Coral Beach Resort Sharjah sets sustainability milestone with first hotel biodigester

New system converts kitchen waste into reusable greywater

Coral Beach Resort Sharjah
Caption: Coral Beach Resort Sharjah has become the first hotel in the emirate to operate a biodigester, converting food waste into reusable greywater while supporting Sharjah's sustainable tourism goals.
Source: Supplied

SHARJAH – The Coral Beach Resort Sharjah has become the first hotel in the emirate to operate a fully functional biodigester, marking another milestone in its sustainability journey.

The new system is now in operation, reinforcing the resort's commitment to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.

The initiative also supports Sharjah's wider efforts to reduce food waste and promote sustainable hospitality practices.

Waste solution

The state-of-the-art biodigester uses natural microorganisms and oxygen to safely break down organic kitchen waste into greywater. By processing food waste on-site instead of sending it to landfill, the system significantly reduces methane emissions while lowering the carbon footprint associated with conventional waste collection and transportation.

The nutrient-rich greywater produced through the process is reused to irrigate the resort's landscaped gardens, plants and green spaces, creating a closed-loop system that transforms food waste into a valuable resource while supporting water conservation efforts.

Sustainability drive

The commissioning of the biodigester aligns with the Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority's Food Waste Carbon Pilot Implementation. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to reducing food waste, lowering the environmental impact of the hospitality sector and advancing Sharjah's vision for sustainable tourism.

Coral Beach Resort Sharjah has introduced several environmental initiatives over the years, including the Northern Emirates' first on-site water bottling plant to eliminate single-use plastic bottles, the Coralganic organic garden, comprehensive energy and water conservation programmes, and a range of waste reduction measures.

"I am proud that Coral Beach Resort Sharjah is the first hotel in Sharjah to commission and operate this innovative biodigester technology," said Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah.

"This is more than the installation of new equipment; it is the successful delivery of a practical sustainability solution that is already making a measurable difference. Sustainability is embedded in the way we operate, and we remain committed to investing in technologies that reduce our environmental footprint while creating lasting value for our guests, our community and future generations," he added.

The resort's environmental initiatives have earned several accolades, including the Sustain Sharjah Award at the Sharjah International Travel & Tourism Forum Awards 2025, presented by the Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority.

Coral Hotels and Resorts, managed by HMH Hospitality Management Holding, was launched in 2003 as the Middle East's first dry hotel chain. The four and five-star brand operates properties across key destinations in the Middle East and North Africa, including Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, offering accommodation, dining, leisure and business facilities for a wide range of travellers.