SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

The UAE's increasing emphasis on sustainability is reshaping the hospitality industry, leading to greener and more distinctive guest experiences, an industry expert has told Aletihad. 

The country is accelerating its efforts to become a leading global tourist destination by 2031, targeting a GDP contribution of Dh450 billion and 40 million annual hotel guests. Along with this vision, however, is a nationwide commitment to environmental protection and conservation.

"The national focus on sustainability has served as both a mandate and an inspiration for us," Michael Schmitt, General Manager Conrad Dubai, told Aletihad.

"We view it not as a checkbox but as an opportunity to reimagine how a luxury hotel can operate responsibly."

At the five-star Conrad Dubai, for example, single-use plastics have been removed, and fresh produce is used from its own hydroponic farm. Artificial intelligence is also utilised to cut food waste. 

"Last year alone, we achieved a 61% reduction in food waste, saving over 8,600 meals and preventing 14 tonnes of CO₂ emissions," Schmitt said. 

"These sustainability efforts are not a trade-off," he stressed.  

"Guests today are increasingly looking for experiences that reflect their values, but they also expect uncompromised comfort. Our approach is to ensure sustainability enhances the guest journey rather than limits it."

This vision is reflected in efforts such as creating carbon-hued menus; refilling toiletries instead of using those packed in single-use containers; and putting up air-to-water hydration stations.

"We do not ask our guests to make sacrifices. We simply make better choices available," Schmitt said. 

Going green, he added, can be a smart move from a financial perspective. 

"When planned effectively, it can improve margins while enhancing the guest experience," he said, citing local sourcing and AI-led waste reduction as examples.

Amid the shift in on-the-ground operations, the hospitality industry should also recognise the need to empower future-ready teams. 

"The foundation lies in creating a purpose-driven culture where diversity, inclusion, and empowerment are not just policies but values lived daily," the expert said. 

Schmitt believes that the growth of UAE tourism should not come at the expense of the environment.

"It is entirely possible to scale hospitality without scaling environmental impact," he said.

He added that the future of tourism in the UAE will be shaped by "cultural enrichment, digital comfort, and ethical travel".

Impact on MICE

The UAE's sustainability drive has also had a positive impact on the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, especially as clients have now shifted their focus "from scale to substance",  said Linda Mwaffak, Commercial Director at Conrad Dubai. Clients now want highly personalised, health-aware, and sustainable experiences, she said. 

"Clients want to know about carbon footprint, waste management, and local sourcing." 

Cost-effectiveness in eco-goals is essential.

"Many sustainable choices - like digital menus and reusable décor - reduce waste and long-term costs," she said.

The hydroponic farm of the hotel helps minimise expenses as well as the carbon footprint.

Addressing misconceptions around green events, Mwaffak said: "The main challenge is overcoming the idea that sustainable events are either limited in creativity or overly expensive. Once clients see the results, they become long-term advocates."

The future of tourism and MICE in the UAE lies in designing smart, scalable, and values-aligned experiences, the expert added.