eco tourism in dubai

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Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism in Dubai

The U.A.E. has the world's largest ecological footprint - the Arabian desert, after all, is not a sustainable place to build major cities, and certainly not on the scale that Dubai and Abu Dhabi have embarked on. High temperatures and lack of water long precluded the development of arid landscapes. However, with the advent of air-conditioning, desalination plants, and modern transport, cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to grow into sprawling urban centers. In places like these where summer temperatures often top 100°F (37.8°C), massive amounts of energy must be used to keep the populace cool.

The major projects here - whether it's hotels, malls, golf courses, skyscrapers, roads, man-made islands, entertainment complexes, real estate development, or other infrastructure projects all tax the environment - and until recently there's been little consciousness about their environmental impacts. Profligate water and electricity usage further strains the environment. Dubai is well known for its beach resorts, golf courses, and parks, but keeping that landscape green requires an inordinate amount of water. The U.A.E., in fact, has the world's highest per capita water use.

Sustainable tourism remains a fledgling industry in Dubai, but the local government is beginning to take a closer look at its advantages. The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing launched a "Green Tourism Award" program recently to encourage innovations in eco-tourism (for details, visit www.green.dubaitourism.ae). This initiative includes efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the tourism sector's sprawling developments, and supporting activities that encourage a celebration of the U.A.E.'s natural assets.

Eco-friendly outdoor activities include traditional desert safaris, hiking and camping in the Hajar Mountains, scuba and snorkeling outings on the U.A.E.'s Eastern coast, and bird-watching adventures. With over 400 species in the U.A.E., there are extensive bird-watching opportunities in places as diverse as Mushrif Park, Emirates Golf Club, Jebel Ali, and Hatta (visit www.dubaitourism.ae for more information). You can also enjoy an eco-friendly desert immersion at Al Maha Desert Resort, perched on the slope of a huge dune located within a desert conservation reserve of 233 sq. km (90 sq. miles/5% of the landmass of Dubai). For a more hearty experience, expedition companies will take you out for a trek in the Hajar Mountains, with base camps set up from abandoned Shihhi villages (a tribe of the northern emirate of Ras al-Khaimah and neighboring Oman). For more information, see: www.arabiahorizons.com/Hajar-Mountains-Safari/.

The best scuba and snorkeling sites are found in the emirate of Fujairah, as well as off "Snoopy Island" on the Gulf of Oman, where tropical fish flitter around an extensive coral reef. For the more adventurous who want to explore an array of fascinating shipwrecks located further south on this stretch of the Eastern coast of the U.A.E., there are plenty of opportunities (visit www.scuba-2000.com).

The Desert Islands Abu Dhabi (www.desertislands.com) will form a collection of eight islands off the capital's coast with dynamic wildlife reserves, untouched marine ecologies, and archeological sites - all meant to develop sustainable tourism in the country. Once completed, activities will include nature and wildlife drives and hikes, mountain biking, kayaking, snorkeling, falconry, and archery. Yas Island is one of the first islands in this project to be completed.

The Abu Dhabi government is also positioning the emirate as an innovator in renewable energy technology, launching the first ever World Future Energy Summit in 2009. This event, to be held each January, draws an international crowd and features exhibits on clean energy, with a line-up of impressive speakers that have included Tony Blair. For more information, visit: www.worldfutureenergysummit.com. Abu Dhabi has also won the bid to host IRENA, the world's first multilateral renewable energy agency. For details, see: www.irena.org.

Abu Dhabi's Masdar City project - an ambitious enterprise funded entirely by Masdar, the clean technology investment fund of the Abu Dhabi government -represents the world's first carbon neutral, zero waste city. It features fanciful technological innovations including jazzy people-moving devices and fascinating state-of-the-art cooling technologies meant to keep the city inhabitable without guzzling energy. Masdar City will host the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology - a sister school to MIT that will become a center for innovation in green technology. While behind schedule on construction, parts of the city are open, and it's worth inquiring about a visit if you are in Abu Dhabi. For more information, visit: www.masdarcity.ae/en/index.aspx.

General Resources For Green Travel

In addition to the resources for Dubai listed above, the following websites provide valuable wide-ranging information on sustainable travel:

• Responsible Travel (www.responsibletravel.com) is a great source of sustainable travel ideas; the site is run by a spokesperson for ethical tourism in the travel industry. Sustainable Travel International (www.sustainabletravelinternational.org) promotes ethical tourism practices, and manages an extensive directory of sustainable properties and tour operators around the world.
• In the U.K., Tourism Concern (www.tourismconcern.org.uk) works to reduce social and environmental problems connected to tourism. The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) (www.aito.co.uk) is a group of specialist operators leading the field in making holidays sustainable.
• In Canada, www.greenlivingonline.com offers extensive content on how to travel sustainably, including a travel and transport section.
• In Australia, the national body which sets guidelines and standards for ecotourism is Ecotourism Australia (www.ecotourism.org.au). The Green Directory (www.thegreendirectory.com.au), Green Pages (www.thegreenpages.com.au), and Eco Directory (www.ecodirectory.com.au) offer sustainable travel tips and directories of green businesses.
• Carbonfund (www.carbonfund.org), TerraPass (www.terrapass.org), and Cool Climate (http://coolclimate.berkeley.edu) provide info on "carbon offsetting," or offsetting the greenhouse gas emitted during flights.
• Greenhotels (www.greenhotels.com) recommends green-rated member hotels around the world that fulfill the company's stringent environmental requirements. Environmentally Friendly Hotels (www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com) offers more green accommodation ratings.
• For information on animal-friendly issues throughout the world, visit Tread Lightly (www.treadlightly.org). For information about the ethics of swimming with dolphins, visit the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (www.wdcs.org).
• Volunteer International (www.volunteerinternational.org) has a list of questions to help you determine the intentions and the nature of a volunteer program. For general info on volunteer travel, visit www.volunteerabroad.org and www.idealist.org .

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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The UAE has a rich natural environment offering a unique mix of diverse topography. The UAE is largely an arid land with vast sand deserts but is also characterised by sand dunes, oases, mountains, valleys, beaches, mangroves and salt plains. Every characteristic provides home to varied flora and fauna. This diversity attracts visitors to the UAE.

The UAE has more than 5,036.24 square kilometres of protected areas. This is equivalent to 6.02 per cent of the total area of the country. Some of these natural reserves are:

• Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve and Al Yasat Marine Protected Area in the emirate of Abu Dhabi
• Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in the emirate of Dubai
• Wadi Al Helou, Meliha and Wasit nature reserve in the emirate of Sharjah.

There are many ways to explore the local flora and fauna. The options are extensive; from going on desert safaris to spot the Arabian Oryx to hiking up the mountains to catch a glimpse of birds and even camping in the desert to spot the nocturnal beings.

Ecotours can be arranged through dedicated environmental groups, such as Emirates Nature -WWF   and Emirates Environmental Group along with private tour operators and hotels.

A rich marine life and breathtaking underwater seascapes also attract snorkelers and scuba divers. Diving enthusiasts will particularly love Martini Rock off the coast of Fujairah.

Read about the National Ecotourism project (The UAE’s Natural Wonders).

Explore 

• Abu Dhabi Nature
• RAK nature treasures
• Nature activities in Sharjah

Useful links:  

• Protected areas in Abu Dhabi - EAD
• Protected areas in Dubai - Dubai Municipality
• Protected areas in Sharjah - Environment and Protected areas Authority
• Kalba ecotourism project - Shurooq
• Fujairah’s Wadi Wurayah National Park - WAM.

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Ecotourism in Dubai

What is ecotourism.

• TOP PLACES FOR ECOTOURISM IN DUBAI
• ECO-FRIENDLY HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

ECO-FRIENDLY STORES IN DUBAI

World-class dining, extravagant shopping and record-breaking architecture are just some of the things that come to mind when we talk about tourism in Dubai. The emirate; however, with its increasing emphasis on going green also offers much in the way of eco-friendly tourism. If you are seeking sustainable ways of enjoying a vacation, you have come to the right place. Here is all you need to know about ecotourism in Dubai. 

ECOTOURISM IN DUBAI: VACATIONING RESPONSIBLY

Sustainable ecotourism practices in Dubai allow you to explore the desert landscape and the local flora and fauna without harming the environment. But first, here’s an overview of ecotourism in the emirates. 

Ecotourism encourages travellers to be responsible and mindful while visiting natural areas. This is a kind of tourism that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of the local people as well as plants and animals. According to the United Nations, ecotourism contributes to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. 

The UAE has more than 5,000 sq.km. of protected areas, which is why the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has launched ‘The UAE’s Natural Wonders’ to promote ecotourism in Dubai along with other emirates. The goals of ecotourism under this program include raising awareness about ecotourism places in the UAE and building environmental and cultural understanding among both locals and tourists. 

DUBAI ECOTOURISM: TOP LOCATIONS

Here are some of the best places in the emirate that provide eco-friendly leisure. 

DUBAI DESERT CONSERVATION RESERVE (DDCR)

The vast expanse of DDCR is one of the largest nature reserves in the UAE. Covering an area of 225 sq. km, DDCR covers almost 5% of the total land of Dubai. The reserve has hundreds of species of plants, birds, mammals and reptiles. Not to mention, you can also engage in activities like trekking, safaris, sandboarding, camel and horse riding and falconry.  You can also head to Sonora Camp for some extravagant desert dining.

• Phone: +971-4-809-8710 

AL MARMOOM DESERT CONSERVATION RESERVE 

This desert reserve covers double the area of DDCR, and it is all unfenced. The area is also home to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park , the largest renewable energy project in the region. Al Marmoon Desert Conservation Reserve is open to the public and you can find more than 200 species of native birds and more than 150 species of migratory birds at the site.

You can also spot different species of reptiles as well. The defining features of Al Marmoom are its large populations of the Arabian oryx and flamingos. You can also spot many endangered species that have been relocated there. 

And that’s not all. History lovers should also visit the Saruq Al Hadid archaeological site. This 3,000 year-old site dates back to the Iron Age, which makes it one of the most popular cultural and historical attractions in the emirate. 

• Location: Saih Al Salam
• Phone: +971-4-606-6819  

Next on our list is Hatta Dam, which offers panoramic views of turquoise waters and rugged mountains. The dam is part of the Hatta Mountain Conservation Reserve, a refuge for endangered mountain animals in the region. You can enjoy a drive along the dam or go hiking in the mountains. Or you can enter the waters for some kayaking , paddle boarding or boating. 

RAS AL KHOR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

For those who love bird-watching, the wetlands of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary are a must-visit site. The sanctuary is also called the ‘Cape of the Creek.’

It features a variety of salt flats, mudflats, mangroves and lagoons spread over an area of 6.2 sq. km. Along with preserving birdlife, the sanctuary also serves as a breeding ground and shelter for mammals, crustaceans and fish. 

• Phone: +971-4-606-6831

DUBAI TURTLE REHABILITATION PROJECT 

Here is an outdoor experience that you can enjoy in the cooler months and save turtles while you’re at it. The Hawksbill Turtle of the UAE is an endangered species and the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project aims to preserve them. Since 2004, the project has rescued more than 550 turtles and released them back into the sea. You can watch these turtles at Turtle Lagoon, Jumeirah Al Naseem. The enclosure is open to the public, free-of-charge.  

• Location: Turtle Lagoon
• Phone: +971-4-301-7198

THE GREEN PLANET

Next on our list of sustainable places in Dubai is the highly innovative facility known as The Green Planet .

The structure consists of the largest man-made, life-sustaining tree in the world, which houses over 3,000 plants and animals.

Contributing to conservation efforts in Dubai, the building has obtained a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certificate. Even the waterfall uses recycled water. 

• Location: City Walk
• Phone: +971-4-317-3999

DUBAI AQUARIUM & UNDERWATER ZOO

Here is one of the best sustainable places in Dubai that provides entertainment for the entire family.

The 48 m long Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is home to a 10-million litre aquarium tank, one of the largest in the world. Located inside Dubai Mall , the aquarium invites you to witness around 140 different species of aquatic animals, include the world’s largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks. Visitors can also interact with the underwater creatures with activities like cage snorkelling and shark dives. 

• Location: Dubai Mall
• Phone: 800-38224-6255

JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES

Those who love to golf can head to Jumeirah Golf Estates , a destination promoting sustainable sports tourism in Dubai. Eco-friendly features at the Estates include green landscaping, climate labs and research centres. The Green Sports Hub, built-in collaboration with international football star Ebbe Sand, also incorporates solar energy, water preservation, waste management and reusable technologies at Jumeirah Golf Estates. 

Now that we have listed some natural attractions in Dubai, let’s now check out some eco-friendly restaurants, hotels and resorts in the city. 

ECO-FRIENDLY HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI

Whether you are seeking accommodation or dining options in Dubai, you can still go green with these eateries and hotels. 

AL MAHA RESORT

Located at the aforementioned Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Maha Resort has been designed with impressive sustainable features. These include 43 swimming pools that are powered by solar panels. The luxury resort invites you to experience the beautiful landscape of the Dubai desert up close. 

• Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
• Phone: +971-4-832-9900

NIKKI BEACH RESORT & SPA

One of the best destinations for ecotourism in Dubai, this beachside resort has also initiated green measures in recent years. Most importantly, the resort has replaced plastic straws with ones made with cornstarch and biodegradable polylactic acid at Nikki Beach , Soul Lounge, Cafe Nikki and Key West. 

• Location: Pearl Jumeirah 
• Phone: +971-4-448-9539

AMWAJ ROTANA

This luxury resort in JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) has launched the Operation Care initiative. Under this program, visitors are encouraged to bring along useful items that they are planning to dispose of. As a result, hundreds of clothes, shoes, handbags, towels, socks and toys have been donated to those in need while avoiding waste. 

• Location: JBR, Dubai
• Phone: +971-4-428-2000

New York’s famous burger joint allows you to savour your favourite burgers while sustaining the planet. The interiors of their restaurants located in various areas of Dubai are made from sustainable or recycled materials.

This includes everything from ceilings to wall coverings and furniture. The food packaging is also made with compostable or recycled materials. Moreover, Bareburger sources free-range meat from local farms to further reduce its carbon footprint. 

• Location: Dubai Festival City Mall
• Phone: +971-4-3387110

BAKER & SPICE

If you fancy a casual ‘eco-lunch’ head over Souk Al Bahar in Downtown Dubai to the rustic-style cafe known as Baker & Spice. The eatery uses local produce and only provides biodegradable straws. The furnishings are made from sustainable materials. 

• Location: Downtown Dubai 
• Phone: +971-4-425-2240

Finally, if you want some quick shopping on your trip, there are several shops and stores that sell environmentally friendly products. 

MILK & HONEY

Dubbed as the first 5-star gourmet outlet in Dubai, Milk & Honey is a 24-hour convenience store offering everything from organic food to eco-friendly detergents. The store has also incorporated 100% recyclable bags, and shoppers who return the bags can also earn instant discounts. 

• Location: Palm Jumeirah
• Phone: +971-4-432-8686

THE GREEN ECOSTORE FZE

This store is especially preferred by environment-conscious individuals who favour online shopping. You can look for a wide range of innovative products, such as solar-powered backpacks, reusable sandwich bags and water-saving devices. 

• Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
• Phone: +971-4-359-0666

You can read about other stores in Dubai offering eco-friendly products on our blog.

This wraps our guide on ecotourism in Dubai. You can incorporate the locations listed above in your itinerary to make the most of the natural attractions that the city has to offer.

If you plan to move to the city, you can also read about sustainable developments in Dubai . And those already residing in the emirate can also check out our DIY ideas to make your home green .  

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Dubai as an Ecotourism Destination

Are you looking for an ecotourism experience in Dubai? There are ecotourism activities in Dubai, just not as many as standard touristy things to do. While ecotourism is not a concept top of mind to every traveller visiting Dubai, for some, the idea of sustainable travel is important and often the motivation behind their travel itinerary. Dubai is a hub of glitz and glamour offering endless touristic activities, and now there is another side to tourism in Dubai that is starting to emerge for the responsible traveller. Platinum Heritage is leading the way for Dubai’s ecotourism industry.  

What is Ecotourism

The International Ecotourism Society defines Ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.” This is inclusive of both staff and Guests. Interpretation relates to ecotourism promoting a greater understanding and appreciation for the local culture and natural environment.

Ecotourism promotes responsible travel; travellers are attracted to this type of adventure travel as they are able to experience the culture and natural environment of a new place without exploiting it for touristic profits. Usually some of the proceeds generated from this type of travel are pumped directly back into local conservation efforts.

Principles of Ecotourism

• Minimise physical, social, behavioural, and psychological impacts of tourism on the local people and natural environment.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness, respect and understanding.
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation efforts and local people.
• Create memorable and enriching experiences for Guests which helps raise empathetic understanding of a host country’s political, environmental, and social climates.
• Use of low-impact operations on the environment (low carbon footprint) such as solar panels.

Benefits of Sustainable Travel

Learn about the culture

As the only ecotourism Desert Safari company in the UAE, our sustainability mission is to conserve the local culture, native animals and natural environment. Our Desert Safaris include traditional cultural entertainment and cuisine from Dubai and we employ local Bedouin who share authentic stories and experiences with Guests.

Travel for a cause

All our wildlife drives operate in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. For every profit made, we donate a percentage to conservation efforts in the area. This means that when you experience one of our Desert Safaris, it’s not only for your enjoyment as part of what you pay for the experience goes directly back to conservation.

Experience nature

Before Dubai was a vibrant city of skyscrapers and fancy cars, there was not much more to see than the desert. Despite the rapid development, the Dubai desert is still one of this destination’s biggest attractions, and you will soon see why when you witness the beauty of the rolling golden sand dunes. Experiencing the desert on a wildlife drive also gives you the chance to see and learn about some of the native animals like the majestic Arabian Oryx.

You can find out more about our Sustainability Mission here .