Hotels extend guest stays as Abu Dhabi tourism services remain fully operational
Authorities coordinate with partners to assist travellers during flight disruptions
ABU DHABI – Tourism services across Abu Dhabi are continuing to operate normally, with hotels, attractions and visitor experiences welcoming guests across the emirate.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi confirmed that the sector remains fully operational despite current travel disruptions affecting parts of the global aviation network. Authorities said coordinated efforts are underway with government entities and tourism partners to ensure visitors receive the support they need during this period.
Officials said the department is closely monitoring developments while maintaining regular tourism operations across the emirate. Hotels, leisure destinations and cultural attractions remain open and continue to host visitors as usual.
Visitor support
The tourism authority has also taken measures to assist travellers whose journeys have been affected by flight delays or cancellations. Hotels in Abu Dhabi have been instructed to allow guests to extend their stays if they are unable to depart due to current travel circumstances.
According to a circular issued to hotel managers, visitors whose scheduled check-out dates have passed but cannot travel will be permitted to remain at their accommodation until their departure becomes possible.
Officials confirmed that the cost of these extended stays will be covered by the tourism authority. The measure aims to ensure guests facing travel disruptions can continue their stay without additional financial burden while arrangements are made for their onward journeys.
Authorities said the initiative is part of broader support efforts being coordinated with tourism partners, hospitality establishments and government entities to ensure visitors remain comfortable and safe during the disruption.
Tourism sector
Despite regional and global challenges affecting travel, Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector has continued to record steady performance.
Data from the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, based on figures from the Department of Culture and Tourism, showed that hotels across the emirate welcomed about 5.4 million guests during the first 11 months of last year.
Total hotel revenues reached Dh7.83 billion, reflecting continued demand for hospitality services in the capital. The average hotel occupancy rate stood at approximately 81.2 percent, indicating strong visitor activity across accommodation establishments.
The emirate had 172 hotel establishments offering 34,551 hotel units as of last November, providing a broad range of accommodation options for travellers visiting the capital.
20230 Strategy goals
Tourism authorities said the latest figures demonstrate continued progress toward the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030.
The long-term strategy aims to attract 39.3 million visitors annually, expand hotel capacity to 50,000 rooms, and create approximately 178,000 jobs across the tourism sector.
Officials said the strategy also targets a contribution of Dh90 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP by the end of the decade, reinforcing the tourism industry’s role as a key economic driver for the emirate.
At the national level, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism said the country’s tourism sector remains resilient despite regional challenges.
The ministry noted that the UAE currently hosts around 1,260 hotels and more than 40,000 companies operating across tourism-related industries, ranging from hospitality and travel services to entertainment and leisure.
Authorities added that government entities are working closely with tourism partners, hotels and travel companies to maintain smooth visitor experiences while ensuring safety and service standards remain consistent across the country.
Emergency measures have also been introduced to assist tourists affected by flight delays or suspensions. These include coordination with embassies and diplomatic missions to help travellers return to their home countries.
Accommodation options, hospitality services and logistical assistance are being provided through cooperation between hotel establishments and the private sector.
Officials also confirmed that coordination continues with the General Civil Aviation Authority as authorities monitor developments and support the gradual restoration of normal air traffic operations.