Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi allow tourist facilities to receive “companion animals”

The Department of Municipalities and Transport has approved amendments to the executive regulations for animal control, allowing licensed tourist hotels and restaurants in Abu Dhabi to receive “companion animals,” which the department defines as pets that their owners usually accompany outside the home, such as cats and dogs.
The amendments issued pursuant to Administrative Resolution No. 23 of 2025, which came as part of updates made to Resolution No. (4) of 2018 issued by the head of the department, which in turn is based on Law No. (2) of 2012 regarding maintaining the general appearance, health, and public tranquility in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (animal control), specify the areas in which establishments wishing to receive “companion animals” are permitted, which are open spaces such as outdoor spaces or balconies, provided that the establishments are responsible for Preparing closed areas to receive animals in accordance with their operational policies, to ensure compliance with the highest standards of health and safety, and the best practices related to animal welfare, in order to achieve a balance between the comfort of facility visitors and the promotion of an animal-friendly environment.
Acting Executive Director of the Municipal Services Operations Support Sector in the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Fahd Ali Al Shehhi, confirmed that these amendments reflect the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s approach aimed at enhancing inclusiveness and consolidating its position as one of the exceptional global destinations in the tourism and hospitality sector, which contributed to the emirate obtaining advanced positions in many international classifications, especially the Economist’s economic unit’s classification of Abu Dhabi as the most livable city in the Middle East and North Africa region.
It should be noted that previously approved regulations were limited to allowing the entry of licensed service animals only.