Abu Dhabi has rolled out a new regulation permitting pets in selected restaurants, a move that has been warmly welcomed by pet owners who see it as a positive step toward more inclusive, pet-friendly dining spaces.
Abu Dhabi Introduces New Pet Policy Allowing Animals in Restaurants, Owners Applaud the Change.
Abu Dhabi is moving closer to embracing a more inclusive lifestyle for residents and visitors with pets, following the introduction of revised regulations that expand access for companion animals in public hospitality spaces. The newly approved amendments mark an important shift in how pets are accommodated within the emirate’s tourism and leisure sector, reflecting evolving social attitudes and changing expectations among residents.
Under the revised framework, hotels and restaurants operating with tourism licences are now permitted to welcome domesticated animals such as cats and dogs, provided they do so within clearly designated areas. This development represents a notable departure from earlier policies, which largely limited pet access to service animals only. By broadening eligibility, authorities aim to strike a balance between inclusivity and public safety while supporting the growth of a more pet-friendly urban environment.
The updated regulation was formally announced by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), which outlined a set of conditions that establishments must meet before allowing pets on their premises. These requirements focus heavily on hygiene, public health, and animal welfare. Participating venues are expected to implement strict cleanliness protocols, ensure adequate supervision of animals, and create environments that are safe and comfortable for both pet-owning and non-pet-owning guests.
For the hospitality industry, the change introduces new opportunities as well as responsibilities. Hotels and restaurants that choose to adopt pet-friendly policies may attract a broader customer base, particularly among residents who view their pets as part of the family. At the same time, operators must carefully manage operational challenges, such as maintaining sanitation standards, training staff to handle pet-related situations, and clearly communicating rules to customers.
Reactions from pet owners across the capital have been largely positive, with many welcoming the move as a long-awaited acknowledgment of the role pets play in modern households. For some residents, the new regulation offers greater flexibility in social and leisure activities, reducing the need to leave pets at home or arrange special care when dining out or traveling locally. Many see the change as a sign that Abu Dhabi is aligning itself with global cities that have already adopted pet-inclusive public spaces.
However, responses have not been entirely uniform. Some pet owners have expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership in shared environments. Concerns have been raised about ensuring animals are well-behaved, vaccinated, and properly supervised to prevent disruptions or safety issues. These voices highlight that the success of the policy will depend not only on regulation but also on individual accountability.
Hospitality professionals have also offered a range of perspectives. While many view the update as a progressive step that enhances Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a lifestyle and tourism destination, others stress the need for clear guidelines and enforcement. Restaurant managers, in particular, note that thoughtful layout planning and well-defined pet zones will be essential to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests, including those who may be uncomfortable around animals.
From a broader perspective, the regulatory update reflects Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to modernize its urban policies while maintaining high standards of public health and safety. By allowing flexibility within a regulated framework, authorities aim to accommodate diverse lifestyles without compromising on order or cleanliness.
As the policy begins to take effect, its real impact will become clearer through implementation and public response. Much will depend on how widely businesses choose to participate and how effectively standards are upheld. If managed well, the initiative could set a precedent for further pet-friendly developments across the emirate, contributing to a more inclusive and adaptable city environment.
Ultimately, the amended regulation signals a cultural shift in how pets are viewed in public spaces within Abu Dhabi. Rather than being seen solely as animals requiring restriction, pets are increasingly recognized as companions whose presence can be accommodated through thoughtful planning, shared responsibility, and clear regulation.
Pets Now Part of the Experience
Following the introduction of the new regulation, several hospitality venues in Abu Dhabi have already begun opening their doors to customers accompanied by their pets. At EL&N in Yas Bay, the change was implemented immediately. According to Mohamed Metwally, Director of EL&N UAE, the café welcomed its first pet-owning guests shortly after the rule came into force.
“We actually began this morning,” Metwally said, recalling how a couple arrived with their small dog. “It was a great moment for us and for them.”
Metwally described the decision as a positive and much-needed development for pet owners. He noted that many customers have long expressed frustration about having to leave their animals at home when going out. “People with pets enjoy spending time with them and want the freedom to dine out without that limitation. This new policy finally makes that possible.”
Looking ahead, he hopes the initiative will extend beyond cafés and restaurants. “It would be great to see similar steps taken in other public spaces, such as shopping malls and grocery stores, especially for small dogs, similar to what you see in many European cities,” he added.
Cafés Already Embracing Pet-Friendly Spaces
While the regulation is new, some cafés in the capital say welcoming pets is not unfamiliar territory. Several establishments have already been accommodating animals, particularly in outdoor seating areas, well before the official announcement.
At Art Market Café in Yas Bay, pets have been accepted for years in specific sections of the venue. Head barista Janice Cargo explained that customers frequently inquire in advance about bringing their animals. “We often receive calls asking whether dogs are allowed, so it’s clearly something people value,” she said.
The café has developed a loyal base of pet-owning customers, including some unusual visitors. Cargo recalled one regular guest who arrives with a talking bird. “The bird stays calmly on his owner’s shoulder and doesn’t cause any disturbance at all,” she said.
According to Cargo, the pet-friendly approach has helped the café differentiate itself. “It’s definitely a benefit. Customers appreciate being able to relax with their coffee without worrying about leaving their pets behind,” she explained. To support this, the café provides water bowls and ensures staff are attentive to guests with animals. “Some owners even order meals like chicken or salmon specifically for their pets,” she added.
A similar attitude is shared by Rami Jayousi, the owner of Jlato and Roof Coffee Shop at Souq Al Mina. He said pets have long been a common sight in the outdoor seating areas. “People already come with their cats or dogs, so for us this isn’t a big change,” he said. “As long as it’s outdoors and management has no concerns, we don’t see a problem.”
A Cautious but Curious Response
For some residents, however, the new regulation brings both excitement and hesitation. Ognjen Kukic, a fitness manager from Serbia, and his wife Jelena Kukic, who works as a clinic manager, say the rule creates new opportunities while also raising practical questions. The couple owns a five-year-old cat and say navigating pet-friendly spaces in Abu Dhabi has previously been challenging.
“In the past, our options were very limited,” Jelena said. “It was mostly just our building or a few places that unofficially allowed pets.”
She pointed out that cats present unique challenges compared to dogs. “Cats are much more territorial and sensitive to unfamiliar surroundings,” she explained. “Dogs are used to being outside, meeting people, and adapting to new environments, but cats can react unpredictably.”
Despite these concerns, Jelena said the couple would consider visiting cafés that cater to pets, provided the setting is suitable. “If there are calm places with clearly designated areas, I’d be open to trying it gradually and seeing how our cat responds,” she said. “It’s reassuring just to have the option available.”
A Measured Perspective on Pet-Friendly Policies
Not everyone sees Abu Dhabi’s updated pet regulation as a simple win or loss. For Antje Westermann, a German dog behaviour specialist who now lives and works in the UAE, the issue is far more nuanced. She describes the new rules as neither entirely positive nor negative, but rather something that requires thoughtful and cautious execution.
“I like the idea in principle,” Westermann explained, “but it’s not something that should be adopted without careful consideration.” She believes that while pet-friendly spaces can enhance quality of life for some residents, they also introduce challenges that cannot be ignored. Factors such as allergies, fear of animals, cleanliness, and the ability to manage animal behaviour all need to be taken into account before pets are welcomed into shared public environments.
Westermann, who has three rescue dogs of her own, emphasized that not all animals are suited for busy social settings like restaurants or hotels. Despite supporting responsible pet inclusion, she said she would personally avoid taking her dogs to such venues. “My dogs are easily stressed and tend to feel unsafe in crowded or unfamiliar environments,” she said. “Putting them in a situation where they feel overwhelmed or threatened would not be fair to them.”
Her perspective highlights an important point often overlooked in discussions about pet-friendly spaces: animal welfare. While owners may enjoy the idea of having their pets accompany them everywhere, Westermann cautions that this desire should never outweigh the comfort or emotional well-being of the animal itself. For anxious or reactive pets, noisy public settings can be distressing rather than enjoyable.
That said, Westermann acknowledges that the regulation could work well under the right conditions. She notes that well-trained, calm, and properly socialised dogs may adapt comfortably to certain environments, particularly outdoor areas with clear boundaries and controlled foot traffic. “If a dog is relaxed, confident, and responsive to its owner, this type of setting can be perfectly fine,” she said.
Drawing on her European background, Westermann pointed out that pet-friendly cafés and public spaces are common in many countries across Europe. In those environments, she explained, there is a strong culture of responsible ownership, clear expectations around behaviour, and strict enforcement of rules. “It works because people understand their role and respect others sharing the space,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of distinguishing between companion pets and service animals. Service dogs, she noted, should always be welcomed without hesitation. “These dogs undergo extensive training and meet very high standards,” she explained. “In most cases, they are so well-behaved that people don’t even notice their presence.”
Under the current regulation, businesses are given the option — rather than a requirement — to allow pets on their premises. This flexibility, Westermann believes, is essential. It allows restaurants and hotels to decide what works best for their layout, staff, and customer base, while also giving pet owners more choices without imposing discomfort on others.
Many observers see the policy as part of a broader transformation in urban living, one that places greater emphasis on lifestyle, inclusivity, and adaptability. For pet owners, the regulation offers more freedom and flexibility. For hospitality businesses, it presents an opportunity to appeal to a wider audience and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
However, Westermann cautions that success will depend on responsible behaviour from all sides. Owners must be honest about their pets’ temperament, businesses must enforce clear guidelines, and authorities must ensure standards are upheld. Without this shared responsibility, the policy risks creating tension rather than harmony.
As Westermann summed it up, the regulation has potential — but only when approached with care. “It can absolutely work,” she said, “but only if everyone involved understands that with greater freedom comes greater responsibility.”
