On Tuesday, Abu Dhabi's new hotel rating system was unveiled with Emirates Palace. With this launch, it has become the first hotel to put up its new 'five star' plaque.

A star rating, ranging from one to five, was allotted to all the hotels. The rating vastly depended on the facilities and service provided by the hotels and a rating of five means the best. The hotel apartments were graded as standard, superior or deluxe.

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority's (ADTA), said, that the new signage, which is quite different from the old star ratings, is now held by nearly 110 hotels and hotel apartments.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, ADTA chairman said: "It's all about standing out in a manner consistent with Abu Dhabi's highly respectful style. This unique, sustainable classification scheme has been produced in close collaboration with the private sector and demonstrates how, together, stakeholders can deliver destination integrity to our final arbitrators - the travelling public."

The tourism industry has well-received the system, with the international travel welcoming it as a major stride forward in delivering destination confidence.