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Plan: Calum MacLeod expands to Dubai.

Glampitect, Scottish glamping site design consultancy, is expanding into the UAE less than two years after it was founded.

Founded 18 months ago by friends Calum MacLeod and Alisdair Young, the international expansion follows a period of strong growth for the Edinburgh-based company, which has been involved in more than 200 glamping projects across the UK since its inception in August 2019.

With the UK office well established, it was decided to tackle something similar in the United Arab Emirates as the first phase of a planned expansion, with destinations such as Ireland, Australia and the US on the company’s radar.

Facilities in Dubai will include luxurious lodge-style lodges up to 40 square meters, all with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and the latest five-star amenities.

“It’s really exciting to be entering this growth phase,” said 27-year-old MacLeod.

“It was always my plan to expand into the UAE, but the pandemic has accelerated things a little faster than I expected.

“The growth of glamping, or eco-resorts as they are called in the Middle East, is massive and, like in the UK, demand far exceeds supply. In fact, the demand in Dubai is probably greater right now than anywhere else in the world and our expertise is helping people establish these locations as businesses so that they are a good fit for us. “

According to a study by Grand View Research Inc, the global glamping sector will be valued at $ 4.8 billion by 2026, achieved by an average growth rate of 12.5% ​​per year.

“Glamping can pay for itself in less than two years, and it’s growing in popularity every day, so there’s never been a better time to start your website,” added MacLeod.

“Our group has grown rapidly and we now have a strong team of architects, site designers, feasibility experts, marketers and website setup consultants. You can’t set up a glamping site on a whim. It takes careful planning, flexible thinking, and experts like us to guide people through the process. “

Toast to the coast: Calum MacLeod and Ali Young at the start of the NC 500 Pods.

Mr. MacLeod will be based in Dubai and hopes to start building a team of advisors.

“We’re really excited to establish ourselves here as a consultancy to help people build their own glamping sites,” he said. “This includes everything from contacting the planning staff in Dubai to advice on selling units and marketing the system.

“We will work closely with architects who are familiar with all the planning regulations in Dubai and will do all the preparatory work, including the design of the locations. If you want, come up with a master plan of what the website will look like, including amenities, common areas, swimming pools, etc.

“Our long-term goal is to have our own planning department here so that we can offer the full service we have in the UK and help people to maximize their sales and utilization.”

Mr. Young, 39, said: “The launch of our brand in the UAE is an extremely important milestone for Glampitect. This is the first step in our goal of an international presence.

“In this way we can promote the UK’s established glamping industry as well as our own specialized services in new markets and develop new products in diverse and enticing locations.”

The young entrepreneurs began their glamping journey in the highlands almost two years ago when they teamed up to build North Coast 500 pods in Achmelvich, Sutherland.