Number of certified hotels grows by 55%

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has announced the results of the third cycle of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp program.

Following the assessment, 237 hotels were awarded the stamp for environmental and social responsibility. This is a 55% increase compared to the second cycle, when 153 hotels received the recognition.

Compared to the first phase of the initiative, launched in 2023, the number of certified properties has more than tripled. At that time, 70 hotels met the program's requirements.

The growth in participation demonstrates that sustainable development is gradually becoming a core focus for the transformation of Dubai's hospitality sector.

How the awards were distributed

In the third cycle, hotels received awards across three tiers:

• 22 hotels received the Gold Stamp;
• 92 hotels were awarded the Silver Stamp;
• 123 properties received the Bronze Stamp.

To receive the stamp, participants had to demonstrate compliance with 19 sustainability requirements established by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.

The award tier was determined based on the results of a comprehensive assessment of each hotel's operations.

Criteria for hotel assessment

The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp program covers environmental, social, and governance metrics, commonly referred to as ESG.

The assessment considered:

• energy and water efficiency;
• waste management and recycling;
• responsible sourcing;
• employee engagement in environmental initiatives;
• guest education on sustainable tourism principles;
• supporting local communities;
• implementing climate programs.

Thus, the assessment is not limited to resource consumption reduction alone. It also takes into account the hotel's internal processes, as well as its interaction with staff, guests, suppliers, and the local community.

Hotels undergo independent audits

All hotels applying for the DST Stamp have undergone a comprehensive review by independent auditors.

Once the audit is complete, the results are reviewed by a special expert committee. This procedure ensures that uniform criteria are applied to all participants and increases the transparency of the certification process.

The status is valid for one year. After this period, the hotel must re-verify its compliance with the program's requirements.

This approach encourages participants not to settle for one-off environmental measures, but to continuously improve their internal processes.

Sustainable practices are becoming part of the hotel business

The increasing number of certified properties demonstrates that environmental and social standards are being actively integrated into the daily operations of Dubai's hotels.

Hotels are implementing water and energy consumption monitoring systems, rethinking procurement approaches, reducing waste, and training staff on sustainability principles.

For the hospitality industry, such measures have not only environmental but also economic significance. More efficient resource use can reduce operating costs and improve property management efficiency.

At the same time, having a verified environmental status serves as an additional competitive advantage in the international tourism market.

The program supports the Net Zero 2050 strategy

The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp was launched in 2023 as part of a broader policy to promote environmentally responsible tourism.

The initiative supports the UAE's national strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 — Net Zero 2050.

According to Yousuf Lootah, Acting CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance at DET and Chairman of the Tourism Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee, the program helps shape new standards of responsibility within the tourism industry.

The growing number of certified hotels shows that hospitality industry representatives are increasingly incorporating these requirements into their operational activities.

What the DST Stamp means for tourists

For travelers, the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp serves as a guide when choosing a hotel.

Independent certification confirms that the property has been audited and meets established requirements for resource management, waste reduction, social responsibility, and climate initiatives.

Demand for environmentally responsible accommodation is steadily increasing, especially among international tourists and corporate clients who consider ESG metrics when selecting suppliers and business partners.

Displaying such a mark can increase guest trust and strengthen a hotel's competitive position.

Hotels gain additional tools for growth

The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp is part of DET's comprehensive strategy to transition the tourism industry toward a more resource-efficient and low-carbon model.

To support the hospitality industry, the department offers practical and educational tools.

One of these is the Carbon Calculator, a service that allows hotels to track carbon emissions, monitor performance, and identify ways to reduce resource consumption and operating costs.

The Dubai Sustainable Tourism online course is also available to hospitality professionals on the Dubai Way platform. Developed by the Dubai College of Tourism, the program is designed to enhance staff expertise.

How sustainable tourism impacts hospitality real estate

The development of environmental standards is gradually changing the approach to the design, construction, and operation of hotel properties.

For property owners and operators, the following are becoming increasingly important:

• energy-efficient engineering systems;
• water conservation technologies;
• waste recycling systems;
• eco-friendly building materials;
• digital resource consumption monitoring;
• reduction of long-term operating costs.

Hotel projects designed with these requirements in mind from the outset may be better prepared for future changes in standards and international traveler expectations.

For investors, this means the need to evaluate not only the location and the operator's brand but also the building's efficiency and the quality of property management.

The significance of the program for the Dubai real estate market

The hospitality sector is a vital part of Dubai's real estate market, directly linked to the development of tourism, business activity, and infrastructure.

An increase in the number of certified hotels raises the overall quality of hospitality offerings and reinforces Dubai's reputation as a modern international destination.

The growth of sustainable tourism can create additional demand for new hotel projects, serviced apartments, and mixed-use developments that meet modern environmental standards.

Furthermore, the implementation of efficient resource management systems can improve the long-term sustainability of properties and reduce operating costs.

What this means for investors

When evaluating hotel or serviced real estate, it is important for investors to consider more than just projected returns, tourist traffic, and location.

In the long term, the following factors may play an increasingly important role:

• the project's compliance with environmental requirements;
• resource efficiency;
• the reputation of the hotel operator;
• the presence of independent certifications;
• the property's ability to adapt to new standards;
• the level of operating expenses.

While the DST Stamp itself does not guarantee investment returns, it confirms that the hotel is committed to sustainable management and has undergone independent verification.

For international investors and institutional buyers, such characteristics can become an additional factor when selecting properties.

Dubai strengthens its position as a sustainable tourism destination

A record 237 hotels have received the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, reflecting the systematic development of sustainable tourism standards in the emirate.

As the program expands, the number of participants is likely to continue growing, and requirements will evolve in line with Dubai's long-term environmental and economic goals.

For the tourism industry, this means an improvement in the quality of hospitality offerings. For the real estate market, it signals a gradual shift toward properties that combine commercial efficiency, modern technology, and responsible resource management.

This approach supports Dubai's competitiveness as a global hub for tourism, business, and investment.