Dubai offers greener event solutions
Impressive new initiatives and extraordinary innovative advances mean it is easier than ever for events to make the most of all that this dynamic city has to offer while reducing their carbon footprint
Dubai’s commitment to improving the health and future of our planet is backed by serious initiatives, action and investment. Determined to ensure that the historic pledges hammered out at the COP28 Climate Conference - that took place at Expo City Dubai at the end of last year - are honoured, the city is instigating an impressive range of domestic action, too.
Alongside the important headlines from COP28, including the historic pledges to transition away from fossil fuels, triple reliance on renewables and the mobilising of $85 billion under the Action Agenda, are more domestic initiatives from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). These include Dubai Can, which is already having an impact on the city’s aim to phase out single-use plastic water bottles by installing drinking water fountains and public awareness campaigns.
As part of a phasing out of all single-use plastic by 2026, Dubai has recently banned single-use plastic bags, tableware and Styrofoam containers.
New scheme rates hotels’ environmental practices
The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, another DET initiative, has been launched to recognise the efforts of hotels to improve their sustainable practices. In order to merit a Gold, Silver or Bronze Stamp, hotels must meet the DET's 19 Sustainability Requirements, which include energy and water efficiency, waste management programmes, staff education and engagement initiatives. This gives event organisers an easy way to identify and book greener venues, meet the expectations of participants while motivating other venues to do better. A win win.
“The UAE has a clear vision to transform itself into one of the world’s most sustainable nations. Our journey towards sustainability is comprehensive, encompassing advanced clean energy projects across diverse renewable sources, and innovative solutions integrated into various spheres of the economy and society. We continue to expand our sustainable energy mix and embrace renewable and alternative energies, shaping not only our nation’s future but also contributing significantly to the global effort to combat climate change”
Expo City Dubai
Expo City Dubai was built and designed for Expo 2020 as a blueprint for sustainable urban living. Home to the Dubai Exhibition Centre and host of COP28, where it welcomed 70,000 heads of government, industry leaders, experts and academics, it showcases the latest innovations in energy efficient infrastructure and buildings.
Expo City Dubai’s decarbonisation roadmap details its ‘reduce, remove, offset’ approach that includes integrating 15-minute city planning to encourage walking and micro-mobility; implementing energy efficiency and circular economy practices to cut emissions and tackling remaining emissions through projects such as mangrove restoration.
Recommended for group or individual visits is Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, an astonishing venue designed to encourage visitors to explore the relationship between people and nature. The architecture is spectacular and showcases the possibilities of designing buildings, even in harsh environments, that can be self-supporting in terms of energy production and use, and water.
Designed by UK-based Grimshaw Architects, it has been awarded the highest accreditation for sustainable buildings, LEED Platinum certification. With nearly 5,000 solar panels on its 130m canopy and 18 Energy trees, it harnesses enough energy to charge 900,000 mobile phones. Innovative irrigation techniques, including grey-water recycling, aim to reduce water use by 75 per cent.
Dubai World Trade Centre leads the way
The city’s largest event venue is the Dubai World Trade Centre and it has long been at the forefront when it comes to sustainability. Its commitment to reducing energy consumption, conserving valuable resources and minimising waste has earned it Green Globe certification.
One of its flagship projects has been the introduction of photovoltaic solar panels, generating an impressive 3.5 MW. Committed to achieving a net-zero sustainable future and positively impacting the environment, DWTC is working on three areas: serving as a role model and addressing the growing public demand for businesses to play an active role in supporting environmental objectives; maintaining alignment with local and federal government vision and strategy; actively pursuing leadership in sustainability benchmarking within the global events industry, setting a standard for others to emulate.
DWTC collaborates closely with event organisers and exhibitors to promote sustainability in stand design and structure. Its ‘Green Meetings’ initiative encourages eco-friendly practices such as reducing plastic bottle use, minimising water consumption in cleaning and advocating for paperless event materials.
The company adheres to the principle of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’. DWTC’s Earth Care team works with organisers and exhibitors post-event to segregate bulk waste for processing in partnership with the Beeah Group. It also works with Emirates Environmental Group on recycling campaigns, the UAE Food Bank for distributing excess food as well as donating old linens and uniforms.
Your local partner
Dubai Business Events is the official convention bureau for Dubai. Its team of professionals can offer free and impartial advice, guidance and support to business event organisers. Offering services considered among the best in the international meeting industry, it is a member of the BestCities Global Alliance.
Help is available for site inspections, obtaining proposals, assistance with suppliers, introductions to local government and industry contacts as well as recommendations for social programmes and pre and post-tours. It can also offer advice on how to ensure your event meets your sustainability requirements.
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