Abu Dhabi launches Emirati Dhiyafa hospitality standards for hotels

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has introduced the Emirati Dhiyafa (Hospitality) Standards, a new framework designed to integrate Emirati culture and national identity into the visitor experience at hotels and hotel apartments across the emirate.

Developed in collaboration with the National Projects Office and supported by the National Identity Committee, the framework consists of 65 practical standards. These standards cover eight distinct stages of the guest journey, ranging from pre-arrival communications to departure. The initiative aims to reinforce the UAE’s national identity and support the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030 by creating more distinctive and authentic heritage-based experiences.

Key elements of the standards include the incorporation of traditional Emirati etiquette, known as Al Sana’, and cultural touches such as serving traditional coffee and dates. To ensure implementation, hotel staff will undergo training to deepen their knowledge of Emirati heritage. While the framework is being introduced now, hotels are expected to work toward full implementation by the first quarter of 2027.