Frequently Asked Questions

A. “GO SAFE” AT A GLANCE

1. What is the Go Safe Certification Programme?
The “Go Safe” Certification Programme is a cost free and voluntary initiative created in 2020 by the Abu Dhabi Government to help hotels and other tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi improve their levels of cleanliness and hygiene.
The “Go Safe” Certification Programme sets out the standards each applicant is required to put in place and maintain to achieve the Certification. This includes requiring the applicant to undergo a detailed inspection involving over 250 checks by independent government inspectors appointed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). DCT Abu Dhabi is running the “Go Safe” Certification Programme on behalf of the Abu Dhabi Government.
After an overwhelming response and success rate for the “Go Safe” Certification Programme during 2020 and 2021, DCT Abu Dhabi is continuing the initiative for 2022.

2. Which types of establishment and tourist venues can apply for “Go Safe” Certification?
The following types of establishment and tourist venues are covered by the “Go Safe” Certification Programme:
1. Hotels/Serviced Apartments
2. Museums and other cultural assets
3. Desert camps
4. Malls
5. Amusement parks
6. Libraries
7. Any other similar public or tourist attraction

3. Will there still be risk going into a “Go Safe” Certified venue?
The aim of the “Go Safe” Certification Programme is to reduce the risk of guests, visitors and staff being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. However, the “Go Safe” Certification Programme does not guarantee that an establishment or venue with ”Go Safe” Certification is free from the virus.

4. I am a UAE citizen, resident or visitor. How will the “Go Safe” Certification Programme affect my lifestyle or stay in Abu Dhabi?
“Go Safe” certification is a voluntary programme created by the Government of Abu Dhabi and run by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi. The initiative aims to give you peace-of-mind that establishments and venues with “Go Safe” Certification have achieved the minimum levels of cleanliness and hygiene standards required.

5. I own/run a business in the tourism sector. How will I benefit from the “Go Safe” Certification?
The “Go Safe” Certification Programme is currently being offered to certain establishments and venues, such as hotels and other tourist attractions, including malls, museums, amusement parks and desert camps. The intention is to extend the “Go Safe” Programme to include other tourist attractions and restaurants.
Obtaining “Go Safe” Certification will:
- Indicate the cleanliness and hygiene of your establishment has reached approved levels.
- Reflect positively on your business.
- Give comfort to your guests, visitors and customers about the cleanliness and hygiene of your establishment
- Increase your sales by distinguishing you from your competitors who do not have the Certification.

6. How can we be sure that an establishment or venue with “Go Safe” Certification will continue to comply with the “Go Safe” Certification standards?
“Go Safe” Certificate comes with a validity of one year and is renewed annually subject to continued compliance with “Go Safe” Certification standards and the passing of the onsite “Go Safe” Certification assessment review, which would be carried out by DCT Abu Dhabi’s “Go Safe” Inspectors. In addition to that, “Go Safe” Certified premises will be regularly and randomly audited. A “Go Safe” Certified premises is also required to self-audit.
“Go Safe” Certification will be withdrawn if premises fail to comply with the “Go Safe” Certification standards or “Go Safe” General Conditions.

7. Is there a charge for applying for the “Go Safe” Certification?
The “Go Safe” Certification Programme currently is completely free of cost both for new applications and renewals.

Interested? Go to section B!
B. OBTAINING “GO SAFE” CERTIFICATION

1. Is the “Go Safe” Certification compulsory?
No, the “Go Safe” Certification Programme is completely voluntary. However,, it is an opportunity for your establishment or venue to be recognized for achieving and maintaining exacting standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

2. How do I obtain “Go Safe” Certification?
An operator of an establishment or venue needs to apply for “Go Safe” Certification and start preparing to adhere to the cleanliness and hygiene protocols and procedure including, among other things:
- General Preparation: precautionary health and safety measures to be implemented before the arrival of customers/visitors.
- Customer/visitor journey: arrival, transportation and valet service, check-in (for hotels), events and other user experiences.
- Internal operations: employee safety, training and awareness, isolation room, management of COVID cases.
DCT Abu Dhabi will then arrange for your establishment or venue to be inspected as part of the application for “Go Safe” Certification. This inspection is part of a comprehensive audit to ensure that your establishment or venue achieves the minimum standards of cleanliness and hygiene required under the “Go Safe” Certification Programme.

3. What are the steps I need to take to apply for “Go Safe” Certification?
- Register your interest by sending an email to ask@gosafe.dctabudhabi.ae, dshah22@kpmg.com and irangwani.ishan@kpmg.com
- Obtain the cleanliness guidelines and checklist
- Complete and submit the self-assessment form
- Undergo an on-site inspection and audit
- If your establishment or venue passes the inspection and audit and meets the minimum “Go Safe” requirements and hygiene standards, “Go Safe” Certification will be granted.

4. I belong to a hotel chain. Do I apply individually for each hotel premises, or together as a group?
Each hotel premises must be assessed separately for “Go Safe” Certification and separate application forms must be submitted for each premises. However, a block application for all of your premises is possible.

5. What is the validity period of the “Go Safe” Certification?
The “Go Safe” Certification is valid for one year from the date of the award of “Go Safe” Certification, subject to maintaining the “Go Safe” minimum standards of cleanliness and hygiene and compliance with the “Go Safe” general conditions.

6. What happens on “Go Safe” Certification?
An establishment or venue will be awarded the “Go Safe” Certification on successful completion of the application process. If successful, your establishment or venue will be issued with a “Go Safe” Certificate certifying that you have obtained “Go Safe” Certification. This must be displayed in a prominent place at your establishment or venue.

7. How can I prepare for the assessment for “Go Safe” Certification?
Once you apply for “Go Safe” Certification using the prescribed application form, you will be provided with the cleanliness guidelines and checklist and the “Go Safe” Certification general conditions to review and accept. Operators of the establishment or venue must refer to the cleanliness guidelines and checklist to understand the minimum cleanliness and hygiene standards that must be met in order to obtain Certification.

8. What should I do if I encounter challenges meeting the “Go Safe” Certification requirements?
You should seek advice from ask@gosafe.dctabudhabi.ae.