The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has recognised 237 hotels in the third cycle of its Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamp, marking a rise in participation as the emirate accelerates its sustainability agenda.
The number of awarded hotels increased by 55 per cent from 153 in the previous cycle and has more than tripled since the programme's launch in 2023, when 70 hotels were recognised.The latest awards include 22 G, 92 Silver and 123 Bronze certifications for hotels demonstrating excellence in sustainable and responsible hospitality practices.
The DST Stamp recognises hotels that meet DET's 19 Sustainability Requirements, covering environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.
Assessment criteria include energy and water efficiency, waste management, responsible sourcing, employee engagement, guest awareness, community initiatives and climate action.
Hotels underwent an independent third-party assessment, with results reviewed by a senior jury committee to ensure transparency, consistency and compliance.
Successful hotels retain their certification for one year, encouraging continuous improvement across the sector.
DET said the growth in recognised hotels reflects the hospitality industry's increasing commitment to embedding sustainability into daily operations while supporting Dubai's environmental, tourism and economic objectives.
The programme also aligns with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.