To keep up with international travel trends, Abu Dhabi has agreed new regulations to develop the capital’s tourism sector.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) says homes will now be able to register to be officially licensed as holiday homes.
Available accommodation will be listed online for tourists to browse and the regulation means quality and service standards are met.
All rentals will still be subject to a six percent tourism fee, the same as hotels in the emirate.
To meet the requirements, accommodation must be fairly priced and not disrupt the local community.
Unlicensed accommodation will be met with fines, and fines will also be placed anywhere that doesn’t meet the required standards or service guidelines.
“This resolution provides additional support to the sustainable ecosystem in the tourism sector, and helps enhance economic diversification in Abu Dhabi,” said HE Saood Al Hosani, acting undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi.
“The Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s decision also ensures fair competition and equal opportunities between different tourism establishments in the emirate through laws and regulations, enabling the provision of stellar services to tourists.
“The regulations will enable us to register all these units in one system, while providing a database for all licensed vacation homes in Abu Dhabi.
“We believe that this will help in attracting a diverse segment of visitors to the emirate, and will enable owners of unique and attractive accommodation offerings to market their units.”
The online portal to register accommodation will be launched in the coming months.
For more information, visit www.tcaabudhabi.ae
