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Cleaning fees for 5-star hotels in city is doubled

DUBAI - Five-star hotels, when renewing their trade licences, have to shell out Dh80,000 with the introduction of the general cleaning fee imposed by the Dubai Municipality this year.

Although it represents a 100 per cent increase from last year's annual fee of Dh40,000, hotels have welcomed the move since they stand to benefit from the services of the civic body.

Alessandro Cresta, Executive Assistant Manager, InterContinental Dubai, told Khaleej Times: "We acknowledge that prices of services and products in general are slightly higher this year compared to that of last year. However, we would like to know the main reason behind such an enormous increase. I believe that the increased amount should highlight some sort of additional or more frequent services provided by Dubai Municipality."

He added: "Last year, we were charged Dh40,000 cleaning fee per year, this year we have received an invoice stating Dh80,000 for 12 months, so basically it is a 100 per cent increase.

Hamdan Al Shaer, Director of the Environment Department at the Dubai Municipality, had earlier explained to Khaleej Times that the fee is being charged for the same services that the municipality has been providing free of charge until this year. He added that the municipality has been investing in human resources and equipment to maintain Dubai's image as a clean city with a healthy and eye-pleasing environment.

Mr Al Shaer confirmed that the municipality is reviewing the general cleaning fees and its introduction, and said that the recommendations would be made by next year.

Meanwhile, explaining the advantages that the hotel derives from paying the general cleaning fee, Mr Cresta said: "By paying the annual cleaning fee, Dubai Municipality ensures emptying the hotel's litter container on a daily basis and making sure that all areas around our hotel are being kept clean and tidy."

Elena Mendez, Area Director of Public Relations, Sheraton Hotels, for her part, said the general cleaning fee last year was 50 per cent cheaper than the fee introduced this year. "We are alright with it. It helps in maintaining a clean, healthy and hygienic environment for our guests and staff," she said.

Some five-star hotels contacted by Khaleej Times declined to comment on the increase, explaining that their trade licences were not yet up for renewal, and that they were not aware of the additional charges for renewing the trade licences.

One hotel manager, however, stated that the trade licence renewal fee had remained the same in 2002 and 2003.

A Public Relations officer of another hotel located along Shaikh Zayed Road said she could not comment on the issue as the hotel was not directly involved in issues concerning the renewal of its trade licence, and this was being handled by the owner's office.