{
  "id": 9694181,
  "title": "Hotel staff in Emirati clothing as Abu Dhabi puts UAE culture at heart of hospitality experience",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/hotel-staff-in-emirati-clothing-as-abu-dhabi-puts-uae-culture-at",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T03:55:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/09/25/hotel-staff-in-emirati-clothing-as-abu-dhabi-puts-uae-culture-at-heart-of-hospitality-experience/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "When guests arrive at hotels in Abu Dhabi, they will notice an increased Emirati cultural presence. A recently launched initiative by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi aims to embed Emirati culture into the hotel experience. Hotels will need to provide guests with information about Emirati history and heritage, greet them in Emirati with phrases like \"Marhaba al-saa,\" serve at least three Emirati dishes, and have at least one Emirati staff member in traditional attire. These measures, part of the 65 Emirati Dhiyafa (Hospitality) Standards, are expected to enhance the tourist experience by fostering a deeper connection with local culture. The policy, in line with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030, is set to come into effect in the first quarter of 2027 and aims to attract both domestic and international visitors, contributing to an increase in the hospitality sector's GDP contribution by 2030.",
  "summary": "Walking into a hotel in Abu Dhabi will feel distinctly more Emirati next year. A scheme launched by Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi will place Emirati culture at the heart of the guest experience when staying in the city. Hotels will have to comply with measures including ensuring guests receive information about the culture and heritage of the UAE , having one employee dressed in…",
  "key_points": [
    "Hotels in Abu Dhabi to showcase Emirati culture",
    "Staff to wear traditional attire, greet in Arabic",
    "Standards to boost tourism, increase GDP"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Hotel staff in Emirati clothing as Abu Dhabi puts UAE culture at heart of hospitality experience",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/hotel-staff-in-emirati-clothing-as-abu-dhabi-puts-uae-culture-at-9696586",
        "published": "2026-09-25T03:55:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}