The tourist tax in the UAE was introduced to support the country’s economy. It is charged for accommodation in hotels and apartments from tourists. Not all emirates had this fee set at the same time, and some subsequently abandoned it altogether. In the article, we will consider the issue of Tourism Dirham in more detail, what it depends on, in which emirates it is installed, and so on.
Where and when is the tax set?
The tourist tax in the UAE upon check-in is set in several emirates. The introduction of this fee was gradual. So, Dubai became the very first. Since the end of March 2014, tourists coming here on vacation are required to pay a fee set by the Department of Tourism. The rate depends on the number of stars, and sometimes on the number of bedrooms in the room.
Ras al Khaimah was next. Similar rest conditions for visitors have been in effect since November 2015. The amount of tax in the hotels of the emirate for tourists also depends on the level of the hotel where the vacationer is staying. But in Abu Dhabi, on the contrary, the fee has been canceled since September last year. It was introduced here most recently, in 2016.
How much do I have to pay
The scale is quite flexible, and to find out how much a vacation will cost, you need to multiply the number of nights by the rate set for the hotel and room category. For example, if a one–room five-star room costs $ 6 per night, and the guest stayed for 5 nights, then 6*5=30, where 30 is the amount of the fee in dollars. So, knowing which emirates have a tourist tax and what its amount is set, the tourist can calculate the costs himself. The following fares are available in Dubai:
- 5 stars and Deluxe Hotel Apartment – from 20 dirhams ($6) + 20 dirhams for each room upgrade.
- 4 stars and Superior Hotel Apartment – from 15 dirh. ($5) + 15 dirh. for each additional room in the room.
- 3-1 star rooms and Standard Hotel Apartment – from 10 dirh ($3) + 10 dirh for an additional room.
In Ras al Khaimah, the amount is set per hotel level, regardless of the number of bedrooms in the room:
- 5 stars – 20 dirhams ($6).
- 4 stars, Deluxe Hotel Apartment and Superior Hotel Apartment – 15 dirh. ($5).
- 3 and 2 star rooms and Standard Hotel Apartment – 10 dirh ($3).
- 1 star – 7 dirh.
How do I pay?
You can pay for the mandatory travel package in any convenient way. Hotels accept funds in local and foreign currencies at the domestic exchange rate. You can also pay with a bank card. If a guest had a force majeure and needed to leave ahead of time, then the funds for the remaining days will not be refunded, as well as the tour fee.
Where are the funds raised going?
The tourist tax in UAE hotels in 2024 is also used to boost the country’s economy, as well as other fees. Thanks to such a competent policy and investments, the UAE is still the most attractive country for tourists.
What should be remembered?
There are several important nuances associated with additional expenses that are worth remembering when planning your vacation:
- Children. Persons under the age of 18 (in some cases under the age of 21) are not allowed without an adult. Find out on what conditions an additional seat is provided, it can be free, or for an additional fee.
- Food. Children under 6 years old eat with their parents, separate portions are not calculated for them. For such children, meals are ordered for a fee. The rule does not apply to the buffet system. Please specify in advance which meal is included in the half-board (lunch or dinner).
- Ramadan. Don’t forget that this is a country with strict religious rules. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, most bars are closed, some open only after sunset, and alcohol is sold with rare exceptions at the hotel. Some public places, including beaches, are also closed.
In conclusion
It is important to understand how much of a role the tourist tax in the UAE plays in the development of the tourist destination and the economy of the country as a whole. Due to these funds, the comfort level of guests is increased, new tourist locations are being set up, and some events are being held.
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