Ras Al Khaimah Achieves Sustainability Milestone: Secures EarthCheck Silver Certification

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

• The Emirate is one of the few places in the world and the first in the Middle East to receive the EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations Silver Certification.
• This certification supports Ras Al Khaimah’s goal of dominating sustainable tourism in the UAE and the region by 2025.
• Powered by EarthCheck’s research and data, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority introduced its own certification scheme for Ras Al Khaimah tourism partners, Responsible RAK.

The world’s top scientific benchmarking and certification program for travel destinations, EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations, has recently given Silver Certification to Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate is the first Middle Eastern location to receive this grade of sustainability designation.

In addition to meticulously monitoring, benchmarking, and auditing across 10 sustainability indicators, including energy and water use, waste management, carbon footprint analysis, and community participation, the certification process is supported by EarthCheck’s in-depth scientific criteria.

The significance of Ras Al Khaimah’s sustainability certification is increased by the difficulties presented by the local climate, which necessitates a more robust approach to managing energy and water use than is typical in order to satisfy EarthCheck’s demanding standards.

The United Nations’ COP28 climate change summit, which will be held in the UAE in late November, is only a few weeks away. The conference’s agenda this year will center on reaching the 43% reduction in global emissions goal by 2030.
 
“This landmark achievement amplifies our commitment to sustainable, balanced, and purpose-driven tourism industry growth,” says Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) Chief Executive Officer, Raki Phillips. “My gratitude goes out to our tourism community for their relentless dedication to achieving EarthCheck’s Silver Certification, which not only substantiates Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to sustainable tourism but also aligns with our ambitious goal of welcoming over three million visitors by
2030”.

Achieving EarthCheck’s Silver Certification, according to Raki Phillips, has strengthened Ras Al Khaimah’s goal of dominating sustainable tourism in the area and the UAE by 2025. 
 
EarthCheck founder and Chief Executive Officer, Stewart Moore congratulated Ras Al Khaimah for being certified under EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destination program, and for being a part of EarthCheck’s Leading Destinations of the World Program. He adds, “Ras Al Khaimah’s Silver status would bolster and enhance its tourism industry and its business operators locally.”

 He further states that Ras Al Khaimah is now recognized as a regional pioneer in sustainable tourism because to the destination management commitments and sustainable tourism guidelines, which also offer a framework for action across the community and business. As the tourism industry expands, embracing sustainable principles will ensure that Ras Al Khaimah’s distinctive environment and rich culture can be both nurtured and safeguarded. EarthCheck is eager to participate actively in this endeavor.

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has also launched its own sustainability certification program for tourism businesses, Responsible RAK. This organization’s goals include developing the Emirate’s tourism infrastructure, positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a premier tourist destination for both leisure and business travelers, fostering sustainable investment opportunities, and improving the quality of life for its residents. Today, the initiative includes more than 20 tourism-related enterprises. 
 
EarthCheck’s science and data power ResponsibleRAK, guaranteeing that companies are monitoring their environmental effect and taking appropriate action.

Numerous hotels, attractions, and travel providers in Ras Al Khaimah have obtained the 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 world’s longest zipline
•  Jais Sledder, the region’s longest toboggan ride
•  1484 by Puro, the UAE’s highest restaurant
•  Bear Grylls Explorers Camp
•  RAK Leisure Administration Office
•  SAFARAK Travel and Tour company

In the foreseeable future, more stakeholders are expected to attain Responsible RAK Silver accreditation. The destination is also collaborating with top developers and operators who prioritize sustainability in their operations. One illustration is the much awaited Wynn Al Marjan Island, which will be built in accordance with the highest standards of sustainability best practice with the help of local partners Marjan LLC and RAK Hospitality Holding LLC. Wynn Resorts’ sustainable design and construction methods have given its structures certifications for LEED Platinum and Four Green Globes on a global scale.

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