Elevating sustainability in hospitality: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism recognises 153 hotels with Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp
18 hotels in Dubai were awarded the gold tier stamp with 64 silver and 71 bronze
DST Stamp recognises hotels that achieve the highest level of compliance with DET's '19 Sustainability Requirements'
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has awarded 153 hotels with the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamp in the initiative's second cycle. This marks a 118% increase from the 70 hotels recognised in last year's inaugural edition, reflecting the commitment of the hospitality sector in Dubai to prioritising sustainability, and reinforcing the city's growing reputation as a sustainable destination.
The DST Stamp, which was launched in July 2023, recognises hotels that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to sustainable practices, aligning with Dubai's ambitious environmental goals and vision for a green future. Hotels are evaluated against a comprehensive set of '19 Sustainability Requirements', covering areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and staff engagement. The awards, which feature a three-tier recognition system in gold, silver and bronze categories, were officially announced at an exclusive ceremony held on 26 February at Atlantis The Royal.
Contributing to broader clean energy targets and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 2030, the DST Stamp initiative is also in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global city for business and leisure. As part of the wider DST programme, the recognition is designed to elevate the environmental performance of the hospitality sector.
Rated for their performance in 2024, 18 hotels achieved the gold tier – including Atlantis, The Palm; Atlantis The Royal; Jumeirah Al Qasr; Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf; Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa; and Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai – while 64 earned silver and 71 received bronze. These hotels underwent rigorous assessments by third-party independent assessors as part of the Dubai Government Excellence programme, ensuring that their sustainability initiatives meet the highest standards set by the DET's '19 Sustainability Requirements'.
Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and Chairperson of DET Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee, said: 'We are proud to celebrate a growing number of hotels being recognised through the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp. The success of this initiative is a testament to the city's visionary leadership, and underscores our strategic commitment to transforming the hospitality sector into a global benchmark for sustainable tourism. The support of our stakeholders and partners plays a pivotal role in driving this change, enabling us to make significant strides toward our sustainability goals. While congratulating all the winners, we extend our appreciation to all other nominees and value their dedication to sustainability. This is an important step forward in aligning with Dubai's broader environmental goals and the D33 Agenda, which aims to establish Dubai as the best city to visit, live and work in. Together, we are building a greener, more resilient Dubai, ensuring it continues to be a vibrant, livable, and attractive destination for future generations.'
Kelly Timmins, Executive Director, Sustainability & Marine Animal Operations, Atlantis Dubai, said: 'We are delighted that both Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal have been awarded the Gold DST Stamp, a recognition of our commitment to responsible and sustainable hospitality. Sustainability is at the core of our operations, and through the Atlantis Atlas Project, which launched in 2021, we strive to do business in ways that benefit both people and the planet. Built on four core pillars — Responsible Operations, Education & Awareness, Conservation & Animal Welfare, and People & Culture — the Atlantis Atlas Project empowers both our colleagues and guests to engage in meaningful sustainability efforts, fostering awareness and inspiring responsible choices. The 19 Sustainability Requirements set by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) provide a strong framework for continuously enhancing our environmental practices. Achieving Gold DST Stamps for both resorts marks a significant milestone and motivates us to continue driving progress. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to advancing our sustainability agenda and accelerating efforts to support the vision of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), placing at the forefront sustainable economic growth together with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy.'
Peter Roth, Regional Vice President Madinat Jumeirah and General Manager Jumeirah Al Qasr, said: 'At Jumeirah Al Qasr and Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, sustainability is at the core of our operations, and we are proud to receive the Gold DST Stamp from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This recognition reflects our commitment to responsible hospitality and supports Dubai's positioning at the forefront of global efforts in sustainable tourism. By aligning with the '19 Sustainability Requirements', we share and support Dubai's vision for a greener future, in line with the D33 Agenda. This recognition inspires us to further enhance our eco-conscious initiatives, and we remain dedicated to playing our part in transforming the city into the best place to visit, live, and work in.'
Pam Wilby, Multi-property General Manager of the Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai, and Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, said: 'We are thrilled to receive the Gold DST Stamp. We strive to offer our guests luxurious and memorable stays, and increasingly, that means offering sustainable experiences. The award validates our commitment to integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations, from minimising our environmental impact to supporting our local community. It's a win for our guests, our team, and our planet.'
The DST Stamp certification is valid for one year, emphasising the importance of ongoing sustainability efforts and adapting to evolving environmental challenges. By prioritising sustainability, these hotels are not only leading the way in green hospitality, but also setting an example for others to follow. Hotels that did not receive the DST Stamp this year are encouraged to continue their sustainability efforts and position themselves for future recognition under the initiative.
The DST Stamp is aligned with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy of achieving carbon neutrality, and the associated objectives to drive innovation, reduce carbon emissions, and elevate the destination's role in global sustainability efforts. The initiative complements other key DST projects like the Carbon Calculator platform, which helps hospitality sector stakeholders and partners manage carbon consumption, develop carbon reduction strategies, identify cost saving opportunities, and shape transitions to sustainable operations.
Additionally, DST supports sustainability movements such as Dubai Can, which has reduced the usage of more than 30 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles since February 2022 through the Refill for Life initiative, and initiated the world's largest single purpose-built reef development through DUBAI REEF. The sustainable tourism strategy is also guided by the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan which aims to double the size of green and recreational areas, ensure that nature reserves and rural natural areas constitute 60% of the emirate's total area, and increase the total length of public beaches by 400%. Under the 2040 plan, the total space dedicated to hotels and tourist activities will increase by more than 100%.
About Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world's leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city's economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate's economy and consolidate its position among the top three global cities over the next decade.
Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai's diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai's vision to become the world's best city to visit, live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.
DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai's business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. DET's portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Al Etihad
Hotel groups doing their bit to save water and energy, reduce waste and single-use plastics
4 June 2025 23:28 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, hotels across the UAE are ramping up efforts to reduce waste, save energy and support local sustainability First Group Hospitality has placed sustainability at the core of its UAE operations. "Through our recycling programme, we have introduced structured waste separation and partnered with Veolia to divert significant volumes of food waste from landfill," Tom Stevens, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations at The First Group Hospitality, told Aletihad . Energy and water-saving systems, solar integration, and a growing network of electric vehicle charging stations are also being introduced across the group's line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Dubai Sustainable Tourism strategy, The First Group Hospitality is also moving away from single-use plastics and embracing sustainably sourced materials in their properties."Our aim is not simply to adapt to shifting expectations, but to lead with purpose and ensure that exceptional hospitality is delivered with lasting environmental responsibility," Stevens Al Jaddaf, part of the global Barceló Hotel Group, is equally committed to local impact and environmental to Eduardo Espiritusanto, General Manager of Barceló Al Jaddaf, the hotel sources at least half of its fruit and vegetables from local producers. "In addition to this, the property has implemented a series of measures to reduce water and energy consumption, such as the installation of solar panels in the hotel and the use of high-pressure shower beads in the bathrooms of all rooms, reducing water consumption by 50%," Espiritusanto told Aletihad . Beyond infrastructure, Barceló Al Jaddaf also participates in community initiatives, including Earth Hour, Tree Planting Day, and food donations to the UAE Food by Hilton Jumeirah Beach is also playing a key role in driving hospitality sustainability forward in the UAE. "At our hotel, we have phased out single-use plastics by observing dedicated 'No Plastic Days' and replacing disposable items with reusable alternatives," Elif Yazoglu, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Jumeirah Beach, told Aletihad . "Every plastic container is segregated through our structured recycling programme and handed over to certified vendors, ensuring that no plastic waste ends up in landfill or our oceans."In line with the World Environment Day 2025 theme, "Beat Plastic Pollution", the hotel takes part in campaigns such as "Recycle. Reforest. Repeat", where each 1,000kg of collected cartons funds the planting of a tree in partnership with the Emirates Environmental Group."Beyond plastic reduction, we support the nation's broader sustainability goals through energy-efficient technologies, such as 100% LED lighting, motion-sensor fixtures, 3M heat-resistant window film, and a Building Management System that optimises cooling," Yazoglu hotel also offers on-site electric vehicle charging stations and converts non-recyclable waste into energy, in collaboration with Dubai Municipality under its "No Waste to Landfill" policy. "By integrating responsible waste management, circular-economy practices, and energy-saving initiatives across our operations, we proudly contribute to a greener UAE and a future free of plastic pollution," Yazoglu said. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Sharjah 24
30-05-2025
- Sharjah 24
UAE wins presidency of General Assembly of UN-Habitat
Shared achievement with Malaysia This well-deserved and unprecedented achievement was shared with the Republic of Malaysia, following a highly competitive election during the Assembly meetings being held in Nairobi, Kenya. Reinforcing UAE's global leadership in urban development This international recognition reaffirms the UAE's leading role in supporting sustainable urban development, housing initiatives, and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UN-Habitat General Assembly's global role The UN-Habitat General Assembly, composed of 193 member states, is the programme's highest decision-making body. It is responsible for guiding global policies aimed at improving living conditions in cities and enhancing the quality of life in urban communities. UAE's vision for sustainable urban environments On this occasion, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, expressed his pride and honour in this international achievement, which adds to the UAE's distinguished record of successes. Strategic priority for housing and urban development He emphasised that the UAE's election as President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly is a recognition of its significant efforts, guided by the vision of its wise leadership, in establishing the nation as a comprehensive model for adequate housing and sustainable urban environments. Achievements of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme Al Mazrouei said, 'This remarkable achievement reflects the vision and directives of the UAE's wise leadership, which has made housing and urban development a strategic priority, recognising it as a fundamental pillar for social stability and quality of life..." Supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals He affirmed that the UAE will leverage this leadership role to support the implementation of Goal 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which focuses on 'making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.' Promoting innovation and international dialogue He also pointed out that the joint presidency with Malaysia and membership in the UN-Habitat Executive Board will open new avenues for strengthening dialogue among member states and for exchanging the best international experiences and practices. Strengthening global partnerships and action plans The Minister continued, 'We will continue working with member states, civil society organisations, and the private sector to develop clear visions and innovative action plans that meet the needs of global communities..." Recognition of national efforts and collaboration For his part, Eng Mohamed Al Mansouri, Director-General of Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, said, 'This achievement is a true reflection of the UAE's dedicated efforts in developing a sustainable and smart urban housing system..." Enhancing global standing in urban housing Al Mansouri also extended his appreciation to the national team from the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in Nairobi, for their outstanding efforts over the past three and a half years... Advancing UAE's role in future urban policies He further noted that the UAE's presidency of the UN-Habitat General Assembly will bolster its status as an influential international partner in shaping future urban policies and support the country's drive to maintain momentum in sustainable development efforts both regionally and globally.
Al Etihad
30-05-2025
- Al Etihad
UAE wins presidency of General Assembly of UN-Habitat
30 May 2025 19:52 ABU DHABI (WAM)The UAE has achieved a new diplomatic milestone by winning, for the first time, the presidency of the General Assembly of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and securing membership in its Executive unprecedented achievement was shared with the Republic of Malaysia, following a highly competitive election during the Assembly meetings being held in Nairobi, international recognition reaffirms the UAE's leading role in supporting sustainable urban development, housing initiatives, and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The UN-Habitat General Assembly, composed of 193 member states, is the programme's highest decision-making body. It is responsible for guiding global policies aimed at improving living conditions in cities and enhancing the quality of life in urban this occasion, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, expressed his pride and honour in this international achievement, which adds to the UAE's distinguished record of emphasised that the UAE's election as President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly is a recognition of its significant efforts, guided by the vision of its wise leadership, in establishing the nation as a comprehensive model for adequate housing and sustainable urban Mazrouei said, 'This remarkable achievement reflects the vision and directives of the UAE's wise leadership, which has made housing and urban development a strategic priority, recognising it as a fundamental pillar for social stability and quality of life. The leadership has directed efforts toward providing an integrated housing environment that ensures well-being and dignity for all citizens and residents. It has also launched numerous national initiatives and programs that have contributed to developing a modern housing system and offering innovative and sustainable solutions to meet the needs of various segments of society.'He added, 'The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme stands as a prominent example of this integrated national vision. Since its establishment in 1999, the programme has successfully enhanced family stability, met the demand for government housing, and provided decent housing for Emirati citizens. Through this victory, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to continue contributing to global housing and urban planning efforts. The country will work to deepen cooperation with all 193 member states of the General Assembly, with the goal of developing sustainable, inclusive cities that are capable of meeting future challenges.'He affirmed that the UAE will leverage this leadership role to support the implementation of Goal 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which focuses on 'making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.'He also pointed out that the joint presidency with Malaysia and membership in the UN-Habitat Executive Board will open new avenues for strengthening dialogue among member states and for exchanging the best international experiences and practices. He stressed that the UAE will lead joint efforts to promote innovation in urban housing and to present pioneering models for addressing the challenges of rapid urban growth and climate Minister continued, 'We will continue working with member states, civil society organisations, and the private sector to develop clear visions and innovative action plans that meet the needs of global communities and provide adequate and safe housing for all people. We consider this responsibility a great honour and an opportunity to further enhance the UAE's international record.'He added, 'We will work hand in hand with all international partners to embed the principles of sustainable urban development and lead global efforts toward urban transformation, aiming to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable living environment for all.'For his part, Eng Mohamed Al Mansouri, Director-General of Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, said, 'This achievement is a true reflection of the UAE's dedicated efforts in developing a sustainable and smart urban housing system. The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme remains one of the most vital national pillars that has strengthened the UAE's global standing in this field by offering innovative housing solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and environmental and social sustainability.'Al Mansouri also extended his appreciation to the national team from the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in Nairobi, for their outstanding efforts over the past three and a half years, which began with the candidacy file and culminated in successfully securing international support for key UN-Habitat leadership added, 'We are fully geared to enhance cooperation with member states and share the UAE's pioneering experience in building integrated urban communities characterised by diversity and innovation, in line with our leadership's vision for achieving sustainable development.' He further noted that the UAE's presidency of the UN-Habitat General Assembly will bolster its status as an influential international partner in shaping future urban policies and support the country's drive to maintain momentum in sustainable development efforts both regionally and globally.
