From airport to museums:Abu Dhabi unveils new visitor guidelines covering 11 key tourism touchpoints
Updated hotel classification guide expands accommodation choices for visitors
ABU DHABI – Abu Dhabi has introduced a new set of guidelines designed to create a more consistent visitor experience across the emirate’s tourism and culture sectors.
The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has released its comprehensive Visitor Experience (VX) Guidelines, establishing standards across 11 key points in the visitor journey. The framework is intended to give tourism and culture stakeholders a clear reference for delivering consistent, high-quality services.
The guidelines cover cultural sites, museums, mobility, attractions, hospitality, tour guides and tour operators, visitor information, events, cruise terminals, airports and malls. Together, these touchpoints span much of the journey, from the moment visitors begin planning a trip to their departure from Abu Dhabi.
Visitor Experience
The VX Guidelines provide a shared reference for stakeholders across the emirate and are designed to help shape a consistent Abu Dhabi visitor brand.
DCT Abu Dhabi developed the framework in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, drawing on practical industry expertise. It was subsequently refined and validated through alignment with the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council.
According to DCT Abu Dhabi, the initiative supports the emirate’s long-term objective of providing seamless visitor experiences while advancing the ambitions of its Tourism Strategy 2030.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the guidelines bring greater clarity and consistency to the way Abu Dhabi presents its diverse experiences. He said they are intended to reinforce the emirate’s position around exceptional offerings while supporting progress towards the Tourism Strategy 2030 ambitions.
Eng Fahad Ghareeb Al Shamsi, Acting Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, said the framework establishes clear standards at visitor touchpoints while strengthening frontline capabilities and aligning tourism practices with international standards.
Wider rollout
The guidelines have already been rolled out to key stakeholders across Abu Dhabi’s tourism and culture sectors. DCT Abu Dhabi is working with stakeholders on implementation, with audits and compliance checks being conducted as the rollout expands.
Guide for classifying hotel establishments
Alongside the VX framework, Abu Dhabi has also launched an updated guide for classifying hotel establishments. The updated classification system is intended to diversify accommodation options available to visitors and enhance them by expanding classification categories.
The hotel classification update has also been positioned within the objectives of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, giving accommodation providers an expanded framework as the emirate continues developing its tourism offering.