Dubai will host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), a UN Climate Change Conference from 30 November to 12 December 2023. Photo Credit: Adobe stock/Sophie James
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched the
Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, a fresh initiative that aims to award
hotels with the highest adherence to the city’s sustainability
requirements. The effort is part of DET’s commitment to forging Dubai’s
position as a leading sustainable tourism destination.
Developed in collaboration with Dubai’s hospitality sector, the new
stamp will speed up efforts towards empowering the tourism sector to
achieve its sustainability goals and support the UAE’s NetZero 2050
initiative.
To get the stamp, hotels of all classifications must attain the
highest standards which include criteria such as energy and water
efficiency, waste management programmes, and staff education and
engagement initiatives. The accreditation process will be overseen by a
committee of senior industry professionals to ensure integrity and
independence, based on global best practices.
The stamp comprises a three-tier scheme with categories ranging from
Gold, Silver and Bronze. Nominations for hotel establishments to get the
Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp will begin on 3 August, 2023 and end on
31 August, 2023.
Yousuf Lootah, acting CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance
sector, DET stated: “We have carefully curated a set of high standard
criteria that will reward hotels that go above and beyond in their
sustainable practices. By recognising these exemplary establishments, we
are encouraging others to follow suit and embrace sustainable
initiatives that not only benefit their businesses but also contribute
to the collective well-being of our city and the world at large.”
DET's sustainability strategy also includes initiatives such as the
Carbon Calculator, a mechanism to help stakeholders and partners
identify cost saving opportunities and manage the transition to
sustainable practices.
Dubai Can, a citywide sustainability initiative, focuses on promoting
the use of reusable bottles and encouraging people to refill. Since
its inception in February 2022, Dubai Can has successfully reduced the
use of an equivalent of more than 10 million 500 ml single-use plastic
water bottles and led to the installation of 50 water fountains
throughout the city.