The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) awards the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Badge annually to Dubai hotels that meet sustainability requirements. The 55% year-over-year increase in the number of hotels receiving the award reflects the Dubai tourism sector’s commitment to sustainability and its growing momentum.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has recognized 237 hotels for their outstanding performance in sustainability and responsible hospitality practices during the third phase of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Badge program. This year’s figure represents a 55% increase compared to the 153 hotels recognized in the second phase, and more than a threefold increase compared to the 70 hotels recognized in 2023, when the program was first launched. This growth underscores the Dubai hospitality sector’s strong commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism, while also supporting the United Arab Emirates’ international commitments to sustainable development, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The third cycle of the sustainability award program concluded with the presentation of 22 Gold, 92 Silver, and 123 Bronze awards to hotels that successfully met DET’s Sustainability Requirements. The evaluation criteria cover environmental, social, and governance (ESG) areas such as energy and water efficiency, waste management, responsible sourcing, employee engagement, guest awareness, social contribution projects, and climate action. The notable increase in the number of award-winning hotels demonstrates that sustainability is being integrated into daily operations in Dubai’s hospitality sector with an increasingly systematic approach, contributing to Dubai’s environmental, economic, and tourism goals.
Hotels applying for the DST Badge undergo a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by independent third-party auditors. The final results are reviewed and approved by a high-level jury committee to ensure transparency, consistency, and full compliance with DET’s 19 Sustainability Requirements. Award-winning hotels retain their category designation for one year. This practice aims to promote continuous improvement and long-term sustainability in Dubai’s hospitality sector.
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance and Chair of the DET Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee, stated in a related announcement: “Under the guidance of our city’s visionary leadership, the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Badge was launched in 2023 to promote sustainable practices and set new standards in environmental responsibility. It also aims to contribute to the United Arab Emirates’ 2050 Net Zero goals. The significant increase in the number of hotels that have recently met the criteria and earned the award demonstrates that sustainability has become an integral part of daily operations in Dubai’s hospitality sector. The initiative’s success and the commitment to DET’s 19 Sustainability Requirements also serve as a testament to the strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. These partnerships continue to support growth across the hospitality industry. “We congratulate all the hotels that have earned awards; we invite all hotels in Dubai—whether they received an award this year or not—to continue embracing a culture of sustainability,” he said.
The DST Badge, which recognizes hotels that meet DET’s 19 sustainability requirements, provides travelers with a reliable and independently verified reference for responsible lodging while also enhancing the competitiveness of Dubai’s tourism sector. Hotels that did not receive the award this year are encouraged to continue their efforts and participate in future editions of the DST Badge program, which continues to grow each year.
The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Badge is a key component of DET’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, which aims to accelerate the tourism sector’s transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient future. To support hotels in achieving these goals, DET offers a variety of tools and training programs designed to promote sustainability throughout the industry. These include the Carbon Calculator, which helps hotels measure and reduce their carbon emissions and identify cost-saving opportunities, as well as the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Training program offered by the Dubai Tourism College on the Dubai Way platform. Through the DST Badge and these supporting initiatives, hotels not only enhance their sustainability performance but also contribute to Dubai’s long-term goals in tourism and the economy. These efforts align with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the Paris Agreement, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
As DET continues to develop the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Badge program in line with Dubai’s sustainability and accessibility goals, it plans to introduce new enhancements to the program in the coming periods.
