Licensing & Classifications

Licensing

Backed by the belief that service excellence underpins our position as a leading tourism destination, our Licensing Operations Unit operates a world-class licensing and regulations system, designed in collaboration with industry stakeholders. This system ensures timely renewal and licence issuance for all Abu Dhabi-based organisations operating within the tourism sector.

Our online licensing and regulatory services include issuance, approval, renewal, amendment and cancellation of all tourism-related licenses including the following:

Hotel establishment licence
Hotel establishment management & operation licence
Excursion boat licence
Tour operator licence
Travel agent licence
Tourism restaurant licence
Floating restaurant licence

Follow the link below to access our Tourism Licensing online services

Tourism Licensing online services

Classification

We operate a comprehensive hospitality classification system which covers hotels, hotel apartments and resort establishments. Also designed in close collaboration with industry stakeholders, the classification system combines mandatory rating, scoring and benchmarking, as well as guest experience and sentiment indices. Featuring a convenient online facility, the system aims to motivate the delivery of high-quality hospitality and tourism standards and continuous improvement within the sector.

Hospitality entities are classified on a sliding scale of one star to five stars.

Or visit our Online Services to access the E-classification System.

E-classification System

Holiday Homes in Abu Dhabi

In 2020, new regulations governing the provision and use of holiday homes were introduced in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The UAE capital is aiming to create more accommodation options that would service different tourist segments, whilst ensuring a level playing field for the hotel sector. The objective of these regulations is to ensure the visitor experience in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is maintained at current standards of excellence, regardless of the type of accommodation chosen, and to promote the Emirate as a destination of excellence and distinction. The following manual provides a full set of the information required to unit owners and to authorised operators who are interested in the holiday homes business. The manual will take you through the basic requirements that you will need to know before operating a holiday home unit in Abu Dhabi..