As the world becomes increasingly conscious of our planet's ecological challenges, these Abu Dhabi hotels are working hard to prove that environmentalism and indulgence can coexist.
Whether sat along the capital’s sandy shores or standing tall in the city's heart, these properties are working to weave eco-conscious initiatives into the fabric of their guest experiences. This is being done, in many cases, through innovative energy solutions, waste reduction strategies and a commitment to preserving the natural environment.
For travellers seeking a stay that is aiming to be more eco-friendly without compromising on creature comforts, these five properties are working toward reshaping the future of responsible tourism in Abu Dhabi.
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Jumeirah Saadiyat Island
Home-grown hospitality group Jumeirah is allowing guests to responsibly immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Saadiyat Island.This resort is located on one of Abu Dhabi's most pristine coastlines and its commitment to preserving the natural environment is evident, particularly in marine conservation. The resort’s on-site marine biologist works to protect the local ecosystem, conducting educational sessions for guests about the island’s biodiversity, and the hotel is also committed to protecting endangered Hawksbill turtles, with measures to ensure their nearby nesting sites are preserved.
This property was also the first in Abu Dhabi to eliminate single-use plastics, a move that earned it an Ocean Champion distinction from global non-governmental organisation The Oceanic Standard, a first for the region. As part of this, Jumeirah has implemented an on-site water filtration system and guests are given reusable bottles to use during their stay. As for the food, there are compost systems in all its kitchens and an on-site hydroponic farm, enhancing the culinary team’s farm-to-table ethos and local sourcing practices.
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Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Set against Abu Dhabi’s Grand Canal, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr has developed a holistic approach to achieving its environmental goals by implementing its so-called Sustainability Management Plan, which targets energy and water conservation, responsible sourcing and waste reduction. A dedicated 'Green Team', comprising members from various departments, has been set up to see these initiatives through.For example, the hotel has implemented energy-efficient lighting and air-conditioning systems, installed water-saving features like low-flow taps and eliminated single-use plastics. It also launched a bottling plant that produces water from the air using technology by Eshara Water. Once made, the water is filtered and mineralised, then poured into reusable glass bottles.
The team is also committed to ethical and local sourcing. It works with suppliers who meet environmental and social responsibility standards, an approach that aims to ensure luxurious stays don’t harm the planet.
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ERTH Abu Dhabi Hotel
Formerly the Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel, ERTH Abu Dhabi has long been a place where Emirati heritage merges with a pioneering spirit. It was developed under the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates, who envisioned a dedicated recreational space for officers of the UAE Armed Forces in the heart of Abu Dhabi.Therefore, the hotel’s commitment to community and its enduring legacy is embedded in its ethos, making it a unique local example of how sustainability can honour cultural heritage while looking forward.
This philosophy can be seen in every corner, including the restaurants, where the culinary team sources ingredients locally, working with regional farmers. It is also apparent in the hotel’s design, where, for example, palm tree extracts sourced from the property add ecological touches to the room interiors. Elsewhere, guests can relax on a 350-metre-long private blue flag-certified beach, which adheres to the Foundation for Environmental Education’s environmental management standards.
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Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental may be a world-renowned beacon of opulence, but it also aims to be a lighthouse for environmentally conscious hospitality in the capital. It does this through a range of unique initiatives that set this property apart on the ground.For example, the hotel’s on-site vegetable garden, with a water-saving drip irrigation system, cultivates plants that thrive in arid conditions. The garden provides fresh produce for its dining outlets while contributing to local biodiversity.
The property has also introduced on-site beehives, which produce honey to be used in the kitchens as well as guest amenities. An on-site water bottling system also eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles.
What’s more, the hotel introduced the region’s first fully vegan rooms, featuring sustainable bedding, bamboo beach towels, cruelty-free toiletries and an exclusive plant-based, in-room dining menu.
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Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Situated in one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic architectural landmarks, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers embraces an eco-awareness ethos through several initiatives it has rolled out over recent years, such as introducing its zero-waste hydroponic farm. The farm is said to generate more than 10 kilograms of local produce daily for the hotel’s several restaurants, including MICHELIN-selected restaurants Li Beirut and José by Pizarro.The property is also committed to waste reduction, with recycling programmes and efforts to minimise single-use plastics. Water-saving techniques, such as collecting condensation from air conditioning units, are also employed, with that then used to water the gardens and farm.
Illustration image: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi
