Abu Dhabi launches charter to protect children's welfare after divorce

Abu Dhabi has unveiled "Emirati Hospitality Standards" for hotels and apartment accommodations throughout the emirate. These standards are set to be fully implemented starting in the first quarter of 2027, as part of broader efforts to integrate Emirati culture and traditions into the visitor experience. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) outlined the framework, which consists of 65 standards spanning eight stages of a guest's journey.

The aim is to ensure that all visitors have the opportunity to encounter unique facets of Emirati hospitality during their stay. Key elements include serving traditional Emirati coffee and dates, offering traditional dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients, and weaving UAE heritage and history into the overall hotel experience.

Mandatory aspects of the standards require staff to receive training on UAE's heritage, culture, and history. This initiative seeks to bolster the UAE's national identity within the hospitality sector of Abu Dhabi and aligns with the UAE National Identity Strategy. The development of these standards was a collaborative effort between the National Projects Office and the National Identity Committee of the Federal National Council for Empowerment of Emirati Human Resources and Society.

Additionally, this initiative is designed to bolster Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, which seeks to enhance visitors' experiences by incorporating the emirate's cultural and traditional elements. These efforts are aimed at reinforcing Abu Dhabi's standing as a premier global tourism destination while maintaining a strong connection between the emirate's rapid tourism growth and its cultural heritage.

Abu Dhabi has also been advancing its holiday home licensing with a new digital system, stepping up its Liveability Strategy with a Dh42 billion expansion, and betting on concerts, sporting events, the Sphere, and even Disney to further boost tourism.