Recently, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi launched Emirati Dhiyafa Standards. For those who are wondering, this is basically a practical and measurable framework. Yes, it embeds Emirati hospitality and national identity into the visitor journey across hotels and hotel apartments in the emirate. Here’s everything you need to know about this development coming from the tourism industry.
Emirati Dhiyafa Standards Launched By DCT Abu Dhabi
.@dctabudhabi has launched the Emirati Dhiyafa Standards framework, with full implementation expected in Q1 2027, embedding Emirati hospitality in hotels and hotel apartments across the emirate and supporting Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030. pic.twitter.com/IYX8QEA2pU
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) September 7, 2026
With the initiative contributing to the Emirati national identity strategy, it aims to reinforce the UAE’s vision of a deeply rooted Emirati identity. This is embraced with pride across society. And as revealed by the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the standard would incorporate the pillars and values of national identity. It would also reflect social cohesion and existence through the traditional code of conduct and etiquette of Al Sana’.
It Supports Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030
This initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030. They plan to do so by creating more distinctive visitor experiences and reinforcing the position of the emirate as a global destination. The plan is to weave authentic heritage into every stage of the visitor experience. It should be noted that this is being developed in collaboration with the National Projects Office.
Moreover, the framework comprises 65 practical standards, which span eight stages of the visitor journey. This begins from pre-arrival communications through departure, where guests will get to experience authentic expressions of Emirati hospitality. We are talking about the traditional welcome greeting of Marhaba AlSaa, the offering of Emirati coffee, and locally sourced dates that are of a traditional Emirati variety. With the opportunities to discover Emirati dishes like harees and balaleet, it will truly be an enriching experience for visitors.
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What Are The Guidelines For Hotels?
For hotels, the mandatory standards include a section or links with information about the history and culture of the UAE. The pre-arrival message should provide information about how to experience the unique culture, natural setting, and heritage of the UAE. Additionally, the guest welcome area should at all times be staffed with at least one employee who would be dressed in traditional Emirati attire. And guests who face food and beverage staff should be able to name and explain at least three traditional Emirati dishes and the role that they play in Emirati dining traditions. Finally, there should be one guest-facing public area, which should incorporate at least one Emirati Heritage-inspired design element.
Model To Be Tailored According To Accommodation Type
It is worth mentioning that the report notes that the flexible model would be tailored to different accommodation types. The hotels would implement a minimum of 20 standards, out of which 10 would be mandatory, and 10 would be self-selected standards. The hotel apartments would have to adopt a minimum of 10 standards, out of which five would be mandatory, and five would be self-selected standards. These would be from the streamlined framework. Participating properties would be supported through detailed implementation, culture, training, programmes, guidance, and an operational playbook.
So, with the aim of giving visitors a complete Emirati experience, the framework is bound to take their experience to the next level.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/ADMediaOffice
FAQs
What has the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi launched?
Abu Dhabi has launched the Emirati Dhiyafa Standards, which is basically a practical and measurable framework embedding Emirati hospitality.
Where would the Emirati Dhiyafa Standards be incorporated?
The Emirati Dhiyafa Standards would be launched into every stage of the visitor experience to create a more authentic experience.
