New Guidelines Issued for Islamic Hotels Standards in Dubai

Dubai Municipality has issued an administrative decision approving the Guideline for Islamic Hotels Standards in Dubai and to implement its conditions, requirements and instructions, based on the local order on the organisation of construction work in the Emirate.

The administrative decision also approved the terms and conditions as well as the specifications of construction.

“The international practices in the application of the standards and requirements of Islamic hotels are applied within a narrow concept, based specifically on the provision of Halal food and drink without taking into account other aspects related to the operational and administrative aspects of the hotel, transactions and compliance with the provisions of Islamic law,” Al Mulla pointed out.

She said that Dubai Municipality, through the adoption of this Guideline on Islamic Hotel Standards, aims to develop this concept from a comprehensive and integrated perspective that takes into account the legal and cultural aspects, as well as the high standards of modern hospitality.

“The guideline covered building standards and service systems, including building design standards, regulatory standards and service systems. The guideline also includes administrative and operational standards such as food, drink, privacy, dress, transactions, tolerance, prayer times, public health, and Shariah compliance,” said Al Mulla.

Hotels that meet the standards of Arab Islamic and local culture, comply with Sharia law, provide accommodation and hospitality services and an acceptable level of privacy and highlight the national and cultural identity of the UAE through elements of architecture, Islamic art and calligraphy. “They adopt management behaviors and services that meet the needs of the family providing a calm family atmosphere that takes into account the Shari’a, the customs and traditions of the Islamic community, which will contribute significantly to the development and growth of the Islamic economy,” she said.

The decision supports the development of Islamic economy sector as the tourism sector is one of the key sectors contributing to the emirate’s economy.

“UAE as a country in general, and Dubai in particular, enjoy a diverse and open economy, characterized by flexibility that meet the different needs of all segments and groups in the society. Thanks to its existing infrastructure, advanced technology and holistic vision, Dubai is able to develop the economy and open a new horizon in front of it, including the Islamic economy, as well as other vital sectors in the country,” said Al Mulla.

“The Islamic economy has gained increasing importance due to the high demand for Shariah-compliant products and services. With a large number of Islamic countries currently classified as developing countries and expected to grow rapidly, the importance of the Islamic economy as a concept that carries all components of success and growth in different economic sectors has been increasing. New horizons of opportunity are looming as the Islamic economy builds up, which will bring prosperity and wellness to communities around the world,” she said.

The first Islamic hotel was established in Dubai in 1979. The statistics show that the number of Islamic hotel guests in Dubai has increased from non-Muslims of different nationalities, ethnicities and religions to an occupancy rate of 90 per cent, said Al Mulla.

Originally published on www.khaleejtimes.com