Award-winning practices demonstrated by Al Maha included the comprehensive waste management and recycling programmes in daily use at the Resort, along with the system of using minimal-dosage and environmentally-friendly cleaning materials and toiletries throughout the property.
Being awarded a Green Key Certificate means that Al Maha has demonstrated its ability to run in a sustainable and efficient way, and its responsibility for its surroundings. Green Key is an eco-label for tourism and leisure establishments and is awarded only to establishments that fulfill a long list of environmental requirements.
In order to gain the Certificate, Al Maha’s Environmental Policies and Practices were assessed for evidence of eco efficiency, such as the conservation of water, minimising consumption of paper and energy, and enhancing good air quality.
Award-winning practices demonstrated by Al Maha included the comprehensive waste management and recycling programmes in daily use at the Resort, along with the system of using minimal-dosage and environmentally-friendly cleaning materials and toiletries throughout the property. The award also recognises the effective communications to all staff and guests about the policy of washing towels and linens on demand, and the standard practices of switching off all air-conditioning systems and lights when leaving rooms. The Resort’s policy of hard copy printing only when absolutely necessary was noteworthy, and how it involved its entire workforce in reducing energy consumption and waste. Al Maha’s building maintenance team implemented an ongoing repair programme that prevented water leakage from all showers, lavatory cisterns and pools, significantly reducing water consumption at the Resort.
Arne Silvis, General Manager of the Resort, said “Al Maha has had a great year of Awards success and I’m very proud of my team for achieving the Green Key Certification and for the robust and effective way they have implemented the Resort’s environmental policies. The Resort is based in the heart of one of Arabia’s most precious and beautiful natural landscapes, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where environmentally conscious tourists pay a premium to have close up and quiet interactions with the indigenous Arabian wildlife, flora and fauna. Taking care of this special environment is extremely high on our agenda and we have streamlined all of our maintenance and housekeeping operations to ensure that guests can continue to enjoy 5* luxury here without leaving a heavy carbon footprint. These environmentally friendly initiatives have also quickly paid off in economic terms, by reducing the Resort’s running costs and overheads.”
This is Al Maha’s second eco award (the first was the WTTC Award for sustainable green tourism in 2010) and the Resort has previously won many luxury travel awards, including TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice 2013 (“Top 25 Hotels for Romance”), Conde Nast Traveller Reader Awards 2011 (“Top 20 Hotels in the Middle East”), International Hotel Awards 2011 in Association with Bloomberg TV (“Best Resort Hotel, Dubai” and “Best Resort Hotel, Arabia” categories).
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