About the Visitor Experience Awards The Visitor Experience Awards, launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, is a landmark annual initiative recognising tourism businesses and frontline staff making Abu Dhabi a global destination of choice.
Programme Highlights & Structure Recognising Industry Champions The awards feature 8 distinct categories structured across two distinct streams: Business Award Categories
Most Innovative Visitor Experience Award
Best Emirati Cultural Experience Award
Leader in Inclusive Experience Award
Business Resilience Award
Recognises organisations that introduce creative solutions, concepts, or technologies that reimagine how visitors engage with Abu Dhabi.
Recognises organizations that bring Abu Dhabi’s heritage, traditions, and identity to life for visitors in an authentic way
Recognises organisations that make exceptional experiences accessible to every visitor, including People of Determination, the elderly, and beyond
Recognises organisations that sustained outstanding visitor experiences through the recent challenges, adapting without compromising on standards
Frontliner Award Categories
Visitor Experience SuperstarAward
Unsung Hero Award
Connectivity Champion Award
Outstanding Tour Guide Award
Recognises the frontline professionals who consistently go beyond expectations in creating memorable moments for Abu Dhabi’s visitors
Recognises individuals in less visitor facing roles whose work behind the scenes shapes exceptional visitor moments.
Recognises individuals who connect visitors seamlessly across the destination.
Recognises guides whose knowledge, storytelling, and warmth turn visits into lasting memories of Abu Dhabi.
Key Programme Facts 400+ Participating Entities: Invited from across Abu Dhabi’s broader tourism, cultural, and hospitality sectors. 24 Winners Celebrated: Honoured across both frontline and business excellence categories. 2-Tier Assessment Process: Managed by an internal review committee and an independent panel of industry experts. November 2026 Gala: A high-profile ceremony hosting 350+ VIPs, government officials, and tourism leaders.
Part of a Wider Vision
Learn More & Get Involved
The Visitor Experience Awards form a core pillar of DCT Abu Dhabi’s overarching strategy to elevate destination quality. Working alongside the Visitor Experience Guidelines and the Visitor Experience Academy, the awards empower the entire ecosystem to deliver seamless, authentic, and world-class visitor journeys at every touchpoint.
Discover how DCT Abu Dhabi is shaping the future of guest experience. VX Awards Portal: https://vxawards.dct.gov.ae/awards Contact Us: vxaward@dctabudhabi.ae