Abu Dhabi extends 10% tax waiver to boost events tourism

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the extension of the waiver of fees for issuing, distributing, and marketing event tickets in the emirate, aiming to stimulate growth within the tourism sector.

Event organisers stand to benefit from an exemption from the 10 per cent tourism fee on tickets sold, effective until December 31.

Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, director general of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasised the pivotal role events play in attracting visitors to the UAE’s capital city. He said: “Abu Dhabi’s diverse array of year-round events serves as a magnet for tourists worldwide.

“Extending the tourism fee waiver until the year-end underscores our commitment to fostering growth and providing unwavering support to our event partners and organisers, who are integral to the emirate’s tourism and entertainment landscape.”

Abu Dhabi mandates securing event licences

While enjoying the fee waiver, event organisers are mandated to secure event licenses through the Abu Dhabi Events Licensing System, adhering to prescribed regulations.

Compliance includes the declaration of event-generated revenues, submission of financial statements, and collaboration with revenue auditors designated by the tourism authority to ensure the accuracy of declarations.

The extension of the tourism fee waiver aligns with a series of recent initiatives geared towards boosting the emirate’s tourism and events sector.

Among these incentives are reductions in tourism and municipality fees for hotels, alongside revisions to the holiday homes policy.

Farmhouse owners are now eligible to obtain licenses for converting their properties into holiday homes, while landlords and residential unit owners have the opportunity to acquire multiple holiday home licenses for several units.