The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has introduced the Emirati Dhiyafa Standards for hotels and hotel apartments in the region, setting out a framework intended to place Emirati hospitality and national identity within the visitor journey.
The move forms part of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030.
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According to the department, the standards are designed to shape visitor experiences across accommodation settings while linking them to local heritage.
The framework was prepared with the National Projects Office, with support from the National Identity Committee under the Education, Human Development and Community Council.
It contains 65 standards covering eight points in the guest journey, from pre-arrival to departure.
The standards include elements tied to Emirati hospitality traditions such as a welcome greeting of Marhaba AlSaa and opportunities for guests to try dishes that include harees and balaleet.
The framework also reflects the values of Al Sana’, the Emirati code of etiquette, generosity and respect.
For hotels, required measures include adding information or links on hotel websites about the history and culture of the UAE.
In addition, they must send pre-arrival messages that explain how guests can experience the country’s culture, heritage and natural environment.
Hotels must also always have at least one member of staff in traditional Emirati dress present at the guest welcome area.
Other mandatory requirements state that guest-facing staff and food and beverage employees must be able to identify and explain at least three traditional Emirati dishes and their place in dining traditions.
At least one public area used by guests must also include at least one design feature inspired by Emirati heritage.
The compliance model will vary by accommodation type. Hotels will be required to apply at least 20 standards, comprising ten mandatory measures and ten chosen by the property.
Hotel apartments will need to apply at least ten standards, consisting of five mandatory and five selected from a reduced version of the framework.
Properties taking part will receive implementation guidance, cultural training programmes and an operational playbook.
Full rollout across the emirate is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
The department said a future guest-facing Emirati Dhiyafa Mark would be used to identify establishments that go beyond the baseline in three tiers.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi director general Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry said: “The experiences that visitors remember most are often the simplest: the warmth of a welcome, the sharing of local traditions, and the feeling of being genuinely looked after. The Emirati Dhiyafa Standards translate these timeless values into a framework that will enrich every stage of the visitor journey.
“By embedding our cultural identity within the hospitality experience, we are creating a more distinctive and meaningful connection between our visitors and Abu Dhabi, while strengthening the emirate’s tourism ecosystem and sustaining the momentum of our Tourism Strategy 2030.”
