The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has achieved EarthCheck Silver Certification for sustainability
A first in the Middle East: the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has achieved EarthCheck Silver Certification for sustainability.
On October 9, 2023, Ras Al Khaimah received Silver Certification under the EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations Program – the world's leading scientific assessment and certification program for tourism destinations.
The emirate is the first destination in the Middle East to achieve this level of recognition for sustainability.
The certification process is based on EarthCheck's in-depth scientific criteria and also involves meticulous monitoring, benchmarking and auditing of 10 sustainability indicators – from energy and water consumption to waste management, carbon footprint analysis and community engagement.
The certification received is all the more significant given the region's climate challenges, which call for a more robust approach to managing energy and water consumption to meet EarthCheck's stringent requirements.
The Silver certification comes just weeks ahead of the United Nations COP28 climate change conference, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates at the end of November. This year's conference agenda will focus on achieving the global goal of reducing emissions by 43% by 2030.
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) Chief Executive Raki Phillips said achieving EarthCheck's Silver Certification reinforces Ras Al Khaimah's ambition to become the leader in sustainable tourism in the UAE and the region by 2025.
"This landmark achievement amplifies our commitment to sustainable, balanced and purpose-driven growth in the tourism industryPhillips said.
"I am grateful to our tourism industry community for their continued dedication to achieving EarthCheck Silver Certification, which not only confirms Ras Al Khaimah's commitment to sustainable tourism, but also aligns with our ambitious goal of welcoming over three million visitors by 2030. "
EarthCheck founder and chief executive Stewart Moore said the award will strengthen and improve the tourism industry and the status of local businesses.
"Congratulations to the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah for being certified under the EarthCheck program and for being part of the EarthCheck Leading Destinations of the World program™,” Moore said.
"Commitments to the sustainable development of tourism in the emirate not only provide a strategic framework to stimulate and promote community and industry action, but position Ras Al Khaimah as a regional leader in sustainable tourism. Adopting sustainable principles will ensure that Ras Al Khaimah's unique environment and rich culture can be both developed and protected as the tourism industry continues to grow. EarthCheck looks forward to being an active partner in this journey. "
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has also launched its own sustainability certification program for hospitality businesses called Responsible RAK. More than 20 businesses are currently part of the program.
Responsible RAK is powered by EarthCheck principles and data, ensuring businesses measure their environmental impact and take real action.
Numerous tourism businesses in Ras Al Khaimah, including hotels, attractions and tour operators, have achieved Responsible RAK Silver Certification.
The list includes:
- Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)
- The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach
- The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah
- Jais Flight, the longest zip line in the world
- Jais Sledder, the longest bobsleigh track in the region
- 1484 by Puro, the restaurant located at the highest altitude in the United Arab Emirates
- Bear Grylls Explorers Camp
- Ras Al Khaimah Leisure Administration Office (RAK Leisure Administration Office)
- SAFARAK Travel and Tourism Company
More partners are on track to achieve Silver Responsible RAK status in the near future.
The destination also collaborates with leading developers and operators who put sustainability at the heart of their businesses. One example is the anticipated Wynn Al Marjan Island, which will be developed in collaboration with local partners Marjan LLC and RAK Hospitality Holding LLC, according to the highest standards of sustainability practice. Wynn Resorts' sustainable design and development practices have earned LEED Platinum and Four Green Globes certifications globally.