Abu Dhabi Hotels to Implement New Emirati Hospitality Standards by Q1 2027

Abu Dhabi is introducing new Emirati Hospitality Standards for hotels and hotel apartments across the emirate, aiming to embed local culture and traditions into the visitor experience. The Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced that the full implementation of these standards is targeted for the first quarter of 2027.

Standards Overview

The framework consists of 65 distinct standards that cover eight key stages of a guest's journey, from arrival to departure. These guidelines are designed to ensure that visitors encounter authentic elements of Emirati hospitality throughout their stay in Abu Dhabi.

Key aspects of the standards include:

• Offering traditional Emirati coffee and dates to guests.
• Serving traditional dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
• Integrating aspects of UAE heritage and history into the overall hotel experience.
• Mandatory training for reception and guest-service employees on the UAE’s heritage, culture, and history.

Strategic Alignment

This initiative aligns with the UAE National Identity Strategy, seeking to strengthen the national identity within Abu Dhabi's hospitality sector. The standards were developed through a collaboration between the National Projects Office and with support from the National Identity Committee of the Federal National Council for Empowerment of Emirati Human Resources and Society.

Beyond that, the programme is intended to support the objectives of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030. By providing a distinctive cultural experience, Abu Dhabi aims to reinforce its position as a leading global tourism destination while ensuring that its rapid tourism growth remains deeply connected to its cultural identity and heritage.