Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched a Hotel Refurbishment Scheme for the Al Ain region, offering hotel owners a capital expenditure rebate of up to 12 per cent on investments in renovations, as the region records growth across a range of tourism indicators.
Under the scheme, hotel owners with properties that qualify can receive a capital expenditure rebate of up to 12 per cent of investments deemed eligible.
A further rebate of 5 per cent is available for upgrades from hotels without a brand to hotels with a brand, increases in star rating, and renovations of properties of heritage value – with the rate varying by star rating. Rebates will be disbursed after renovation work has been completed.
Al Ain hotel owners can claim up to 17% in rebates under new DCT Abu Dhabi scheme
The scheme is part of efforts by DCT Abu Dhabi to address development needs within the hotel sector and to ensure that infrastructure across the region continues to meet standards at a level recognised internationally.
The launch of the scheme comes as Al Ain Region posts growth across key tourism metrics. In 2025, the region welcomed 473,077 guests – a rise of 9 per cent year-on-year.
Revenue per available room (RevPAR) reached AED 204, an increase of 17 per cent year-on-year, while occupancy stood at 66 per cent, up 9 per cent year-on-year.
These figures point to a sector in growth and reinforce the case for investment in accommodation infrastructure to sustain that trajectory.
“Al Ain Region is a living testament to the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s cultural identity and a vital pillar of our tourism ecosystem. The Hotel Refurbishment Scheme reflects our commitment to preserving the unique charm of this region, while elevating hospitality standards to ensure its offerings are world-class. By cultivating a vibrant and competitive tourism environment, this initiative will attract a wider range of visitors seeking adventure, wellness, and authentic cultural experiences, all enhanced with modern comforts,” Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi said in a statement.
Heritage hotels and rebranding projects eligible for 5% premium rebate in Al Ain
Al Ain Region, known as Abu Dhabi’s “living oasis,” is home to The Cultural Sites of Al Ain – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and carries evidence of human presence spanning 8,000 years. The region holds the title of Gulf Tourism Capital for 2025 and Arab Capital of Tourism for 2026.
The Hotel Refurbishment Scheme forms part of a series of investments aimed at ensuring that the hospitality sector in Al Ain Region develops in step with its status as a destination for culture, heritage, and adventure tourism.
By offering rebates tied to renovation completion, the scheme is structured to drive tangible improvements to accommodation standards across the region.
