Minor Hotels MEA: Setting the benchmark for sustainable hospitality and Green Growth 2050 certification
Dubai: Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group that owns and operates hotels in 58 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Indian Ocean, is a proud leader in sustainable hospitality. In recognition of Minor Hotels' global commitment to responsible travel, 30 of its properties now hold Green Growth 2050 Platinum certification.
This significant benchmark is reflected in the notable achievements of Minor Hotels Middle East and Africa (MEA), which is delighted to announce the confirmation of 25 certified properties: 12 of which attained Platinum with nine hotels and resorts receiving Gold. Most recently in December 2024 Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas was added to the scheme's most distinguished Platinum list, in addition to Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in Sri Lanka, bringing the total hotels with Platinum certification to 30.
Aligned with internationally recognised standards, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, UN Global Compact and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators, Green Growth 2050 is a comprehensive, independent certification programme encompassing over 400 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability indicators.
Awarded by VisionCSR, Green Growth 2050 represents one of the most extensive frameworks in the sector, creating a trusted metric which empowers consumers to make informed choices. For Minor Hotels, these certifications assure guests and stakeholders of the brand's unwavering dedication to sustainability. By fostering transparency and accountability across the industry, and rewarding the success of the world's leading hotels, they demonstrate that balancing luxury with environmental and social responsibility is not only possible, but essential for the future of hospitality.
Key Achievements of Minor Hotels MEA Platinum Certified Properties:
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
Pioneering energy integration and waste reduction strategies, these hotels are leading the way in delivering uncompromising comfort and hygiene with increased efficiency and lower impact. In addition to scoring Platinum with Green Growth 2050, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort has been recognised with Gold certification for The PLEDGE on Food Waste for its management practices.
NH Collection Dubai The Palm
Designed and engineered with sustainability at its centre, the Middle East's first NH Collection property achieved Platinum status in its first year of operation. From a host of green initiatives including an on-site water bottling facility, the hotel on Palm West Beach has been noted for delivering an 84% reduction in staff canteen food waste and employing advanced monitoring technology to repurpose waste into compost.
Avani + Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites
Avani+ Palm View Dubai, a Platinum status hotel and a regional leader in sustainability, utilises high solar reflective index materials to reduce air conditioning energy consumption, along with other foundational sustainability initiatives.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Using a circular economy approach to make a positive impact in its secluded location, this property located high in the dunes of the Empty Quarter uses a food waste composter to transform organic waste into nutrient-rich compost for growing fruits and vegetables. This ensures minimal environmental impact and aids the farming of local produce. Dates, tomatoes and many other vegetables from the hotel's garden are now found in the resort's kitchens. Research into desert-adapted native plants and a solar driven well provide a welcome oasis for the region's wild sand gazelle and Arabian oryx.
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island
Harnessing the opportunities of their private island home, the sister resorts of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort, and Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara have complemented their wildlife conservation efforts by incorporating future-proofing renewable energy solutions. Showcasing the potential of locally produced green energy for luxury resorts, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island produces a significant portion of on-site power from a 45 MW wind turbine and a 14.8 MW solar field while drinking water for wildlife is sourced by harnessing the sun's power and the island's humid air in state-of-the-art condensers.
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
Celebrating its enviable position in Oman's Hajar Mountains, this ultra-luxury retreat is safeguarding the unique biodiversity of the region through advanced water treatment and conservation strategies. Daily-use produce is also cultivated within the resort grounds through a chef's garden, hydroponic farm, olive groves and beehives. The resort actively supports and celebrates the local community's cultivation of iconic damask roses and globally renowned rose water.
Green Growth 2050 Platinum certification has also been awarded to Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel, Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, and Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas – each satisfying over 90% of the tested indicators and demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.
Minor Hotels MEA Gold standard hotels, which surpass at least 80% of the scheme's sustainability targets, are Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel, Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, Avani Victoria Falls Resort, Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara, Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino and Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, which opened in late 2023 and has also earned LEED Gold certification for its energy-efficient systems and water conservation initiatives.
"We are honoured and grateful for so many of our Middle East and Africa hotels to receive the highest levels of Green Growth 2050 certification in commendation of the work and innovation carried out by our talented teams,' said Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President, Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa.
By embracing new technology such as AI, smarter planning, and closed-loop systems, Minor Hotels is already taking the next steps in cultivating a sustainable future across its portfolio and was recently featured in The National for the trailblazing initiatives to reduce food waste at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and NH Collection Dubai The Palm, alongside other UAE properties.
By embedding sustainability into every level of its operations, and working in partnership with Sustainability Kiosk advisors, Minor Hotels MEA is advancing sustainable hospitality and setting a global benchmark for responsible tourism.
For more information, visit Minor Hotels Sustainability Initiatives.
-Ends-
About Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group operating over 560 hotels, resorts and residences in 58 countries, pursuing its vision of crafting a more passionate and interconnected world. As a hotel owner, operator and investor, Minor Hotels fulfils the needs and desires of today's global travellers through its diverse portfolio of eight hotel brands – Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks and Tivoli – and a collection of related businesses. Minor Hotels is rapidly accelerating its global growth ambitions, aiming to add more than 200 hotels by the end of 2026.
Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands, and participates in the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.
For more information, please visit minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook and LinkedIn.
For media inquiries, please contact D-SH Consultancy:
Duaa Radwan
E: duaa@dash-pr.com
Rima Varghese
E: rima@dash-pr.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
Apparel Group and Bisleri International announce strategic partnership
Launching in the UAE in 2025, this partnership is poised for regional scale-up as part of a broader MEA strategy. Dubai, UAE — Apparel Group, the global retail and fashion lifestyle conglomerate headquartered in Dubai, is proud to announce a landmark strategic partnership with Bisleri International, India's leading premium beverage company. This transformative collaboration will see Apparel Group spearhead the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of Bisleri's portfolio of iconic brands across the Middle East and Africa, beginning with the UAE launch in 2025. Bisleri International, with a legacy of over 50 years, has a diverse product portfolio including Bisleri, the leading packaged drinking water brand in India; Bisleri Vedica, it's premium Himalayan Spring water offering and a dynamic range of aerated beverages including Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri POP, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Rev and Bisleri Soda. The company's operations span across 128 manufacturing centers with a robust distribution network catering to more than 500,000 outlets, alongside an established retail presence in the UAE Market with marquee sports sponsorships like the Dubai Marathon. This partnership underscores Apparel Group's ongoing mission to diversify its portfolio and introduce best-in-class consumer brands to the region. Leveraging its extensive retail and F&B infrastructure—spanning over 2,300 stores and 85+ brands in 14 countries—Apparel Group is set to unlock new avenues of growth and elevate regional beverage experiences. Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group, commented: "Our partnership with Bisleri International marks a strategic milestone in Apparel Group's journey to diversify and scale new verticals across high-growth markets. Bisleri's strong heritage, combined with our operational expertise and deep market understanding, presents a powerful opportunity to deliver exceptional beverage experiences to consumers in the Middle East and Africa. We look forward to building a long-term, value-driven collaboration that redefines beverage retail in the region." Angelo George, CEO of Bisleri International, added: 'The Middle East and Africa markets represent significant opportunity for value creation in the beverage sector. There is a large Indian diaspora in the region which is already familiar with our brands. We have had sustained success in the UAE market in the past and I am delighted to announce the next chapter of our journey in the region with our strategic partnership with the Apparel Group for the Middle East and Africa markets. With Bisleri's commitment to product quality and brand building and Apparel Group's well-established presence and consumer understanding in the region, I am sure the partnership will be a perfect blend for success' This partnership reiterates both organizations' commitment to innovation, regional expansion, and elevating the consumer experience through strategic collaboration. About Apparel Group: Apparel Group is a global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate based in Dubai, UAE, with a growing network of 2,300+ stores and a diverse portfolio of 85+ international brands across 14 countries. The Group has established a strong presence in the GCC—Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman—and continues to expand across key markets including India, Southeast Asia, South Africa, and Egypt. Offering an integrated omni-channel experience, Apparel Group represents global names such as Tommy Hilfiger, Skechers, ALDO, Charles & Keith, and Tim Hortons. Its sustained growth is driven by a multicultural workforce of 27,000+ and steered under the leadership of its founders, Sima Ganwani Ved and Nilesh Ved. About AppCorp Holding: AppCorp Holding, led by Founder and Chairman Nilesh Ved, is a multi-billion-dollar transnational holding that, through its flagship company Apparel Group, operates across 14 countries, managing 2,300+ stores and representing 85+ international and homegrown brands with a workforce of 27,000+ employees. The holding has built a diverse portfolio spanning retail, food and beverage, real estate, logistics, healthcare, education, and investment. For more information, visit
Zawya
5 days ago
- Zawya
Ookla collaborates with National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) to organise the Telecommunications Regulatory Summit – Middle East & Africa, to discuss strategies for measuring and optimizing network performance
Ookla ® ( a global leader in connectivity intelligence, and the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) organised the Telecommunications Regulatory Summit – Middle East&Africa in Cairo, Egypt, under the theme 'Harnessing Data and Technology for Superior QoS: Strategies for Measuring and Optimising Network Performance'. The event aimed to discuss strategies for collecting, using and sharing crowdsourced data to promote transparency, track policy impacts, and make informed investment decisions. The summit convened regulators from the Middle East and Africa, along with representatives from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the World Broadband Association (WBBA) and various industry experts. During the event, participants shared insights on diverse topics, ranging from network assessment techniques to emerging technologies and their impact on regulations, and the importance of data-driven insights. Furthermore, the regulatory summit highlighted the increasing role of crowdsourced data in telecom regulations and ways in which regulators can leverage it to identify service gaps, promote digital inclusion, drive innovation and accelerate market growth. By complementing traditional data sources, crowdsourced data enables more adaptive and competitive regulatory frameworks. During the event, discussions emphasised the vital role of high-speed internet connectivity in driving socio-economic development across the MEA region. According to studies, improvements in broadband speeds can contribute to GDP growth and improved labour productivity. In the region, investments in fixed broadband infrastructure, especially for the expansion of fibre-optic networks, are vital for improving service quality, bridging the digital divide, and attracting foreign investments. Participants also highlighted the need for comprehensive network assessments and extended regulatory oversight, especially for emerging services and indoor connectivity. Karim Yaici, Lead Industry Analyst for the Middle East and Africa at Ookla, said: 'We are delighted to organise the Telecommunications Regulatory Summit – Middle East&Africa in collaboration with NTRA in Cairo. The event highlighted the importance of data in helping regulators make smarter decisions. Access to and the use of crowdsourced data contribute to making more informed decisions, fostering transparency and ensuring that citizens in the MEA region benefit from high-quality, accessible and affordable connectivity.' Dr. Hossam Abdel-Mawla, Vice-President Technical Affairs and Quality of Service at NTRA, said: 'The Telecommunications Regulatory Summit – Middle East&Africa served as an ideal platform to foster collaborations and knowledge exchange among regulators, industry leaders and international organisations. By actively sharing best practices and exploring innovative data-driven strategies, we are shaping a future where telecom regulations ensure digital inclusion and economic growth across the region.' During the summit, Ahmed Nabawy, Director of Client Services at Ookla, also shared initial findings on 5G coverage and performance in Egypt and Tunisia. He highlighted the potential of Ookla's data in helping prioritise high-impact rollout areas by analysing 5G-capable device density. Furthermore, Ookla showcased its product portfolio strategy, which is centred on a unified data platform that transcends traditional quality of service (QoS) measurements to deliver deeper insights into network performance and user experiences. This solution leverages AI to generate actionable recommendations, empowering operators to make smarter decisions and enhance connected experiences. During the event, the sessions emphasised the need to move beyond traditional network metrics and incorporate quality of experience (QoE) metrics and address the complexities of modern digital services, including critical in-building connectivity. By leveraging advanced data collection and analysis tools, regulators can enhance transparency, improve accountability, and make smarter decisions. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ookla®. ABOUT OOKLA®: Ookla, a global leader in connectivity intelligence, brings together the trusted expertise of Speedtest®, Downdetector®, Ekahau®, and RootMetrics® to deliver unmatched network and connectivity insights. By combining multi-source data with industry-leading expertise, we transform network performance metrics into strategic, actionable insights. Our solutions empower service providers, enterprises, and governments with the critical data and insights needed to optimize networks, enhance digital experiences, and help close the digital divide. At the same time, we amplify the real-world experiences of individuals and businesses that rely on connectivity to work, learn, and communicate. From measuring and analyzing connectivity to driving industry innovation, Ookla helps the world stay connected. Ookla is a division of Ziff Davis (NASDAQ: ZD), a vertically focused digital media and internet company whose portfolio includes leading brands in technology, entertainment, shopping, health, cybersecurity, and martech.
Zawya
01-06-2025
- Zawya
Giza Systems reinforces regional leadership with strategic investments and expansion plans
Cairo – Giza Systems, a subsidiary of solutions by stc and a leading digital transformation enabler and systems integrator in the MEA, continues to strengthen its position as a prominent regional powerhouse in the technology field. The company is officially unveiling its new strategy following the appointment of Ahmad Elharany, Giza Systems Group CEO. This announcement was made during a roundtable held by the company at its headquarters in New Cairo, in the attendance of several senior specialized journalists. During the event, the company's CEO addressed the ambitious strategic plan that GS Group is working on to establish its position as global leader in innovation technology and to continue to drive digital transformation. With a plan to expand its geographical footprint, Giza Systems announced the launch of its global service delivery center to cater to its clients from the different industries in various countries around the world. Through global delivery infrastructure and innovation, Giza Systems global service delivery center is designed to deliver faster, better, and more cost-effective services to boost operational efficiency, expand service capacity, and enable scalability and global resource management. In addition, the company plans to focus on high-growth sectors such as FinTech, smart sports, smart cities, AI-powered video analytics, cloud services, cybersecurity, and Oracle solutions. The new strategy reflects GS Group's evolving role as a global solutions architect: offering industry-leading innovation, rapid solution development, and seamless integration across OT and IT domains to cover the full end-to-end spectrum. With continued strongholds in Egypt, KSA, GCC, and East Africa, the company also plans to expand its footprint globally by 2027. Elharany confirmed that Giza Systems Group achieved significant milestones throughout the last two years, backed by solutions by stc, which holds an 88.19% stake in the group. Now with the newly announced Group's vision and ambitious targets, GS Group reaffirms its commitment to customer-centricity, operational excellence, and employee experience. 'We are aligning our brand with our strategy to stand for purpose-built innovation, delivery at scale, and a culture that embraces continuous change,' said Elharany during the media roundtable. He added, 'We're not just delivering technology, we are designing smarter, scalable, and more agile digital ecosystems. Our new strategy focuses on innovation, scale, and human-centric growth - all while staying true to our purpose. GS Group is evolving to meet the complex, rapidly shifting needs of our global customers by integrating deeper innovation, advanced delivery capabilities, and a future-focused mindset.' GS Group has strategically invested over the past three years in key areas, including the acquisition of LABS, a prominent SAP partner in the region, marking its entry into the ERP sector, and establishing an internal Oracle implementation business unit. This is in addition to its prominent implementations in several smart cities, such as the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the New Administrative Capital, and the Command and Control Center in Alamein. Meanwhile, the company plans to expand in the GCC, particularly in Oman, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi, through collaborations with local partners and direct sales initiatives, as well as through strengthening global tech partnerships to enhance customer experience and service offerings. Additionally, Giza Systems maintains its full commitment to sustainability, as evidenced by its first Sustainability Report (ESG/GRI 2023) with a -AA- rating from IdealRatings. The Giza Systems Foundation (GSF), which serves as Giza Systems' CSR arm and was founded in 2013, works on empowering underserved communities through technology-driven initiatives to support society's members via a wide range of activities. Over the years, the Foundation has provided a variety of services and programs. Most recently, GSF launched an Impact Venture Accelerator program, called BridgeZ, to support startups by creating indirect impact, and helping entrepreneurs build financially sustainable and investible enterprises. Most recently in 2024, through the social impact project acceleration program, GSF worked with 15 startups in 8 governorates, to achieve 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). GSF aims to become a system aggregator and central hub for impact investment in Egypt, connecting startups with investors, donors, universities, service providers, and the private sector. About solutions by stc: solutions by stc is the Kingdom's leading enabler of digital transformation and the number one IT service provider in the Kingdom, enabling the public and private sectors to transform, reach and scale into a new digital age. solutions by stc provides clients integrated technology solutions through a broad portfolio that enhances their day-to-day operations. Its core ICT services are designed to enable, manage and scale businesses. For more information, please visit: About Giza Systems: Giza Systems, a leading digital transformation enabler and systems integrator in the MEA region, designs and deploys industry-specific technology solutions for asset-intensive industries such as Telecoms, Utilities, Oil & Gas, Smart Mobility, and other market sectors. Giza Systems' team of 3000+ professionals are spread throughout the region with anchor offices in Cairo, Riyadh, Dubai, Doha, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, and New Jersey, allowing the company to service an ever-increasing client base in over 25 countries. Giza Systems is a subsidiary of solutions by stc group. For more information, visit:
