Dubai’s hospitality sector has made significant strides in sustainability, with 153 hotels receiving the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamp in the initiative’s second cycle. This marks an impressive 118% growth from the previous year, highlighting the city’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and reinforcing its position as a leading sustainable destination.
Launched in July 2023 by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the DST Stamp honors hotels that excel in sustainable practices. These establishments undergo rigorous evaluations based on 19 sustainability criteria, covering energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and staff engagement. The program, which features gold, silver, and bronze tiers, saw 18 hotels achieving the prestigious gold status, while 64 secured silver and 71 earned bronze. The winners were officially recognized at an exclusive ceremony on February 26 at Atlantis The Royal.
Beyond industry recognition, the initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader environmental ambitions, including the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The DST Stamp contributes to global clean energy targets and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 2030. It also serves as a driving force in elevating sustainability standards within the hospitality sector.
Among the gold-tier recipients were renowned properties such as 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. Their sustainability initiatives were meticulously assessed by independent evaluators under the Dubai Government Excellence Program, ensuring they met DET’s stringent environmental benchmarks.
Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance at DET and Chairperson of the DET Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee, emphasized the significance of this achievement. He highlighted the pivotal role of the initiative in transforming Dubai’s hospitality landscape and praised the commitment of all participating hotels. He further noted that these efforts contribute to Dubai’s vision of becoming the best city to visit, live, and work in, reinforcing its reputation as a model for sustainable tourism.
Hotel leaders also expressed their pride in receiving the DST Stamp. Kelly Timmins, Executive Director of Sustainability & Marine Animal Operations at Atlantis Dubai, described the recognition as a testament to the company’s dedication to responsible tourism. Through the Atlantis Atlas Project, launched in 2021, the resort has embedded sustainability into its core operations, focusing on responsible practices, conservation, education, and community engagement.
Peter Roth, Regional Vice President of Madinat Jumeirah and General Manager of Jumeirah Al Qasr, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the alignment of their initiatives with Dubai’s green vision. Pam Wilby, Multi-property General Manager of Grosvenor House and Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, underscored the growing importance of sustainable hospitality in delivering luxury experiences that also benefit the planet.
The DST Stamp certification remains valid for one year, ensuring continuous progress in sustainability efforts. Hotels that did not receive recognition this year are encouraged to enhance their eco-friendly initiatives for future consideration.
Dubai’s sustainability efforts extend beyond hotels, with initiatives such as the Carbon Calculator platform helping businesses manage emissions and optimize their environmental strategies. The Dubai Can movement has significantly reduced plastic waste by eliminating over 30 million single-use plastic bottles since 2022. Meanwhile, projects like the DUBAI REEF initiative—home to the world’s largest purpose-built reef—further strengthen the city’s ecological commitments.
As Dubai advances towards its 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to expand green spaces, nature reserves, and public beaches, the DST Stamp stands as a powerful symbol of the city’s vision for a greener, more resilient future. With sustainability at its core, Dubai continues to set new benchmarks in responsible tourism, ensuring a thriving and eco-conscious destination for generations to come.