Dubai honours record 237 hotels with Sustainable Tourism Stamp
Recognised properties rise 55 percent as green hospitality gains momentum
DUBAI – Dubai has recognised a record 237 hotels in the third cycle of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamp, highlighting the emirate's accelerating push towards environmentally responsible hospitality.
The latest awards mark a significant expansion of the programme, reflecting wider adoption of sustainable practices across the tourism sector. The initiative forms part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism's (DET) broader strategy to support the UAE's sustainability goals while strengthening Dubai's position as a leading global destination.
The number of recognised hotels increased by 55 percent from 153 in the second cycle and has more than tripled since the programme's launch in 2023, when 70 hotels received the distinction. The continued growth demonstrates how sustainability has become increasingly integrated into hotel operations across the emirate.
Sustainability awards
This year's programme recognised 22 hotels with Gold awards, while 92 received Silver and 123 secured Bronze status after meeting DET's sustainability standards.
Hotels were assessed across a broad range of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. These included energy and water efficiency, waste management, responsible sourcing, employee engagement, guest awareness, community initiatives and climate action.
Applicants underwent an extensive evaluation conducted by independent third-party assessors before the results were reviewed and approved by a senior jury committee. DET said the process ensures transparency, consistency and compliance with its 19 Sustainability Requirements.
Hotels that achieve recognition retain their award tier for one year, encouraging continuous improvement and long-term commitment to sustainable hospitality practices.
DST Stamp
Yousuf Lootah, Chief Executive Officer of Corporate Strategy and Performance at DET and Head of the DET Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee, said the DST Stamp was introduced in 2023 under Dubai's leadership vision to encourage sustainable practices and establish new benchmarks in environmental stewardship.
He said the latest rise in recognised hotels demonstrates the hospitality sector's growing commitment to embedding sustainability into everyday operations while supporting the UAE's Net Zero 2050 ambitions.
According to DET, the independently verified stamp also provides travellers with a reliable benchmark for identifying hotels that meet recognised sustainability standards, while enhancing the competitiveness of Dubai's tourism industry.
Hotels that were not recognised during the latest cycle have been encouraged to continue improving their sustainability performance and participate in future editions as the programme expands across the emirate.
Future plans
The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp forms part of DET's wider sustainability strategy aimed at accelerating the tourism sector's transition towards a low-carbon and resource-efficient future.
To support hotels, DET offers practical tools and training designed to strengthen sustainability efforts. These include the Carbon Calculator, which helps hotels monitor and reduce emissions while identifying potential cost savings, and the Dubai Sustainable Tourism course available through the Dubai Way platform and delivered by the Dubai College of Tourism to build expertise across the sector.
DET said further enhancements to the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp are planned in future cycles as the programme continues evolving alongside Dubai's broader sustainability and accessibility ambitions.