Event organisers in Abu Dhabi received welcome news as authorities announced an extension of the waiver on tourism fees for sold tickets until December 31, 2024. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) declared the move on Friday, aiming to bolster growth in the sector.
Typically set at 10 per cent of ticket sales, the tourism tax waiver encompasses fees for issuing, distributing, and marketing event tickets. Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, director-general of tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted the significance of this extension, stating it’s part of their efforts to spur growth and provide sustained support to event partners and organisers integral to the emirate’s tourism and entertainment landscape.
Despite the waiver, organisers must adhere to regulations, including obtaining event licenses through the Abu Dhabi Events Licensing System. Furthermore, they are obligated to declare event revenues, submit financial statements, and cooperate with revenue auditors designated by DCT Abu Dhabi to ensure accuracy in declarations.
This extension joins a series of measures aimed at fostering the expansion of Abu Dhabi’s tourism and events industry. Notably, incentives include reduced tourism and municipality fees for hotels, along with updates to the holiday homes policy, allowing farmhouse owners to convert properties into holiday homes and enabling landlords to acquire multiple holiday home licenses for various units.