring affluent travelers from around the globe.

The Middle East's Influence

Emirates, globally acclaimed as a travel pioneer by Forbes Travel Guide, operates over 4,100 weekly flights from Dubai International Airport to 140 cities across 80 countries. The new Da Nang connection opens the door for Middle Eastern billionaires to explore Vietnam's central coast and fosters the arrival of affluent travelers from Europe and the Americas, as Dubai ranks high on the world's busiest international transit hubs.

By April 2025, Middle Eastern visitors accounted for 0.73% of total international arrivals in Da Nang, with most hailing from Iran, Israel, and Turkey[1]. With the Emirates connection now operational, this number is forecasted to skyrocket, potentially injecting billions of Vietnamese dong into the local economy[1].

In recent years, Da Nang has made strides to tap into new high-potential markets, including the Middle East and Central Asia, and is reaping the benefits with charter flights to cities like Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan. There are also weekly services from Tashkent, Uzbekistan[1].

Da Nang: A Haven for Global Elites

To cater to affluent tourists, a destination must offer diverse experiences and top-tier resorts. Recognizing the Middle Eastern market's potential, Da Nang is rolling out the red carpet. The city boasts around 1,290 tourist accommodations - including 111 four and five-star hotels - and features international brands like Hyatt, Sheraton, and Marriott, all favored by Middle Eastern elites[2].

Da Nang highlights 16 tourist sites, including Sun World Ba Na Hills and its iconic Golden Bridge, Da Nang Downtown, and Than Tai Mountain Hot Spring Park. Golf tourism is another allure, with Da Nang boasting three international-standard golf courses, including the renowned Ba Na Hills Golf Club designed by golf legend Luke Donald[2].

To ensure Middle Eastern guests feel at home, Da Nang is embracing Halal tourism, with nearly 30 restaurants and eateries offering Halal-certified or Muslim-friendly cuisine. Among them, Halal Indrapura and Bharata Restaurant at Sun World Ba Na Hills, have received official Halal certification[3].

A Strategic Move Forward

By securing its spot on the Emirates flight map, Da Nang has taken a strategic step forward in penetrating the Middle Eastern market. This new air route is more than just a tourism catalyst; it's a gateway for expanding trade, investment, and cultural cooperation[3]. According to Truong Thi Hong Hanh, Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, this connection strengthens tourism development and paves the way for fresh opportunities[3].

Emirates' Da Nang connection is set to redefine the city's tourism landscape, heralding a new wave of affluence, cultural exchange, and economic growth. Will Da Nang manage to capture the hearts of Middle Eastern travelers, just like it has for those from Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore? Only time will tell.

Footnotes:

[1] i.vntervez.com, April 2025[2] The Da Nang People's Committee, 2025[3] The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, 2025[4] Invest Da Nang, 2025[5] The Central Tourism Development Strategy for the 2020-2030 Period, 2020, published by the Government of Vietnam

  1. The Emirates connection, anticipating an influx of Middle Eastern travelers, is projected to inject billions of Vietnamese dong into Da Nang's economy, signifying a substantial contribution to the city's lifestyle and overall growth.
  2. As the new route fosters the arrival of affluent travelers from various cultures, Da Nang's sports scene may experience a shift as diverse global events, such as golf tournaments, draw attention from the Middle East, enriching the city's cultural tapestry.
  3. With an increase in Middle Eastern tourists, Da Nang's travel industry can look forward to a richer cultural exchange, blending traditional Vietnamese customs with the vibrant Middle Eastern economy, enhancing the city's appeal to a wider, global audience.

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