Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
As the UAE strengthens its focus on sustainability, hotels across the country are rising to the challenge through integrating green practices that align with its ambitious environmental goals.
Aletihad recently spoke with representatives of major players in the UAE’s hospitality industry, who explained how their establishments are leading the charge with innovative initiatives that not only enhance their eco-credentials but also set new standards for sustainable luxury.
‘A Way of Life’
Madinat Jumeirah is guided by a comprehensive sustainability strategy that spans across multiple facets of its operations.
“We are extremely proud to integrate sustainability practices focusing on our Planet, People and Responsible Governance, aligning with the UAE’s national sustainability goals,” Regional Vice President at Madinat Jumeirah, Peter Roth, told Aletihad.
“At Madinat Jumeirah, sustainability is not just a commitment but a way of life,” he noted.
Decarbonising operations is a main focus for Madinat Jumeirah, according to Roth. This includes reducing water consumption and waste, eliminating single-use plastics, protecting biodiversity, implementing sustainable culinary experiences, as well as enhancing engagement with guests and the community on the topic of sustainability.
“Our resort teams are also actively updating the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) Carbon Calculator tool that measures the carbon footprint within Dubai’s hospitality sector. This comprehensive tool allows us to track and analyse our carbon emissions in real-time, providing valuable insights into our environmental impact,” he said.
“By collaborating with local suppliers and supporting the UAE’s green economy we are reducing our dependencies on imports, connecting our guests to the local community and contributing to safeguarding the environment.”
When it comes to eliminating single use plastics, Roth maintains that Madinat Jumeirah is “ahead of the game” in alignment with the recent Dubai regulation to eliminate single use plastics in the hospitality sector. As of Q4 2023, Madinat Jumeirah began replacing single-use plastic-based amenities with refillable alternatives.
Prominent Initiatives
One standout initiative for Madinat Jumeirah is their collaboration with the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab’s Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project. This involves housing sea turtles in Jumeirah Al Naseem’s sea-fed lagoon, providing an ideal environment for closely monitoring the final stages of rehabilitation before the turtles are reintroduced to the sea. To date, the resort supported the rehabilitation and release of 2,175 endangered species of turtles including primarily green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles.
“This lagoon also hosts our highly successful coral nursery where we take fragments of coral and host them on sheltered fixtures until they grow sufficiently to be relocated back to their natural environment,” Roth said.
Their water conservation efforts include the installation of aerators in guest showers and the establishment of the NORDAQ water bottling plant, which reduces reliance on single-use plastics.
“From a culinary aspect, we piloted UAE start-up Seafood Souq and Rockfish became the first restaurant in the region to use certified traceable seafood implemented across its menu. As for our valuable guests, we offer electric vehicle and bike options to align with our sustainable goals,” added Roth.
Protecting Local Bees
Madinat Jumeirah is also supporting responsible bee management in collaboration with the UAE Beekeepers Association.
“We ethically relocate native wild bees to safer areas within our resort, maintaining healthy pollinator populations. We also introduced a honey-producing hive [Apis mellifera jemenitica], enhancing pollination and serving as an educational tool. Our strategy is to ensure wild bees find a safe home at the resort while playing an important role as pollinators,” Roth said.
“Although our nursery is currently small, producing 15% of our annual plant requirements, we plan to expand it to increase self-sufficiency. Our 50,000-square-metre landscape supports a diverse community of pollinators and beneficial insects, such as dragonflies, butterflies, and beetles”.
He highlighted the importance of promoting sustainability practices for the health of the planet and the wellbeing of local communities in addition to ensuring long-term business success.
“Sustainable practices in the hospitality sector are vital for preserving natural resources, reducing waste, and minimising our environmental footprint. This ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy travel and hospitality.
“At Madinat Jumeirah, we recognise that embracing eco-friendly initiatives not only helps us save on operating costs and enhance our reputation but also meets the growing demand from our eco-conscious guests, which is becoming one of the top priorities of Gen X, Gen Z and other younger cohorts in their decision making on where to stay.”
Integrating Sustainability with Local Community Engagement
Dusit Thani, another prominent name in the UAE’s hospitality sector, has also taken a multifaceted approach to sustainability. Speaking with Aletihad, Nichlas Maratos, Vice President of Commercial at Dusit Hotels & Resorts, detailed their strategy, which is rooted in four key pillars: personalisation, wellness, locality, and sustainability.
During the pandemic, Dusit Thani reevaluated their sustainability practices, leading to the development of their “Tree of Life” programme, which includes 30 sustainability measures that are tailored to each hotel location, according to Maratos.
Prateek Kumar, Senior Vice President of Operations at Dusit International and General Manager of Dusit Thani in Dubai highlighted notable initiatives implemented by the hotel in Dubai.
“We were among the first hotels to implement a water recycling plant and offer refillable water bottles, significantly reducing single-use plastic waste. This initiative alone prevents 650,000 water bottles from ending up in landfills each year,” Kumar told Aletihad.
Additionally, local engagement is a top priority for Dusit Thani. Kumar said: “We source local honey and incorporate local artisans into our hospitality experience, reducing transportation emissions and supporting the local economy.”
When it comes to waste management, the hotel practises composting and upcycling during renovations, ensuring that old materials are repurposed rather than discarded. “We want the entire community to benefit from our sustainability efforts. It’s about creating a meaningful impact beyond our immediate operations,” Kumar said.
Since January 1, 2024, Dusit Thani Dubai has been exclusively using electric vehicles for guest transfers, transitioning away from petrol, according to Kumar.
“The UAE is a leader in sustainability with rigorous goals. We aspire to keep pace with its regulations and even anticipate them. For instance, our water bottling plant was among the first in the UAE, setting an example for others,” he said, noting that Dusit Thani continually seeks ways to enhance its sustainability through renewable energy and improved waste management practices.
