Dubai Sustainable Tourism Seal awarded to 237 hotels in third cycle
Dubai awards 237 hotels the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Seal in its third cycle, boosting sustainable hospitality and backing UAE net-zero and D33 economic targets.
Dubai Economy and Tourism has granted the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Seal to 237 hotels in the third cycle of the programme, marking a major expansion in certified sustainable properties across the emirate. The move reflects a growing adoption of responsible hospitality practices and aligns with wider UAE climate and economic ambitions. The seal will remain valid for one year, encouraging continuous improvement among participating hotels.
237 hotels achieve certification
The third cycle saw 237 hotels awarded the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Seal after rigorous review, a clear sign of momentum in Dubai’s hospitality sector. The programme has broadened rapidly since its 2023 launch, with hotels across the city integrating sustainability into daily operations. Dubai Economy and Tourism confirmed the list following validation by an independent high-level committee.
Rapid growth since the programme began
The number of certified hotels jumped 55 percent from 153 recipients in the second cycle, and is more than three times the 70 hotels recognised at the scheme’s launch in 2023. Officials say the trend demonstrates a systemic shift within the hospitality industry toward measurable sustainability performance. This scaling also underscores rising demand from travellers for accredited responsible tourism options.
Gold, silver and bronze distribution
Among the 237 awarded properties, 22 received gold seals, 92 earned silver seals, and 123 were granted bronze seals. The tiered recognition aims to differentiate performance levels while encouraging progress across all hotels. Organisers noted the grading system helps travellers identify hotels that meet verified sustainability benchmarks.
Rigorous assessment and 19 sustainability requirements
Independent assessors conducted detailed evaluations of each participating hotel to verify compliance with the programme’s criteria. A high-level committee reviewed and certified the final results to ensure transparency and alignment with the 19 requirements set by Dubai Economy and Tourism.
The criteria span environmental, social and governance dimensions, including energy and water efficiency, waste management, responsible procurement, staff engagement and guest awareness. Community initiatives and climate action measures also form part of the assessment, reflecting a holistic approach to hotel sustainability.
Practical tools and industry training to support hotels
Dubai Economy and Tourism provides participating hotels with practical resources designed to embed sustainability into operations and reduce costs. A carbon calculator enables hotels to measure and monitor emissions, identify reductions and quantify cost savings linked to efficiency measures.
Complementary training is offered via the Nahj Dubai platform, with the Dubai College of Tourism delivering courses tailored to the sector. Officials emphasised that these tools and capacity-building sessions are integral to helping properties meet the seal’s requirements and to sustaining long-term improvements.
Contribution to Dubai and UAE targets
The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Seal forms part of a broader sustainability strategy aimed at accelerating the tourism sector’s transition to a low‑carbon future. Authorities indicated the initiative supports Dubai’s economic agenda D33 and contributes to the UAE’s commitment to achieve net‑zero emissions by 2050. The programme also aligns with Paris Agreement objectives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Yousif Lootah, Executive Director of Strategy and Corporate Performance and chair of the Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee at Dubai Economy and Tourism, highlighted the seal’s role in setting new standards for environmental protection and responsible hospitality. He urged hotels that did not qualify in this cycle to continue their sustainability efforts and to participate in future rounds.
The third cycle’s expansion signals closer collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive sustainable growth in hospitality. Dubai Economy and Tourism said future cycles will feature further enhancements to the scheme to improve accessibility and to reflect evolving sustainability priorities.
The ongoing rollout of tools, training and certification seeks to raise competitiveness within Dubai’s hotel market by making sustainability a visible and verifiable attribute for guests. Hotels that adopt the seal’s standards are positioned to benefit from operational savings, enhanced reputation and stronger alignment with investor and traveller expectations.
Looking ahead, authorities expect the programme to keep growing as more properties integrate sustainability into procurement, operations and guest engagement. Continued monitoring, independent verification and targeted support will remain central to the initiative’s ability to foster lasting environmental and social outcomes across Dubai’s hospitality sector.