Sustainable Travel Practices in Dubai – Go Green in 2025

Eco-Friendly Accommodation

One of the simplest things to do to green your trip is to select environment-friendly accommodation. Several hotels in Dubai focus on green initiatives without sacrificing luxury.

Top Eco-Friendly Hotels in Dubai

• Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa – A conservation-oriented resort providing environment-friendly villas and desert activities.
• JA The Resort – A beachside resort with water management programs, energy-saving equipment, and farm-to-table dining.
• Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown – The first LEED Gold-certified hotel in Dubai, with locally inspired designs and eco-friendly practices.

When making your reservation, check for certifications such as LEED, Green Key, or EarthCheck to ensure the hotel adheres to environmental guidelines.

Sustainable Transport

Dubai’s well-developed public transport system makes it easy to explore the city while reducing your carbon footprint. Instead of relying on private cars or taxis, opt for sustainable transportation options.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Get Around

• Dubai Metro & Tram – Energy-efficient and convenient for getting around major attractions.
• Electric & Hybrid Taxis – Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) operates a growing fleet of hybrid and electric taxis.
• Scooter & Bike Rentals – Zoom on eco-friendly e-scooters or bicycles stationed throughout the city.
• Abra Rides – Ride in a classic wooden boat that runs on electricity for a scenic and environmentally friendly ride across Dubai Creek.

By choosing these modes of transport, you contribute to reducing carbon emissions while enjoying a stress-free experience.

Eco-Friendly Attractions

There are plenty of sustainable attractions in Dubai where you can have city fun without harming the environment.

Top Eco-Friendly Things to Do in Dubai

• The Green Planet – A bio-dome with more than 3,000 plant and animal species, encouraging rainforest preservation.
• Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) – A protected reserve where you can have ethical desert safaris and view Arabian wildlife.
• Alserkal Avenue – A cultural district encouraging sustainability through art, green cafes, and recycled fashion boutiques.
• Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary – A migratory bird sanctuary for flamingos and other wildlife, a tranquil, environmentally friendly refuge.

Supporting such sites helps ensure your tourist dollars are helping to protect the environment and advance conservation practices.

Sustainable Dining

Dubai is renowned for its indulgent buffets and gourmet cuisine, yet are you aware you can have delectable dining while aiding the cause of sustainability?

Sustainable Eating Tips for Dubai

• Select Farm-to-Table Restaurants – Restaurants such as BOCA, Lowe, and SEVA Table source locally and minimize food waste.
• Select Plant-Based Options – Vegetarian and vegan restaurants, such as Wild & The Moon, generate less carbon emissions.
• Avoid Plastic Packaging – Reusable or biodegradable packaging is increasingly available at cafes today. Bring your utensils and bottle to avoid waste.
• Choose Sustainable Seafood – Restaurants with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification ensure ethical sourcing.

Eating responsibly in Dubai doesn’t mean sacrificing taste; it enhances your dining experience while protecting the environment.

Respect Nature

Dubai’s deserts are breathtaking, but irresponsible tourism can threaten their fragile ecosystem. To explore the desert sustainably, follow these guidelines:

How to Have an Eco-Friendly Desert Safari

• Book with Responsible Tour Operators – Companies like Platinum Heritage offer ethical safaris with minimal environmental impact.
• Say No to Dune Bashing – Off-road driving can damage wildlife habitats. Instead, opt for camel treks or guided nature walks.
• Leave No Trace – Bring refillable water bottles and do not litter.
• Respect Wildlife – Never feed or harass desert creatures such as gazelles and Arabian oryx.b 

By following these sustainable travel behaviors in Dubai deserts, you contribute to saving them for the future.

Shop Sustainably

Dubai is a shopping haven, but mass consumerism often leads to waste.  Rather than purchase mass-produced souvenirs, patronize local artisans and eco-friendly brands. 

Where to Shop Sustainably in Dubai

• The Ripe Market – A farmer's market with organic products, handmade items, and fair fashion.
• Green Ecostore – A store that sells eco-friendly and reusable items.
• The Giving Movement – A sustainable fashion brand in Dubai that supports charities around the world.
• Mira's Handmade Soaps – Natural, organic skincare products.

Sustainable shopping minimizes waste and supports local businesses with an emphasis on ethical production.

Reduce Plastic Waste

Dubai has been working on reducing plastic waste, but travelers can also do their part. Here's how:

Easy Ways to Reduce Plastic Waste While Traveling

• Use a Reusable Water Bottle – Free water refilling stations are available in many hotels and malls.
• Use a Tote Bag – Refuse to use plastic bags by bringing along your shopping tote.
• Say No to Plastic Straws – Paper or metal straws are often offered at cafes, or bring your own.
• Select Refillable Toiletries – Use your refillable shampoo and soap in place of those provided in hotels.

These sorts of small modifications have a drastic effect on keeping overall plastic intake down.

Last Thoughts – Your Role in Green Travel

Sustainable travel practices in Dubai are all about making conscious decisions that improve your experience and preserve the environment. Whether you stay at an eco-friendly hotel, use public transport, or choose ethical dining and shopping, your little actions are part of a bigger movement toward responsible tourism.

Dubai's pursuit of sustainability is increasing, and as a traveler, you too can be a part of this change. Therefore, the next time you plan a visit, adopt these tips for sustainable tourism and experience the city in a manner that positively impacts it.