The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp is a pioneering sustainability initiative aimed at recognizing hotels that demonstrate the highest level of compliance with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET’s) 19 Sustainability Requirements. This initiative, launched in alignment with The UAE Year of Sustainability, was implemented ahead of COP28 by the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Department (DST).
Out of 272 hotels in Dubai, 99 hotels that had completed the 19 sustainability requirements and training program with Dubai Way underwent rigorous third-party audits to ensure compliance with the 19 mandatory requirements. Each step was a testament to our industry’s commitment to sustainable practices. Read more on the DET 19 requirements in our previous blog.
The award ceremony, held at Sofitel Obelisk Dubai, was a moment of celebration for the 70 hotels recognized across the Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers.
Phase 1 of the DST 19 Sustainability Requirements covers three objectives: (started in 2019)
- Provides a framework for Dubai hotels to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Empower Dubai hotels to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Enhance visitor experience and elevate hotel industry value.
Phase 2: Development & Launch of the DST stamp: (started July 2023)
The DST Stamp encourages and recognizes hotels that demonstrate outstanding commitment to the 19 sustainability requirements. By doing so, they promote environmental stewardship and enhance corporate social responsibility. The DST stamp encompasses regional recognition, comprehensive evaluation criteria, and tier classification aiming to inspire sustainability across the entire hotel industry.
The five objectives of the second phase include:
- Creating a “Dubai Green Star” program to recognize eco-friendly hotels.
- Boost Hotel “eco-involvement” in Dubai’s Sustainability Drive.
- Elevate the Tourism sector’s “Green initiatives” in Line with UAE Carbon goals.
- Drive ongoing green practices within Dubai hotels.
- Ramp up tourist awareness in relation to Dubai’s eco-friendly hotels.
Eligibility Criteria
- All Dubai hotels, regardless of their classification, can apply for the stamp.
- Hotels that comply with the “19 Sustainability Requirements” and that pass an inspection by a DET inspector are eligible.
- Hotels using the DST carbon calculator with results for 2022 and June 2023 also qualified.
Phase 2: The DST Stamp assessment process has been one of the quickest initiatives from launch to completion.
- July 2023 – Launch with industry announcement.
- Aug 2023 – Outreach and training were completed, with the application deadline of Aug 31st.
- Sep 2023 – Pre-assessment completed. 278 hotels applied, and 99 hotels were shortlisted.
- Oct 2023 – Hotels on-site assessments completed by DST team and 3rd party assessors.
- Dec 2023 – Jury sign-off on the qualifying hotels for tier approval
- Jan 2024 – 70 qualifying winners called for an award ceremony on 17th January 2024 at The Sofitel Obelisk, Dubai
Hotels awarded in the first year of “The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp” 2023 are as below. If we missed capturing any hotel, please reach out, and we shall update the page.
Bronze Tier Award Winners
- Adagio Al Barsha
- Al Khoury Inn Hotel
- Al Raya Hotel Apartments
- Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai
- Armani Hotel Dubai
- Canopy by Hilton Al Seef
- Curio Collection by Hilton
- Centara Mirage Beach Resort Hotel
- Delta Hotel by Marriott Jumeriah Beach
- Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach
- Golden Sands Creek Hotel
- Gulf Court Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express Jumeirah
- Ibis Al Barsha
- Le Royal Meridian Beach Hotel
- Leva Hotel
- Millennium Place Barsha Heights
- Movenpick Bur Dubai
- Novotel Trade Centre
- Palazzo Versace Hotel
- Park Inn Raddison Motor City
- Premier Inn Al Jadaf
- Rixos Jumeriah Beach Hotel
- Savoy Suites Hotel Apartment
Silver Tier Award Winners
- Atlantis The Palm
- Anantara The Palm Jumeriah
- Grand Mercure
- Grand Cosmopolitan
- Grand Plaza Move n Pick
- Holiday Inn Al Maktoum Airport DWC
- Ibis Styles Dubai
- InterContinental Festival City
- Kempinski Mall of the Emirates
- Mandarin Oriental
- Mariott Executive Creek
- Movenpick Jumeriah Beach
- Novotel Deira City Centre
- Paramount Downtown
- Pullman City Centre Deira
- Rove City Centre
- Rove Dubai Marina
- Rove Expo 2020
- Sheraton Creek
- Sheraton Jumeriah Beach
- Studio One
- Novotel Mall of the Emirates
Gold Tier Award Winners
- Arjaan Hotel Apartment
- Grosnover House
- Hilton Dubai The Walk
- La Ville Hotel
- Pullman Downtown Hotel
- Raffles Dubai
- Rotana Jadaf Suite
- Rove City walk
- Rove Trade Centre
- Sofitel Obliesk
- Sofitel Dubai The Palm
Beyond Recognition, a Call to Action:
The DST Stamp is not just an accolade; it’s a continuous journey of improvement. We encourage all hotels to embrace sustainable practices and strive for this prestigious recognition. Together, let’s make Dubai a global leader in eco-conscious tourism!
We are thrilled with the initiative of Dubai Tourism and are here to support any hotels that need guidance on the journey. Contact us to get started with your support.
