DMCs for Demanding Clients
Gulf States
Getting specific requests from intense clients can feel like a real task. But sometimes you have that ace up your sleeve and a knowing grin that says, "I have just the thing." Here are six top DMCs in the Gulf States that'll have your back in every situation.
DMCs for Demanding Clients
Gulf States
Getting specific requests from intense clients can feel like a real task. But sometimes you have that ace up your sleeve and a knowing grin that says, "I have just the thing." Here are six top DMCs in the Gulf States that'll have your back in every situation.
2Xceed, United Arab Emirates
Good partners are essential in the DMC business. As such, 2Xceed works closely with Dubai Tourism and the Sunset Hospitality Group in the United Arab Emirates, which operate in many unique locations and restaurants in the country and around the world. This gives the team the opportunity and flexibility to host events or organize special restaurant experiences for clients. In addition to ready-made itineraries, 2Xceed is receptive to client requests and offers special experiences for which access is not open to the public. One experience with a particularly strong sense of place is traditional Camel Polo, for which tickets are available for DMC guests. The same applies to the Dubai World Cup horse race and golf tournaments such as the European Tour. Need something a little faster? There are also tickets for Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi of course. The concierge team takes pride in and care of special requests and – according to its own statements – will move mountains (or dunes) if necessary. For example, 2Xceed creates a private oasis in the so-called Empty Quarter in the desert, and private tours of Emirati landmarks are also possible. How about a private dinner at the Museum of the Future (pictured) ? No problem at all! 2Xceed focuses on details, and is also in business of organizing MICE events. Good to know: 2Xceed operates in Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The team communicates in English, French, German, and Spanish for inquiries.
Trade Contact: The Team at 2Xceed
Arabian Lux, Qatar
Travel agencies in Qatar can also count on high-end DMC support. Arabian Lux is a Preferred Member of Virtuoso and has a few tricks of the trade of its own. The DMC, which in addition to Qatar is also active throughout the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the Maldives, pursues the "One Lux" philosophy. What that means is that everything comes from a single source. There is one contact person, one itinerary, one payment – even if several destinations are involved. Arabian Lux creates special experiences such as a picnic setting on the inland sea of Qatar (pictured), but also creates tailor-made trips, and these can be carried out with special vehicles upon request. Thematic experiences are also on the menu, including adventure, culinary, or culturally themed travel, such as meetings with locals. What's particularly nice for guests is that the DMC is in contact with them throughout the entire trip. It also checks local conditions such as traffic, weather, or how busy a particular stop in the itinerary might be to prevent problems from arising in the first place. Arabian Lux also offers a special service for agencies: the Virtual DMC. Advisors that want to take advantage of this service can brand the experience with their own company logo at the destination, or for example, at the airport during pick-up. Documents with the agency's own branding are also available in the transfer, or in the hotels. Arabian Lux also has its own online trade platform.
Trade Contact: The Reservations Team at Arabian Lux
DISPLAY - The United Arab Emirates offers the highest, most expensive and most extravagant attractions in the world. With our expertise and first-class service, we transform these superlatives into unforgettable and tailor-made experiences for your clients. As a registered travel agency partner of LUXURY DREAMS, you also get access to special rates and exclusive benefits such as early check-in, late check-out, upgrades and resort credit. Subscribe here to our B2B WhatsApp newsletter and look forward to receiving exclusive insider tips, specials and inspiring news directly on your cell phone.
Ihr Kontakt: Katrin Frank, Head of External Sales, E-Mail & Telefon
Elevate, United Arab Emirates
Based in Dubai and led by a team with more than two decades of experience, Elevate offers comprehensive services such as airport meet'n'greet, limousine transfers, hotel bookings, and curated experiences as a trusted partner in tourism. The Serandipians member and Virtuoso Preferred Partner in the EMEA region provides travel agencies and tour operators with tailor-made itineraries. Experiences range from Dubai classics – such as private tours of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel – to private night safaris (pictured) in the desert, stargazing sans city lights. Organizing a personal shopper for an extended stroll through the Dubai Mall is not a problem for the Elevate team. Another cool option is a stylish afternoon tea in the Michelin-star restaurant Atmosphere, 442 meters (1,450ft.) above the rooftops of Dubai. What's more, every itinerary is designed and modified according to clients' wishes. Luxury moments can also be created throughout the other six emirates. Practical for travel agencies: Elevate has a partner login and its own booking engine to make agencies' work easier.
Trade Contact: The Team at Elevate
Happy Travel, United Arab Emirates
A big plus for all travel agencies who work with Happy Travel is the in-house technology, since the provider has developed a booking platform that is easy to integrate and sends booking confirmations within one minute. One thing to keep in mind: Happy Travel focuses more on city tours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Five- to ten-hour excursions with an expert guide are available, tailored to guests' wishes of course. The DMC has guides who speak English, German, Spanish, Arabic, Finnish, Romanian, and Mandarin. Happy Travel arranges transfers and limousine services, VIP arrival services at the airport, and has a concierge team that takes care of special experiences and requests such as restaurant bookings, tickets, gifts, shopping, flights (including private jets), helicopter transfers, as well as yacht charters in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In addition to Emirati lunches, stays in the desert at the Sonara Nest are also possible. Art buffs will be especially pleased since Happy Travel opens the doors to the Louvre Abu Dhabi for a private tour after regular opening hours.
Trade Contact: Juliet Thomas, Reservations Sales Supervisor
DISPLAY - For customers who value good cuisine, Los Cabos, a destination known the world over for its culinary delights and sustainability, is just right! For the first time, the restaurant scene has been awarded 18 Michelin Guide stars. The gourmet restaurant Grand Velas Los Cabos received its first star and the farm-to-table farms Flora Fields and Acre are among the first to be awarded a Green Star. Exquisite cuisine combined with outstanding hotels, charming towns, diverse landscapes and activities - what more could a destination offer?
Mehr Informationen unter info@majunkesales.com oder auf Visit Los Cabos.
Magic Arabia, Oman
DMC Magic Arabia has a wide variety of options for travel agencies and their clients. Operating under the auspices of Magic Travels, the DMC takes care of travel, special experiences, and services in Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Jordan. The company was founded in 1985 and is well-versed in luxury travel. Keep in mind that Magic Arabia does arrange comprehensive trips and works out tailor-made itineraries, however all tours and trips are for a minimum of two people. You can also book your own desert camps, called Magic Camps. In Oman, Magic Arabia operates the luxury camp Wahiba Sands (pictured), and there are also mobile camps that can be set up as required. The DMC also has suitable itineraries for golfers. One special feature is their product line named Beyond by Magic Travels, which is dedicated to sustainable travel and adventure trips. Luxury moments can also be booked under the high-end line called Magic Experiences. These include stargazing under the desert sky, cooking classes, and homestay dinners with Omani families. For travel agencies there is a dedicated booking platform which also serves the company's DMCs in other countries. These other destination services are also available for Armenia, Georgia, France, and Portugal. Good to know: Magic Travels is a member of Serandipians.
Trade Contact: The Team in the Global Sales Office at Magic Travels
Pure Saudi, Saudi Arabia
The exotic one among the Saudi DMCs, Pure Saudi is part of the German tour operator Discovery Tours + Events, which has been organizing trips to Saudi Arabia since 1999. The DMC has been operating independently since 2022, as previously it was a joint venture. One other plus point is that Pure Saudi has secured higher compliance requirements that other Saudi DMCs cannot currently boast. The portfolio of the full-service agency with four employees includes all classic DMC services as well as the additional services of relocation, MICE, translation services, and advice and mediation on legal and import/export issues. The agency services are offered in German, English, Arabic, French, Spanish, Indian, and Japanese. Thanks to its long-standing contacts in Saudi Arabia, Pure Saudi is able to offer very unique and special experiences. On top of visits to palaces and art collections, there are also meetings with the Imam of Mecca, the Imam of Medina, or members of the royal family. Pure Saudi is also very well-connected to the art scene and can arrange tickets for events such as fashion shows (pictured), Formula 1, or concerts. Demand for these services is high, since Pure Saudi now supports more than 20 operators in Europe, Japan, India, Mexico, and Brazil. Luxury Umrah pilgrimages have also been bookable since 2023.
Trade Contact: The Reservations Team at Pure Saudi
Let's ask the Industry:
Are there enough good luxury DMCs for the Gulf States?
"The supply of luxury DMCs is very good, there is almost an oversupply. DMCs are the be-all and end-all in destinations where discerning clients require a great deal of expertise. With new hotel openings, renovations, and even construction site updates, it's important to have a reliable partner in the destination. In addition, there are numerous excursions that need to be planned as individually and as exclusively as possible with excellent guides. Restaurants and tickets for cultural and lifestyle events are also important. And, of course, seemless transfers with a premium fleet. A first-class DMC should always be up-to-date, have well-negotiated prices, and respond quickly. A wide selection of top guides is also an important point. An exceptionally good luxury DMC opens doors that remain closed to others. DMCs are particularly important for us in the Gulf States – we book almost all services there via DMCs, including hotels. The Gulf States have always been a DMC market, so the purchasing conditions through these companies are very attractive."
Christoph Berner, Managing Director, Berner Travel