Dubai\u2019s Department of Economy and Tourism has announced the launch of two new specialized sustainability training courses, \u201cThe 27 Sustainability Requirements\u201d and \u201cDubai Sustainable Tourism,\u201d as part of efforts to expand practical training for employees across the tourism and hospitality sectors and support the adoption of environmental best practices in daily operations.<\/p>\n
The department said the two courses, which were announced during Arabian Travel Market 2026, are part of Dubai Sustainable Tourism initiatives and will be delivered by Dubai College of Tourism through the \u201cDubai Way\u201d platform. The programs are designed to enhance the capabilities of tourism professionals and strengthen their ability to adopt more sustainable practices.<\/p>\n
The two new courses will be available through the Dubai Way platform starting September 21, 2026.<\/p>\n
Since its launch in 2017, the Dubai Way platform, operated by Dubai College of Tourism, has successfully trained more than 190,000 people working in the tourism sector, reflecting the growing reach of professional development programs across Dubai\u2019s tourism industry.<\/p>\n
Over the same period, the platform has delivered around three million training hours with the participation of more than 1,475 establishments, further strengthening its role in providing tourism professionals and businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to support Dubai\u2019s expanding tourism sector.<\/p>\n
The platform continues to broaden its training content in line with the evolving needs of the tourism and hospitality industries, including sustainability, which has become one of the key areas shaping hotel operations and the more efficient use of resources.<\/p>\n
Dubai\u2019s Department of Economy and Tourism said the \u201c27 Sustainability Requirements\u201d framework represents the next stage in the development of Dubai Sustainable Tourism and is aimed at further integrating sustainability practices into hospitality operations.<\/p>\n
The updated framework builds on the 19 sustainability requirements previously approved by Dubai\u2019s Department of Economy and Tourism, which have served since 2021 as the foundation of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp program.<\/p>\n
Under the revised framework, the number of mandatory standards has increased from 19 to 27, expanding the environmental and social performance expectations placed on hotels and helping embed sustainability more deeply into their daily operations.<\/p>\n
Starting with upcoming cycles, hotels will be assessed according to the \u201c27 Sustainability Requirements\u201d as part of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp award, reinforcing the program\u2019s role in promoting responsible hospitality standards across Dubai.<\/p>\n
The \u201cDubai Sustainable Tourism\u201d course focuses on introducing participants to the core principles of sustainability and providing practical knowledge that helps them understand their role in supporting a more sustainable tourism ecosystem.<\/p>\n
The course covers responsible resource consumption, waste management, circular economy practices, climate action, as well as the role of hotels and green teams in developing sustainable practices within hospitality establishments.<\/p>\n
This content gives tourism professionals greater insight into practices that can be applied directly in the workplace, helping improve resource efficiency and strengthen awareness of environmental responsibility.<\/p>\n
Yousuf Lootah, Executive Director of Corporate Strategy and Performance at Dubai\u2019s Department of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the department\u2019s Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee, said: \u201cThe \u201827 Sustainability Requirements\u2019 framework represents an important step toward developing the concept of sustainable hospitality in Dubai, as it expands the scope of the previously adopted 19 core requirements, contributing to higher levels of environmental and social performance across the hospitality sector.\u201d<\/p>\n
The expansion of sustainability standards reflects Dubai\u2019s continued focus on developing its hospitality ecosystem in line with modern tourism trends and strengthening the ability of establishments to integrate environmental and social considerations into their operations.<\/p>\n
Specialized training also helps tourism professionals better understand these standards and translate them into everyday practices that support operational efficiency and enhance the overall visitor experience.<\/p>\n