Abu Dhabi launches classification of hotels

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) on Monday introduced a hotel accommodation classification system that will increase transparency in service standards and room rates.

By the end of this year all hotels and hotel apartments in the emirate will be classified, with hotels being categorised on a scale of one to five stars and hotel apartments being classified as either deluxe, superior or standard.

"The system will provide a framework for hotel investors when designing their properties to include the necessary facilities and services to attract their desired market groups.

"It will also act as an incentive to hotel owners and management to upgrade facilities," Mubarak Al Muhairi, the authority's director-general, said.

The system combines both mandatory and scoring methodologies to deliver a quality standardisation system aimed at developing industry standards and procedures, enhancing tourism standards and encouraging their constant improvement.

And for further differentiation, five value-added categories have been added: Environmental issues, special needs, comprehensive detailed standards, consideration for culture tourism sustainability and implementation planning.

Minimum standard

All applicants must meet a minimum standard for overall general safety and security, bedrooms and bathrooms, public areas and services and amenities and will then also be rated on accommodation, infrastructure, guest service and restaurants.

Nasser Saif Al Reyami, director of licensing and classification at ADTA, said: "This is a world-class system which will be upgraded every two years in accordance with prevailing international market standards."

ADTA has also launched a password-protected online classification track and trace system - e-class - which seeks to bring a high level of transparency to the entire process.

Mohammad S. Yousuf, head of classification at the authority, said: "Inspectors will start checking hotels in August to classify them."