Abu Dhabi launches hotel refurbishment scheme to elevate Al Ain tourism appeal
Visitor growth and rising occupancy drive investment push
ABU DHABI – The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has launched a Hotel Refurbishment Scheme aimed at enhancing accommodation standards across the Al Ain region.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to position Al Ain as a leading tourism destination within the emirate. It is designed to upgrade existing hospitality infrastructure while aligning with ongoing strategic tourism development projects.
The scheme offers financial incentives to hotel owners undertaking renovation works, ensuring properties meet evolving global standards. It comes at a time when the region is witnessing sustained growth in visitor numbers and hotel performance metrics, reinforcing the need for continuous investment in quality and capacity.
Incentive model
Under the programme, eligible hotel owners can receive a capital expenditure rebate of up to 12 percent on approved investments. An additional 5 percent premium rebate is available for properties upgrading from unbranded to branded status, increasing their star rating, or refurbishing heritage assets. The final rebate value varies depending on the classification and scope of the project.
We’ve launched a Hotel Refurbishment Scheme to enhance the quality of hotel accommodations in Al Ain Region.
— Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) March 27, 2026
This strategic investment will ensure a truly world-class visitor experience as we promote Al Ain as a leading destination for culture, adventure and wellness tourism. pic.twitter.com/gr2WpCr82H
All rebates will be disbursed upon completion of renovation works, ensuring that improvements are fully realised before financial support is granted. The scheme is structured to encourage both quality enhancements and alignment with international hospitality benchmarks.
Tourism growth
The launch coincides with strong performance indicators for Al Ain’s tourism sector. The region welcomed 473,077 guests in 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of more than 9 percent. Revenue per available room reached Dh204, marking growth of over 17 percent, while hotel occupancy rose to 66 per cent, also up by more than 9 percent.
These figures highlight the growing appeal of Al Ain as a destination and underline the importance of strengthening hospitality offerings to sustain momentum. Enhanced accommodation standards are expected to play a key role in attracting a broader mix of leisure and cultural tourists.
Cultural focus
Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, described Al Ain as a cornerstone of the emirate’s cultural identity and tourism landscape. He emphasised that the initiative reflects a commitment to preserving the region’s heritage while elevating its hospitality sector to world-class levels.
The scheme is also intended to attract visitors seeking diverse experiences, including adventure, wellness, and cultural exploration, supported by modern amenities. Strategic investments in hotel infrastructure are expected to further strengthen Al Ain’s position as a destination where heritage and contemporary hospitality converge.