By Trove Content Writer, Hallie Milstein
There’s a reason why Ras Al Khaimah, UAE is known as the Nature Emirate. This destination’s admirable commitment to sustainability is deeply rooted and evident in action. Recognizing sustainable strides made, EarthCheck has awarded Ras Al Khaimah with a Sustainable Destinations Silver Certification. The Nature Emirate is the first destination in the Middle East, and among only a few places globally, to receive this recognition.
EarthCheck’s criteria is tenfold, representing Ras Al Khaimah’s progress in sustainability indicators including energy efficiency, water consumption, carbon footprint analysis, community engagement, and waste management. On all these fronts, Ras Al Khaimah is on track to successfully become the UAE’s and the region’s sustainable tourism leader by 2025.
“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.”
To continue on this upward trajectory, RAKTDA has launched Responsible RAK, an original certification program for local tourism partners backed by EarthCheck’s science and data. Under this program, several local partners have been certified as sustainable, such as The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach; Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline; SAFARAK Travel and Tour Company; and counting.
Travelers including MICE groups in Ras Al Khaimah can enjoy the Emirate’s natural splendor, assured that measures have been put in place to preserve and protect the environment. In the Nature Emirate, meeting, incentive, conference, and event attendees may revel in unique venues embedded in nature like Suwaidi Pearl Farm, as well as impressive off-site excursions like camel-riding and sandboarding in the desert as well as zip-lining through the mountains. As cataloged by Breaking Travel News, these offerings afforded by sustainability have brought “nature, culture, and conservation” to the forefront of Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism framework.
Trove is proud to work with destinations like Ras Al Khaimah that are committed to preserving the environment and maintain an ethos of sustainable tourism. Learn more about this incredible achievement: raktda.com.