The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched an updated Hotel Classification Manual, introducing revised standards for guest experience, service quality and sustainability.
The new edition was launched during Arabian Travel Market and expands hotel classification categories, aligns them more closely with international hospitality practices and standards, and strengthens sustainability requirements.
It also introduces seven new accolades recognising hotels for excellence in areas including Emirati Dhiyafa, Green Excellence, Wellness and Hospitality Innovation.
“As Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector continues to grow, maintaining the highest standards of quality, service and guest experience remains central to our long-term success,” Hamad Mohammed Sudain, executive director of Support Services at DCT Abu Dhabi, said.
The updated manual, he said, establishes a benchmark reflecting Abu Dhabi’s approach to hospitality and destination excellence while providing greater consistency and clarity across the sector.
First introduced in 2007 and last updated in 2018, the manual sets measurable standards covering service excellence, facilities management, health and safety, and sustainability practices.
The latest edition refines those criteria to reflect evolving global hospitality trends, raise guest experience benchmarks and align with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, DCT Abu Dhabi said.
The update is intended to provide a reference point for hospitality standards while incorporating international standards to support competitiveness and quality in Abu Dhabi’s hospitality sector.
Visitors are expected to benefit from more consistent hotel experiences, while hotels will have opportunities to differentiate their offerings through specialised classifications. Investors will benefit from adjusted infrastructure requirements designed to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier destination, DCT Abu Dhabi said.
DCT Abu Dhabi had previously announced that the update was forthcoming following consultations with hospitality stakeholders across the emirate. A grace period has been provided to hotel establishments to allow for implementation of the new standards.
The Licensing and Regulatory Compliance Department (LRCD) is leading the development and rollout of the updated manual. It is also overseeing implementation and supporting hotels during the transition to ensure the standards are applied consistently across the emirate.
