The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) recently released its inaugural Dubai Sustainability Report during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which highlights the emirate’s sustainability agenda and achievements. The report reveals that Dubai’s hospitality and tourism sectors are driving the city’s sustainability agenda, with programs and initiatives that are charting the path towards a greener future.
The inaugural Dubai Sustainability Report showcases the city’s efforts to align with global sustainability objectives and the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, while advancing its position as one of the top three global destinations for business and leisure.
Highlighting global objectives
With government initiatives, a sustainable ecosystem, and cutting-edge infrastructure, Dubai’s plans support global objectives such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Moreover, they propel country-wide strategies including the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiatives and the Year of Sustainability.
Encompassing a wide range of topics, DET’s Dubai Sustainability Report reveals how responsible tourism in rural communities, conservation areas and historical districts demonstrates the effectiveness of the city’s sustainability agenda. The report reveals that Dubai continues to empower start-ups that develop solutions for optimal resource utilization. This includes fuel-saving flight paths, streamlining hotel bookings and reducing operational waste and environmental impact.
“The collaborative spirit of public-private partnerships has been instrumental in supporting Dubai’s sustainability ambitions, and this approach has enabled us to implement innovative solutions,” stated Yousuf Lootah, acting CEO of corporate strategy and performance sector at DET.
DET’s sustainable tourism initiatives
In line with D33 and the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy, DET’s Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative supports the hospitality industry through various sustainability initiatives. The initiative involves four pillars — Standards, Awards, Programmes and Education — that play a crucial role in raising awareness and educating the sector about sustainable tourism.
Moreover, in 2023, DET launched the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, part of the DST program. In collaboration with the hospitality sector, the stamp recognizes hotels with the highest level of adherence to DET’s ‘19 Sustainability Requirements’. Moreover, it aims to accelerate efforts toward empowering the sector to achieve its sustainability goals. In January, the department awarded the stamp to 70 hotels, which validates their dedication to implementing sustainable practices.
Another key feature of DET’s DST is the carbon calculator, an innovative tool that measures the carbon footprint of hotels across Dubai. Other key initiatives include the Dubai Can initiative and the landmark Dubai Reef project, which are actively contributing to the city’s sustainability efforts.
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Training and education
DET is also investing in sustainability education initiatives like the Dubai Way platform, which offers the Dubai Sustainable Tourism course. The course offers training on sustainable tourism for government and private sector staff. Through self-paced modules, participants gain insights into Dubai’s sustainable tourism goals and their role in building a supportive tourism infrastructure.
Furthermore, Dubai is on track to becoming a Certified Autism Destination, with over 13,000 individuals receiving autism and sensory awareness training. Collaborative efforts between DET and the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) aim to make Dubai the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere, demonstrating the city’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
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