Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism Awards Sustainability Certification to 153 Hotels

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has awarded the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Certification to 153 hotels, marking a significant milestone in the emirate’s commitment to sustainable hospitality. The number of certified hotels increased by 118% year-on-year, rising from 70 in 2023 to 153 this year—underscoring Dubai’s accelerating progress toward its clean energy goals and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 2030.

Of the certified properties, 18 hotels received Gold, 64 Silver, and 71 Bronze certifications. The DST Certification recognizes hotels that demonstrate the highest level of compliance with DET’s comprehensive 19 Sustainability Requirements, which span energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and employee engagement.

A Growing Commitment to Sustainable Hospitality

First introduced in July 2023, the DST Certification honors hotels that show exceptional dedication to sustainable practices in line with Dubai’s environmental ambitions and green future vision. The 2024 evaluation—based on hotels’ performance throughout the year—was conducted by independent auditors under the Dubai Government Excellence Program to ensure rigorous and transparent assessment.

The awards were presented at a dedicated ceremony held on 26 February at Atlantis The Royal, celebrating hospitality leaders that are setting new benchmarks for sustainability in the sector.

The DST initiative supports Dubai’s clean energy objectives and the UNSDGs, while also aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position the city as a leading global hub for business and leisure.

Gold-Certified Leaders Set the Benchmark

Among the Gold-category recipients were 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. These properties were recognized for meeting the highest sustainability standards across operations and guest experiences.

Industry Leaders Emphasize Impact

Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance at DET and Chairman of DET’s Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee, said:

“We are proud to see the growing number of hotels awarded the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Certification. This initiative reflects our visionary leadership and reinforces our strategic commitment to positioning Dubai’s hospitality sector as a global benchmark for sustainable tourism. The support of our stakeholders and partners is vital in driving this transformation and advancing our sustainability goals. Together, we are building a greener, more resilient Dubai for future generations.”

From the hotel operators’ perspective, Kelly Timmins, Executive Director of Sustainability and Marine Animal Operations at Atlantis Dubai, commented:

“Receiving the Gold DST Certification for Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal is a testament to our commitment to responsible and sustainable hospitality. Sustainability is central to our operations, guided by the Atlantis Atlas Project, which focuses on Responsible Operations, Education & Awareness, Conservation & Animal Welfare, and People & Culture.”

Similarly, Peter Roth, General Manager of Jumeirah Al Qasr and Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, noted that sustainability sits at the heart of their operations, while Pam Wilby, Multi-Property General Manager at Grosvenor House and Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, emphasized the importance of integrating sustainable practices across every aspect of guest experience.

A Catalyst for Continuous Improvement

Valid for one year, the DST Certification highlights the importance of continuous progress in sustainability, encouraging hotels to further enhance their environmental and social impact. Certified hotels not only lead the way in green hospitality but also serve as role models for the wider sector.

The DST initiative is aligned with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy and supports broader sustainability programs such as Dubai Can, which has reduced the use of more than 30 million single-use 500 ml plastic water bottles since February 2022, as well as the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to double green and recreational spaces, expand nature reserves to 60% of the emirate’s total area, and increase the length of public beaches by 400%.

Through the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Certification, Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in sustainable tourism—demonstrating that growth, innovation, and environmental responsibility can advance hand in hand.