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Dubai Sustainable Tourism

Enhancing tourism sector sustainability and contributing to Dubai's sustainable development and clean energy targets.

About Dubai Sustainable Tourism

Inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, and as part of the vision to transform the city into one of the world’s leading sustainable tourism destinations, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) launched its Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative in 2016. The initiative contributes to the broader clean energy targets and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 2030, and supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy.

DST provides support through its programmes to help those in the hospitality industry with their sustainability journeys. Under the DST initiative, four pillars (Education, Awards, Programmes and Standards) have played a crucial role in raising the awareness and engagement of hotel staff to support them in driving environmental initiatives and educating them about sustainable tourism.

About Dubai Sustainable Tourism

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National and local alignment

DST's programmes have been created to align with both Dubai and the UAE's sustainability strategies, and to ensure Dubai maintains its position as the leading sustainable destination. You can find information on applicable strategies at the local Dubai and national UAE levels below:

National alignment

Local alignment

  • Smart Dubai: make Dubai the smartest city in the world
  • Dubai Plan 2021: reinforce Dubai’s position as a global centre and destination
  • COP 28: achieving sustainability; promoting international action; taking essential steps towards facing global challenges
  • D33: roadmap for Dubai to be one of the top three economic cities in the world 
  • DIES 2030 & DSM strategy 2030: make Dubai a role model in energy efficiency and security
  • Dubai Carbon Neutrality: net zero emissions by 2050

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Education

Dubai Way

Operated by Dubai College of Tourism, the online education platform Dubai Way is the key conduit for improving the knowledge and resourcefulness of the tourism workforce. Self-paced online learning courses available within the Dubai Way platform include Sustainable Tourism training programmes. 

Sustainable Tourism for Hotels and 19 Measures of Sustainability modules are now complemented with our new online course, Sustainability Tourism for Tour Operators.

Now offered by the Dubai College of Tourism, the programme is designed to help tour operators understand the impact they can have.

They learn how small changes in strategic areas can make a big difference for sustainability. Participants gather practical ideas for reducing energy consumption, managing waste and building a more sustainable supply chain.

They are taught to involve travellers in sustainability to enrich their experience and find out how they can help protect Dubai’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Learn more

Get in touch

For additional information on Dubai Sustainable Tourism's programmes or initiatives, or for any specific queries, please write to us.

Contact us