Dubai: The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has awarded 153 hotels with the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamp in the initiative's second cycle. This marks a 118 percent increase from the 70 hotels recognised in last year's inaugural edition, reflecting the commitment of the hospitality sector in Dubai to prioritise sustainability, and reinforcing the city's growing reputation as a sustainable destination.
According to Emirates News Agency, the DST Stamp, which was launched in July 2023, recognises hotels that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to sustainable practices, aligning with Dubai's ambitious environmental goals and vision for a green future. Hotels are evaluated against a comprehensive set of '19 Sustainability Requirements', covering areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and staff engagement.
The awards, which feature a three-tier recognition system in gold, silver and bronze categories, were officially announced at an exclusive ceremony held on 26 February at Atlantis The Royal. Contributing to broader clean energy targets and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 2030, the DST Stamp initiative is also in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global city for business and leisure. As part of the wider DST programme, the recognition is designed to elevate the environmental performance of the hospitality sector.
Rated for their performance in 2024, 18 hotels achieved the gold tier - including Atlantis, The Palm; Atlantis The Royal; Jumeirah Al Qasr; Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf; Le Royal M©ridien Beach Resort and Spa; and Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai - while 64 earned silver and 71 received bronze. These hotels underwent rigorous assessments by third-party independent assessors as part of the Dubai Government Excellence programme, ensuring that their sustainability initiatives meet the highest standards set by the DET's '19 Sustainability Requirements'.
Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and Chairperson of DET Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee, expressed pride in the growing number of hotels recognised through the DST Stamp. He emphasised the importance of stakeholder support and the strategic commitment to transforming the hospitality sector into a global benchmark for sustainable tourism.
Kelly Timmins, Executive Director, Sustainability and Marine Animal Operations, Atlantis Dubai, highlighted the recognition of Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal with the Gold DST Stamp as a testament to their commitment to responsible and sustainable hospitality through the Atlantis Atlas Project. Peter Roth, Regional Vice President Madinat Jumeirah and General Manager Jumeirah Al Qasr, also celebrated the Gold DST Stamp as a reflection of their commitment to responsible hospitality.
Pam Wilby, Multi-property General Manager of the Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai, and Le Royal M©ridien Beach Resort and Spa, expressed delight at receiving the Gold DST Stamp, underscoring their dedication to integrating sustainable practices into operations.
The DST Stamp certification is valid for one year, emphasising the importance of ongoing sustainability efforts. The initiative aligns with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy and supports sustainability movements like Dubai Can, which has significantly reduced the usage of single-use plastic water bottles. The sustainable tourism strategy is also guided by the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, aiming to expand green areas and public beaches while increasing the space for hotels and tourist activities.
