Abu Dhabi has launched new Emirati Hospitality Standards for hotels and hotel apartments across the emirate. The new framework will bring UAE culture, traditions and heritage into different parts of the guest experience. Full implementation is set to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
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65 Standards Cover Guest Journey
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) introduced the framework with 65 standards. These standards cover eight stages of the guest journey.
The aim is to give visitors a more distinctive experience during their stay. Hotels will be expected to include elements of Emirati culture in their services and guest interactions.
The Emirati Hospitality Standards include traditional Emirati coffee and dates for guests. Hotels will also serve traditional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Hotels To Strengthen Cultural Experience
The new rules also focus on UAE heritage and history. Hotels will be required to include aspects of the country’s culture and heritage in the guest experience.
Another key requirement is staff training. Reception and guest-service employees will receive training about the UAE’s heritage, culture and history.
This will help hotel employees better explain local traditions to visitors. It will also make the guest experience more closely connected to Abu Dhabi’s cultural identity.
Part Of Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy
The Emirati Hospitality Standards are aligned with the UAE National Identity Strategy. They also support the goals of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030.
The tourism strategy aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global tourism destination. At the same time, it seeks to keep tourism growth connected to the emirate’s cultural identity and heritage.
The standards were developed in collaboration with the National Projects Office. They also received support from the National Identity Committee of the Federal National Council for Empowerment of Emirati Human Resources and Society.
Implementation Starts In 2027
Full implementation of the Emirati Hospitality Standards will begin in the first quarter of 2027. Hotels and hotel apartments across Abu Dhabi will need to follow the new framework.
The initiative is expected to give tourists a stronger connection to Emirati traditions while supporting Abu Dhabi’s wider tourism ambitions. It also places local culture at the centre of the hospitality experience.
