Where to find pet-friendly hotels in UAE?

Embarking on a journey with your beloved furry companion in the United Arab Emirates can be an absolute delight, offering shared memories from cityscapes to serene beaches, but finding pet-friendly hotels in the UAE requires a little careful planning. While the country is generally becoming more welcoming to pets, particularly in urban areas, specific rules and available accommodations vary widely, making it essential to do your homework before packing their favorite chew toy.

Navigating UAE Pet Travel Regulations and Hotel Policies

Bringing your pet to the UAE or even traveling with them within the Emirates involves understanding a set of regulations and policies. These are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both pets and the wider community.

Importing Your Pet: If you’re relocating or visiting the UAE with your pet, you must obtain import permits and comply with strict health and vaccination requirements set by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). This typically includes:

• Microchip: Your pet must have an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip.
• Vaccinations: Up-to-date vaccinations are mandatory, including rabies (given at least 21 days before travel and less than 12 months old) and core vaccines for dogs (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis) and cats (Feline Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis, Panleukopenia).
• Rabies Titer Test: Depending on the country of origin, a rabies titer test might be required to measure antibody levels.
• Health Certificate: An official health certificate from an approved vet in your home country is necessary, certifying your pet is healthy and fit for travel.
• Age Restrictions: Generally, puppies and kittens under 12-15 weeks old are not permitted, with specific age restrictions varying by country of origin. They must be fully weaned.

Local Pet Rules: Once in the UAE, pet owners must abide by local rules:

• Registration: All pets must be registered with the relevant local authorities (e.g., Dubai Municipality).
• Vaccination Card: Always carry your pet’s valid vaccination card.
• Leashing: Dogs must be on a leash in public places.
• Banned Breeds: Certain “dangerous” dog breeds (e.g., Pit Bulls, Japanese Tosa) are banned from import and ownership in the UAE.
• Cleaning: Pet parents are fully responsible for cleaning up after their pets in all public and hotel areas.

Hotel-Specific Policies: Each pet-friendly hotel in the UAE sets its own detailed policies, and these can differ significantly. When booking, always contact the hotel directly to confirm their latest pet policy. Common restrictions and requirements include:

• Pet Type and Size: Some hotels may only allow dogs or cats, while others have weight limits (e.g., under 10 kg, under 20 kg).
• Number of Pets: There’s usually a limit to the number of pets per room (often one or two).
• Designated Areas: Pets are typically only allowed in specific pet-friendly rooms or floors and designated public spaces. They are almost never allowed in dining areas (except for specific outdoor pet-friendly sections), pools, or gyms.
• Fees and Deposits: Most hotels charge a non-refundable pet fee per stay (e.g., approximately AED 150-350 per pet, per stay) or per night (e.g., AED 50-75 per pet, per night). A refundable security deposit (e.g., approximately AED 500-1,000) is also common to cover potential damages.
• Leash Policy: Pets must always be on a leash when outside the room.
• Unattended Pets: Many hotels strictly prohibit leaving pets unattended in the room to prevent distress, noise, or damage.
• Housekeeping: Cleaning and maintenance services are often only performed when the pet is not in the room.

Always be transparent about bringing your pet when booking to avoid any issues upon check-in.

Top Pet-Friendly Hotels in Dubai

Dubai has been steadily increasing its offerings for pet owners, with several hotels now welcoming furry guests. Here are some prominent options:

Vida Hotels (vidahotels.com) are a strong contender in the pet-friendly hotels Dubai scene, with multiple branches embracing pets. Vida Emirates Hills, Vida Creek Harbour, and Vida Downtown all offer pet-friendly rooms. They generally have policies for pets under 10 kg and a limit of two pets per room, with an additional cleaning fee of approximately AED 150 per stay and AED 50 per day per pet. They often provide pet amenities like bowls and beds. Vida Emirates Hills is particularly popular due to its outdoor spaces and scenic pathways around nearby golf courses, ideal for walks.

Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown by IHG (hotelindigodubai.com) is another excellent choice. This hotel is known for its comprehensive pet policy, which allows one pet per room or two pets per suite, up to a maximum weight of 20 kg. They charge a supplement of approximately AED 200 per pet per 5-night stay. Pets are permitted in designated pet floors and outdoor seating areas of some restaurants. They even require a refundable “Furry Friend Bond” of approximately AED 1,000.

Jumeirah Group also has pet-friendly options. Jumeirah Creekside Hotel in the heart of Old Dubai welcomes pets and offers a unique stay with a large art collection. Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens (jumeirah.com) is a stylish option with pet-friendly rooms and specific pet-friendly restaurants like The Social Company and Lah Lah, where you can dine with your dog. They often allow pups under 10 kg and may have a pet fee.

Other notable pet-friendly hotels in Dubai include:

• The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle (thefirstcollection.ae), a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, offers a welcoming environment for pets.
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach (marriott.com) provides a great location near JBR Walk and the beachfront, perfect for pet exercise. They often have dedicated service elevators for guests with pets and provide food and water bowls.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – Jumeirah Beach (hilton.com) is another Hilton property that welcomes pets. They typically allow up to two dogs with a valid pet passport and may charge around AED 200 per room.
• INK Hotel in Al Jaddaf (inkhotel.me) is known for being particularly pet-friendly, welcoming pets of all sizes and breeds. They often provide pet toys, snacks, and personalized beds. They even offer a pet-sitting service through Cooper’s Crib for a starting price of approximately AED 100 if you need to explore the city without your pet.
• JA Hatta Fort Hotel (jaresorts.com), Dubai’s only mountain resort, is a popular pet-friendly getaway, welcoming pets of all sizes for approximately AED 150 per stay.

Always contact the specific hotel directly to confirm their current pet policy and any associated fees, as these can change.

Pet-Friendly Stays Across Other Emirates

The pet-friendly trend extends beyond Dubai, with a growing number of hotels and resorts in other Emirates recognizing the demand.

In Abu Dhabi, you’ll find a good selection, especially on Yas Island:

• W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island (marriott.com) is known for its modern design and welcomes pets, offering a stylish stay for both you and your companion.
• Yas Island Rotana Abu Dhabi and Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island (radissonhotels.com) are also prominent choices on Yas Island that accommodate pets, often with an additional fee. They typically provide pet amenities upon request.
• Crowne Plaza Yas Island, an IHG Hotel (ihg.com) also allows pets, usually for an additional fee per night and a one-time cleaning fee.
• Bab Al Qasr Hotel & Residences (babalqasr.com) and Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi (dusit.com) are other highly-rated hotels that have pet-friendly options.
• The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa (marriott.com) is another luxurious option that caters to pet owners.

Ras Al Khaimah has emerged as a particularly pet-friendly emirate, offering a more relaxed atmosphere and numerous outdoor spaces for pets.

• Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island (movenpick.com) is a top-rated pet-friendly resort on Al Marjan Island with excellent reviews, featuring beautiful sea views and access to a private beach area.
• Al Hamra Village Hotel and Al Hamra Residence (alhamra.ae) are popular choices located on the pristine beach, welcoming pets.
• RAK Glamping (rakglamping.com) offers a unique self-catering glamping experience in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah that is pet-friendly, providing a more rustic yet comfortable stay.
• Banan Beach (https://www.google.com/search?q=bananbeach.com) is a bohemian-style beach resort that welcomes pets, offering a relaxed vibe.
• You’ll also find that some Hilton properties, like Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa and DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, are becoming increasingly pet-friendly.

In Fujairah, the focus is often on villas and private beachfront properties:

• Al Dana Paradise Luxury Villas Palm Fujairah Sea View (booking.com) offers renovated, air-conditioned villas with private pools and direct access to a private beach area, making it a hidden gem for pet owners.
• White Villa By the Sea (booking.com) is another highly-rated option with a private beach area and outdoor swimming pool.
• Some IHG hotels in Fujairah are also pet-friendly.

Sharjah is also seeing an increase in pet-friendly accommodation.

• Pullman Sharjah (https://www.google.com/search?q=pullmansharjah.com) is a 5-star property known for welcoming pets.
• Many apartment-style accommodations listed on platforms like Booking.com, such as “Boho Bloom Studio Apartment by JK” or “The AlJada Studio by Blue Cloud Holidays,” are explicitly marked as pet-friendly.
• While public beaches often have restrictions, places like Al Khan Beach in Sharjah are sometimes mentioned as pet-friendly, though it’s best to confirm current regulations on site.

When planning your pet’s staycation in any of these Emirates, remember that policies can evolve. It’s always best to call the hotel directly, mention your pet, and specifically inquire about their latest policies, fees, and available pet-friendly rooms to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for everyone, including your cherished four-legged family member.

The www.few.ae team knows that traveling with pets brings immense joy. With careful planning and communication, your furry companions can enjoy the diverse hospitality of the UAE right alongside you. Where in the UAE will your next adventure with your pet take you?