SCTDA’s new resolution for hotels

As the emirate of Sharjah is on a drive to attract 10 million tourists by 2021, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has implemented a new hotel classification to better serve the expected number of tourists to the emirate over the next two years.

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) announced its new standards for classification of hotel establishments in the emirate, in line with the implementation of Resolution No. 38 of 2019. The resolution aims to classify hotel establishments in Sharjah in line with the latest standards. The new standards were announced following a workshop organised by SCTDA for representatives of hotels and other hospitality establishments in Sharjah. The workshop detailed the updated classification criteria for hotel establishments and the process of implementation. The new standards fall within the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to continuously enhance the experience of tourists visiting Sharjah, considering the tourism sector as one of the most important pillars of the national economy.
H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said, “We are confident that the new classification will reflect positively on the performance of hotel establishments, including enhancements in facilities and services, and further contribute to boosting the hotel industry’s contribution as one of the most important components of the tourism infrastructure in the emirate. SCTDA has developed the classification in line with international standards and local requirements of establishments, with the support of our partners in the government and private sectors, in line with our mission to empower the
hotel industry and realise Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, which targets 10 million tourist arrivals in the emirate by 2021.”
He added, “Sharjah has witnessed an increase in the number of hotel establishments during past years, and currently has a total of 10,883 hotel rooms, providing ideal services and accommodation options that cater to every visitor’s expectations. Over the next five years, the local tourism market will be served by a total of 34 hotel establishments (5,700 rooms), reflecting a 50 per cent increase in the number of new rooms. SCTDA continues to work on updating the classification and licensing criteria for existing hotel establishments in the emirate and attaining the highest international standards, with the goal of enhancing quality services of hotel establishments and providing more options for tourists.”
Ahmed Obaid Al Tunaiji, Manager – Tourism Standards Department, SCTDA, stated, “The new classification system gives a hotel property the flexibility to implement criteria which focus on guest experience, human resources and operations. The main objective is to enhance the level of services and facilities in the hotel property.”