Hotel establishments in Dubai have just until the end of the month to enter the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Awards 2018, with nominations set to close on 28 February, 2019. The awards are an integral part of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative and were introduced to recognise both hotels and individuals adopting tangible measures which contribute to enhanced sustainability within the emirate’s tourism sector. Establishments are encouraged to enter the awards via the Dubai Sustainable Tourism website.

The fifth edition of the DST Awards will feature 20 categories; with 13 main awards targeted towards different types of hospitality establishments, including hotels, resorts, apartments, guest houses and adventure camps. Meanwhile, seven special awards will recognise individuals and leaders who are true champions of sustainability and have inspired remarkable change within their organisations, with categories including Sustainability Champion, Best Green Team, Conservation Champion, CSR Record Holder, Green Procurement Patron, Best Retrofit Implementation and Renewable Energy Leader. The winners of the Awards will be revealed at an industry ceremony, receiving a special acknowledgement, and enjoying a number of accolades and benefits; including the opportunity to join the DST team in industry roadshows, be featured as part of DST business cases, and receive dedicated sustainability hospitality vocational training through the Dubai College of Tourism.

Following the deadline, an evaluation and approval process will be conducted by the DST committee to determine the winning entries. Adjudication of the awards will cover both strategic and operational initiatives, which will be benchmarked against standards set by highly qualified experts representing a variety of entities. This process will be supervised by a respected jury panel of industry experts.

The awards criteria has been designed to meet the challenges outlined in Dubai’s Carbon Abatement Strategy, issued by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, which commits to reducing carbon emissions by 16 per cent by 2021. The awards also support the UAE’s Green Growth Strategy which aims to build an economic system with sustainability at its core. These initiatives in turn, are in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Ruler of Dubai to position Dubai as a leading sustainable city.