It’ll Soon Be Cheaper To Stay in Abu Dhabi Hotels

Updated: August 16, 2023, 1:08pm CDT

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Some Hotel Fees Will Be Reduced or Eliminated
How To Visit Abu Dhabi
Final Thoughts

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Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism plans to reduce — or eliminate altogether — some government fees that are currently compulsory for hotel stays. The capital of the United Arab Emirates hopes the move will increase visitor numbers by lowering the cost of accommodations throughout the city.

Here’s what we know about the upcoming changes and what they mean for your next trip to Abu Dhabi.

Some Hotel Fees Will Be Reduced or Eliminated

Whether staying in hotels or home rentals, government taxes and resort fees have long been a thorn in the side of travelers everywhere. However, starting September 1, 2023, Abu Dhabi will reduce or remove a number of tourism and government fees that are currently passed onto guests.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi will have fewer government fees beginning September 1, 2023. Image Credit: Marriott

Travelers can expect the tourism fee to decrease from 6% to 4%. Even better, the current AED15 (~$4) per room, per night “municipality fee” will be removed altogether.

Additionally, the Department of Culture and Tourism will remove the 6% tourism fee and 4% municipality fee at hotel restaurants. However, the 4% invoice value fee will remain.

This move towards more favorable hotel fees for tourists means your dollars will go even further in the glitzy Emirati capital.

How To Visit Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways is based in Abu Dhabi and is one of the UAE’s global carriers, the other, of course, being Dubai-based Emirates.

Etihad offers nonstop flights between several U.S. cities and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), though other airlines also fly to the city, including Doha-based Qatar Airways.

The Etihad Guest program is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Citi ThankYou Rewards. Check out our Transfer Partner Tool to help calculate the time and number of points you’ll need to redeem for award flights.

You can save even more money after the reduction of government-imposed hotel fees by using points for your accommodations. There are Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, Hilton, and IHG properties throughout the city to choose from.

Bottom Line:

Visiting Abu Dhabi will soon be less expensive thanks to the reduction and elimination of some government-imposed fees on hotel stays. You can easily visit Abu Dhabi on points and miles thanks to various airline and hotel loyalty program options.

Final Thoughts

The reduction and elimination of certain hotel fees will be a welcome relief for anyone traveling to Abu Dhabi. Hopefully, this move becomes a trend and we see other cities around the world taking similar action.