Before you go
- Ask the venue whether it is approved to receive pets and which exact areas it permits.
- The 2026 circular covers cats and dogs at licensed Abu Dhabi hotels and tourism restaurants; it does not make every venue pet-friendly.
- Bring current registration, microchip and vaccination records, plus a health certificate if requested.
- Keep dogs leashed and under control; keep cats in a closed designated carrier.
- Follow the venue's access, hygiene and behaviour policy throughout the visit.
Abu Dhabi introduced a formal route for licensed hotels and tourism restaurants to welcome companion animals. Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi Circular 2/2026, issued on 13 February 2026, sets conditions for participating establishments and pet owners.
Where do the rules apply?
The circular applies to licensed hotel establishments and tourism restaurants in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, their approved outdoor areas, and the owners or companions bringing animals. For this framework, companion animals are limited to cats and dogs. Prohibited, dangerous or unfamiliar animals are outside its scope and cannot enter.
A venue must identify approved pet areas and restricted zones with signs. Restaurant pet areas require direct external access so an animal does not pass through the main reception, indoor dining room or food-service areas.
What to ask before booking
- Is the property currently approved to receive companion animals?
- Does it accept your species and, for dogs, your dog's size or breed?
- Which entrance, terrace, room, floor or other area is approved?
- Which registration, microchip, vaccination or health documents must you show or send?
- Does the venue have its own booking limits, cleaning charges or conduct policy?
- How will current weather affect use of an outdoor-only area?
The official sources reviewed do not publish a list of participating venues, pet charges or a standard booking process. Treat those as venue-specific details and request written confirmation. A listing that says “pet-friendly” is not a substitute for checking the property's current policy.
Documents and equipment to prepare
Cats and dogs must be officially registered under the applicable rules, microchipped and covered by a valid vaccination certificate. The establishment may request a health certificate that includes the vaccination record, and it must retain a copy of the vaccination record during the stay or visit for possible inspection.
- Current registration evidence
- Microchip details
- Valid vaccination certificate
- Health certificate if requested
- An appropriate lead and restraint for a dog
- A closed, designated carrier for a cat
Rules for bringing a dog
Dogs may enter only authorised areas. The owner must keep the dog on an appropriate lead, maintain control of its behaviour and supervise it at all times. Dangerous dog breeds are prohibited under the circular. A venue or the competent authority may refuse or end a visit if an animal disrupts public order or presents a safety risk.
Rules for bringing a cat
A cat must remain inside a closed, designated carrier while it is at the establishment. Its presence or movement is limited to approved areas, and it cannot enter food-preparation areas. Confirm the full route from arrival to room or designated seating before bringing a cat.
What hotels may provide
Participating hotels must allocate approved rooms, suites or floors for guests with pets and separate them from other guest accommodation. Pets are prohibited from swimming pools, health clubs, main restaurants, open buffets, food preparation and handling areas, storage rooms, waste collection areas, and any other zones restricted for health and safety.
If you are relocating or arriving from overseas, hotel acceptance is separate from federal entry permission and airline policy. Start with the current UAE dog and cat import checklist and verify each travel requirement independently.
What tourism restaurants may provide
Approved outdoor areas, terraces or open-air sections may receive pets when separated from food-handling zones. The circular also describes a designated indoor area for tourism restaurants, but only within the areas permitted after competent-authority approval. Do not assume indoor access: ask the restaurant which approved zone applies to your booking.
Restaurant rules prohibit animals from food preparation, cooking and service areas. They also prohibit providing pet food or water inside restaurants or food-preparation areas. Any additional animal service must be separate from kitchens and storage.
Health and behaviour expectations
- Do not bring an animal that is sick, undergoing treatment or recovering.
- Keep the animal away from other animals and people in the permitted area, as the circular requires.
- Never leave the animal unsupervised.
- Prevent contact with human food, serving items and restricted areas.
- Follow all venue instructions and remove the animal promptly if asked.
A calm final check
Call ahead, confirm the exact approved area and document format, and choose a visit your animal can handle calmly. The framework gives participating Abu Dhabi venues a regulated way to welcome pets; good preparation and respect for the venue's policy make that option workable for everyone.
