Best Email Marketing Strategies for Hospitality Businesses in United Arab Emirates

Emails aren’t extinct. They’re just misunderstood. Some hospitality businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) treat email marketing like a bad hotel breakfast—cold, uninspiring, and forgotten. 

But done right, hospitality email marketing can turn first-time guests into lifelong VIPs.

Let’s dive into industry best practices and real-world strategies that make United Arab Emirates email campaigns irresistible.

Effective Personalization

Which would you prefer: an email addressing you generically as "Dear Guest" or one that reads, "Hey Ahmed, your beach view suite awaits you"? 

Personalization for marketing emails in the hospitality sector has matured into something that is no longer just a nice-to-have feature; it has become the key upgrade that your business needs.

For instance, Atlantis the Palm in Dubai sends tailored offers according to customers' previous stays. If you were pampered with a spa treatment the last time you visited, expect special offers in your inbox next time around!

Customer data can help you create United Arab Emirates email campaigns that feel like a conversation rather than a marketing activity.

Subject Lines 

You could have the best hospitality email marketing strategy, but if your subject line is as exciting as “Monthly Newsletter,” consider it deleted.

Try this instead:

• "A Secret Getaway Just for You, Fatima! 🌴"

• "50% Off Your Next Stay—Because You Deserve It!"

Real-Life Insight: A Dubai-based resort increased open rates by 30% simply by adding first names and emojis to subject lines.

Timing Matters

The best campaigns are not those that hit the inbox at 3 AM but at the proper hour over there in UAE-the hour of breakfast!

The best times to send emails in UAE are as follows:

• Midweeks (Tuesday-Thursday): Business travelers show high engagement during this time.

• Evenings (7-9 PM): When leisure travelers sit down to check their emails

Industry best practices: The best hotels in Dubai send out loyalty program emails immediately after clients check out in order to encourage bookings further.

Mobile-First or Bust: Playing to the Likes of Thumb Generations

Almost 90% of UAE inhabitants see emails on their mobiles, making it impossible for any emails not optimized for mobile use to be translated into any bookings.

Checklist for mobile-friendly email campaigns in the UAE:

✅ Very short, very snappy with 25 words at most

✅ Big buttons that are very tappable

✅ Pictures should load fast

✅ Just one very clear CTA

A fine example: A boutique hotel in Dubai increased direct bookings by 40% after making their emails mobile responsive. 

Automation: The Concierge You Never Knew You Needed

Imagine a concierge that sends welcome emails, reminders, and post-stay offers on their behalf. This is email automation!

Top automated hospitality email marketing campaigns:

• Welcome Emails: “Your dream stay at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi is confirmed!”

• Abandoned Booking Emails: “Oops! Looks like you left your beach villa behind.”

• Loyalty Rewards Emails: “You’re one stay away from a free upgrade!”

Industry Best Practice: UAE hotels using email automation see a 300% higher engagement rate.

Reviews & Referrals: Let Your Guests Do the Talking

Word-of-mouth marketing is gold in hospitality email marketing. But why wait for guests to talk about you when you can nudge them?

How to encourage reviews in United Arab Emirates email campaigns

• Offer a discount for the next stay in exchange for a TripAdvisor review

• Include a one-click review link in post-stay emails

• Reward guests who refer a friend

Example: A leading Dubai hotel saw a 50% increase in positive reviews simply by adding “Rate your stay in 10 seconds” buttons in emails.

Conclusion

Some say social media is the king of marketing, while others argue that hospitality email marketing delivers better ROI. The truth? A combination of both is the ultimate strategy. Email marketing provides a direct, personal touch that social media can’t replicate.

With industry best practices, perfectly timed United Arab Emirates email campaigns, and a touch of personalization, your hospitality business can turn casual guests into loyal customers.

FAQ

How often should hospitality businesses send emails?

Twice a month is ideal. Too many emails = spam. Too few = forgotten.

What’s the biggest mistake in hospitality email marketing?

Generic emails! Personalization is the key to success.

Should I use emojis in subject lines?

Absolutely! Emails with emojis have higher open rates, but don’t overdo it.

What’s the best CTA for a hospitality email?

Clear, action-driven CTAs like “Book Now & Save 20%” work best.

How do I measure the success of my email campaigns?

Track open rates, click-through rates, and direct bookings from emails.