Holiday home operators see status quo as Emaar deadline ends

Dubai - All the stakeholders agreed that the Emaar ban will not be effective after the deadline expires.

As the Emaar deadline for holiday home operators to leave Downtown Dubai expires on September 19, the key word that emerged after talks with Dubai Tourism was status quo.
The operators, who met the regulator on September 18 afternoon, were optimistic about finding a solution to end the uncertainty created by Emaar Properties who on September 4 issued a notice to the industry players to cease their operations in Downtown Dubai by September 19.
Sources privy to the talks said that all the stakeholders agreed that the Emaar ban will not be effective after the deadline expires and operators will continue to work until a workable solution evolved.
"Security will not stop any guest or holiday home operators even if the deadline expires today. If any issue arises, complainant can contact Emaar management directly and they will solve the matter on a priority basis," sources said about an understanding reached with the regulator.
"We have agreed on a four-point solution with the regulator who will issue a statement on Thursday," they added.
"The regulator assured us that the Emaar ban won't be effective, but I would wait till an official announcement comes out," said another source.
The operators said an urgent solution is needed as they are hounded by clients who have booking in Downtown Dubai but are now looking for alternative accommodations.
sandhya@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai