Abu Dhabi Global Market issues hotel and tourism regulations

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has issued the ADGM Hotel and Tourism Regulations 2023, which adopt the Abu Dhabi onshore tourism legislation, including the regulations and rules concerning hotels and tourism sectors administered by the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) into ADGM’s legislative framework.

With this development, DCT Abu Dhabi will be responsible for undertaking all regulatory responsibilities including supervision, monitoring and enforcement obligations relating to such hotels and tourism establishments in ADGM.

Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Registration Authority retains the right to issue commercial licences to hotels and tourism establishments operating within ADGM’s jurisdiction and issue other relevant permits.

ADGM tourism regulations

The new regulations aim to ensure that all entities established in ADGM and licensed to practise “any business or activity related to the provision of a tourist, recuperation or recreational service to the public, including, but not limited to, hotels, resorts, restaurants, hotel apartments, holiday homes, cinemas, theatres, museums, tourist tours organisers, tourist transport companies and agencies, tourism offices, different recreational and refreshment facilities” abide by the onshore legislation’s requirements.

Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADGM Registration Authority said, “ADGM has always been proactive in taking initiatives for enhancing mutual strategic cooperation with the Abu Dhabi governmental bodies that contribute to achieving the Abu Dhabi’s economic goals.

“In alignment with such initiative, ADGM has signed an ‘Agreement for Cooperation and Delegation’ with the DCT Abu Dhabi to benefit from their expertise and extensive knowledge in regulating and monitoring hotels and tourism establishments operating within ADGM’s jurisdiction”.

“The adoption of the Abu Dhabi onshore hotel and tourism legislation within ADGM legislation provides hotel and tourism operators with comfort and assurance that ADGM and Abu Dhabi, as a whole, are aligned in terms of regulating the hotel and tourism sector,” he added.

In recent news, ADGM implemented its sustainable finance regulatory framework.

The framework covers rules on sustainability-orientated investment funds, managed portfolios and bonds as well as requirements for environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures by ADGM companies.

The measures will speed up the growth of a sustainable finance ecosystem in the jurisdiction and support the UAE’s transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

In order to recognise products and services that are aiding the transition to net zero, ADGM will confer a designation on those that purport to meet its robust minimum standards.