How Dubai became an eco-friendly home to sustainable tourism

Telegraph

01-05-2025

Dubai has become synonymous with modernity and innovation, but the city is also evolving as a shining example of sustainable development and eco living, shaping itself as a place where green initiatives can thrive alongside world-class attractions. Here are just some of the ways you can embrace this eco-friendly ethos while visiting.
Taste and try
Dubai's culinary scene offers a range of eateries that embrace sustainability and promote locally sourced and organic food, with an increasing number of plant-based options available too.
One of the most notable is Lowe, a Michelin Green Star-awarded restaurant in the lush surroundings of Al Barari, where diners are treated to dishes that emphasise seasonal produce cooked over fire, giving an experience that blends fine dining with eco-consciousness. Another must-try is Gerbou, a farm-to-table restaurant that's perfect for those wanting to enjoy sustainable, locally inspired cuisine in a beautifully designed space that references traditional Emirati design.
And if sustainable dining really inspires you, try Boca, the 2025 winner of the Sustainable Restaurant Award at Mena's 50 Best Restaurants and also holder of a Michelin Green Star. Boca runs on 100 per cent renewable energy, diners are encouraged to offset their meals through local environmental initiatives and the restaurant partners with conservation organisations to further their sustainability efforts.
Dubai's vegan scene also continues to expand with a host of plant-based eateries throughout the city. You can now go vegan in Jumeirah at Seva Table, part of the yoga, meditation and holistic wellness centre, or visit Dubai hills for the soulful Indian dishes of Michelin-starred Avatara.
Shop, mingle and explore
Exploring urban communities off the beaten path is a great way to dip into low-key yet impactful experiences, mingle with Dubai's residents, support local businesses and try some great food.
The Ripe Market at Academy Park is an al fresco lifestyle hub that will win over anyone who loves to shop and connect with small-scale local businesses, producers and artisans. You can buy everything from hand-made beauty products to vinyl records and vintage clothes at its outdoor stalls, all of which are presented by homegrown UAE companies.
Al Quoz is a creative cultural neighbourhood that's home to all the galleries and studios of Alserkal Avenue, and is where you can also find The Farmers' Market on Saturdays, when organic farmers from all over the UAE come with freshly harvested produce, complemented by stalls selling everything from Emirati traditional snacks to handmade soaps.
Sustainability is taking centre stage in Dubai's fashion scene too, with a growing number of stores and markets offering pre-loved and vintage clothing. Retold in Al Quoz is a prime example of Dubai's growing interest in circular fashion, with this flagship store selling pre-owned garments from a host of big-name brands. For those seeking unique pieces, Urban Market Concept is a pop-up market showcasing thrifted and upcycled clothing.
To get 'under the bonnet' of Dubai's drive to sustainability, take a day out to explore the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, some 50km south of the city, in the desert at Saih Al-Dahal. It's now home to the world's largest single-site solar park, where a visitor center provides interactive exhibits and detailed insights into how solar power is harnessed and its role in reducing carbon emissions. Here, the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) Innovation Centre hosts more than 35 interactive exhibitions, welcoming visitors of all ages to learn more about renewable energy sources. It's an inspiring experience for anyone interested in sustainability, and it's a strikingly beautiful melding of 21st century technology and nature, too.
Natural beauty
Dubai has many beautiful protected natural areas that both showcase robust conservation efforts and offer an escape from the urban hustle and bustle.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, in the heart of the city, is one of the UAE's most important wetland reserves, serving as a crucial stop for migratory birds along the East Africa-West Asia flyway, attracting more than 450 species of wildlife to its mangroves, mudflats and lagoons.
Another noteworthy spot is the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, which, at 225 sq km, makes up almost five per cent of Dubai's land mass, and is one of the largest protected natural areas in the country. Part of the legendary Empty Quarter, it was the UAE's first national park and one of its most biologically diverse environments. It hosts more than 50 plant species, 120 bird species, and 43 mammals and reptiles, and here you can expect to see sand gazelles and even desert foxes on a guided safari or an eco-friendly tour – operators include Platinum Heritage and Sand Sherpa. Making up around 10 per cent of the total land area of the emirate is Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the UAE's first unfenced nature reserve. Head here for excellent birdwatching, stargazing and eco-friendly cycling and walking trails. Be on the look-out for wildlife too, including one of the largest populations of Arabian oryx in Dubai, as well as gazelle and 26 species of reptiles.
Further afield, the Hatta Mountain Conservation Area in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains offers a mix of memorable mountain landscapes, lush green valleys and freshwater pools. Known for its cooler high-altitude climate, it's a perfect nature retreat and is just a 90-minute drive from the city.
When it comes to eco-conscious places to stay, within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve itself is the Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa. Al Maha is the heart of an eco-tourism project that is dedicated to preserving the ecology of the desert. More than 6,000 indigenous trees are planted here and the resort regularly looks at ways to reduce water and energy consumption. In Hatta, meanwhile, visitors can stay at eco-lodges such as Damani Lodges and Sedr Trailers, which provide an immersive experience reflecting local culture and heritage.
Back in the city, Anantara Hotels & Resorts group includes sustainability as part of its growth and development, and its Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort was recently awarded Green Growth Certification by the Green Growth 2050 council. Similarly, the three hotels that comprise JA The Resort in Jebel Ali have reduced their environmental footprint by using solar water heating throughout the resort, from its pools to its guest rooms.
Jumeirah Al Naseem, which looks out across the water to the mighty Burj al Arab, is another sustainability champion, but what makes it stand out the most is its lagoon, built as a sanctuary for sick and injured turtles, as part of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project.
You can also look out for the city-wide Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, which has already recognised 70 hotels for achieving the highest sustainability rankings.
Broaden your horizons in Dubai
In Dubai, you'll find all the right ingredients for a sun-soaked trip. The sophisticated metropolis by the sea provides unforgettable experiences, from serene safaris in the desert to dining in the world's tallest building.
Broaden your horizons with a trip that takes in its exhilarating mix of record-breaking architecture, traditional neighbourhoods and white-sand beaches. You'll return home with plenty of tales to share.