Abu Dhabi Earns UN Tourism QUEST Certification for Excellence in Destination Management

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT-Abu Dhabi) has been awarded the prestigious UN Tourism QUEST certification, recognizing its outstanding performance in destination management. This accolade makes Abu Dhabi the sixth Destination Management Organization (DMO) worldwide and the first in the Middle East to achieve this milestone, underscoring its dedication to governance excellence and sustainable tourism.

The certification process involved rigorous evaluation in three key areas, where DCT-Abu Dhabi excelled. The department completed 120 hours of capacity-building sessions facilitated by the UN Tourism Academy, covering topics such as sustainable tourism, governance, quality, competitiveness, and best practices in destination management. Additionally, officials received eight personalized training sessions to deepen their understanding of the assessment criteria and indicators.

The QUEST certification is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s ability to foster collaboration between public, private, and community sectors while ensuring strong institutional governance. This achievement aligns with global tourism standards aimed at enhancing destination management and governance for long-term sustainability.

UN Tourism’s certification, valid for four years and renewable, reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to maintaining high standards in its tourism strategy. It also highlights the emirate’s proactive approach to integrating sustainability into its tourism development framework.

By earning this certification, Abu Dhabi reinforces its position as a global leader in destination management, setting a benchmark for excellence in the Middle East and beyond.