In pursuing economic transformation by incorporating sustainable practices, the UAE encourages hotels and tourism destinations to adopt these measures.

In a significant development for the region, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has granted the newly established Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp to 70 hotels in the Emirates.

This initiative acknowledges hotels with the highest commitment to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism’s (DET) 19 stringent sustainability requirements. These criteria encompass sustainable management approaches, performance metrics, energy, food and water management plans, guest education, employee training initiatives, sustainability committees within hotels, and implementing Corporate Social Responsibility programs for local communities.

Dubai has solidified its position as a sustainability pioneer by becoming the first city in the region to enforce sustainability criteria in its hotel classification system. The Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamp is a testament to this commitment, propelling the emirate towards its aspiration of emerging as a global leader in sustainable tourism.

Launched last year, the initiative coincides with the UAE Year of Sustainability and Dubai’s hosting of the landmark COP28 at Expo City Dubai. The primary objective is to assist hotels in reaching their sustainability goals by aligning them with the highest standards of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). 

Hotels are granted the stamp based on a three-tiered system – Gold, Silver, and Bronze – indicating their compliance with the sustainability criteria.

The DST Stamp initiative aims to accelerate the tourism sector’s contribution to the UAE’s NetZero 2050 strategy and aligns seamlessly with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. This agenda seeks to strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure.

“We are committed to supporting the industry with frameworks and initiatives that can contribute to achieving our shared goals,” stated His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing. “The launch of DST Stamp has underlined our commitment to collaborating with our stakeholders to set the highest standards and reward those who achieve them.”

Now accepting applications for Fast Company Middle East’s Best Workplaces For Women 2023. Click here to register.