When you check into a hotel in Dubai, you may notice a small extra charge called the Tourism Dirham on your bill. Many travelers wonder what it is and why it’s added. Don’t worry — it’s completely normal and part of Dubai’s tourism policy. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand everything about the Tourism Dirham fee before your stay.
What Is the Tourism Dirham?
The Tourism Dirham is a small fee that the Government of Dubai collects from guests staying in hotels, hotel apartments, guest houses, and holiday homes.
This fee helps the city promote tourism, maintain public services, and fund events that make Dubai one of the top travel destinations in the world.
It’s not a hidden charge — it’s a government-imposed tourism fee, collected at check-in or check-out.
How Much Is the Tourism Dirham Fee?
The amount depends on the hotel category and star rating. The higher the hotel’s rating, the slightly higher the fee per night.
Here’s the current structure (as per Dubai Tourism guidelines):
| 5-Star Hotel | AED 20 |
| 4-Star Hotel | AED 15 |
| 3-Star Hotel | AED 10 |
| 2-Star Hotel or 1-Star Hotel | AED 07 |
| Guest houses / Holiday Homes | AED 07 – AED 20 (varies by classification) |
| The Tourism Dirham applies per room, per night, for a maximum of 30 consecutive nights. Example: If you stay 5 nights in a 4-star hotel, you pay AED 15 × 5 = AED 75 as the Tourism Dirham. |
When Do You Pay the Fee?
Hotels usually collect the Tourism Dirham:
- During check-in or check-out.
- Sometimes it’s shown as a separate line on your final bill.
You can pay it in cash or by card, along with your accommodation charges.
Why Does Dubai Collect the Tourism Dirham?
Dubai collects this fee to support:
- The development of tourism infrastructure.
- The promotion of Dubai as a global travel hub.
- Events, festivals, and marketing campaigns that attract millions of visitors every year.
In short, this small contribution from travelers helps keep Dubai world-class — from clean beaches to safe
Is the Tourism Dirham the Same as a Tax?
No. The Tourism Dirham is not a general tax. It’s a fixed tourism support fee.
It does not change based on your room price or booking platform. Whether you book online, through an agent, or directly with the hotel, the amount stays the same.
Key Points to Remember
- You pay it only once per night, per room.
- It’s mandatory for all guests staying in hotels or holiday rentals in Dubai.
- The hotel cannot waive or include it in your booking price.
- Children and infants are not exempt if they stay in the same room.
- If you move to another hotel, the fee applies again.
Does Every Emirate in the UAE Charge the Same Fee?
No. The Tourism Dirham applies specifically to Dubai.
Other Emirates like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah have their own versions of hotel tourism fees, but the amounts and names differ slightly.
Travel Tip
When you book your hotel online, check if the Tourism Dirham fee is included or not.
Some platforms show it separately at checkout, while others mention that it’s payable at the hotel.
Knowing this in advance helps avoid confusion during check-in or check-out.
The Tourism Dirham is a small but important part of Dubai’s tourism system. It helps maintain the high standards that make the city one of the world’s favorite destinations.
So when you check in and see the Tourism Dirham on your bill, remember — you’re helping keep Dubai clean, modern, and beautiful for millions of travelers like you.
