Furthermore, Ras Al Khaimah is actively collaborating with developers and operators who prioritise sustainability. A notable example is the highly anticipated Wynn Al Marjan Island, developed in partnership with Marjan LLC and RAK Hospitality Holding LLC, designed to adhere to the highest standards of sustainability best practice. Wynn Resorts' commitment to sustainable design and development has earned its buildings LEED Platinum and Four Green Globes certifications globally.
Ras Al Khaimah, a renowned emirate, has achieved a significant milestone by being awarded Silver Certification under EarthCheck's Sustainable Destinations program. This recognition places Ras Al Khaimah as the first destination in the Middle East to attain such a level of sustainability acknowledgement.
The certification process employed by EarthCheck is grounded in rigorous scientific criteria and involves thorough monitoring, benchmarking, and auditing across ten key sustainability indicators. These indicators encompass a wide range of aspects, including energy and water consumption, waste management, carbon footprint analysis, and community engagement.
The unique challenges posed by the region's climate makes Ras Al Khaimah's sustainability certification even more remarkable. Meeting EarthCheck's stringent requirements demands a robust approach to managing energy and water consumption, setting an inspiring example for other destinations.
The Silver Certification comes at a significant time, with the United Nations climate change conference, COP28, scheduled to be held in the UAE later in November. The focus of this year's conference is on achieving the global emissions reduction target of 43 per cent by 2030.
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) Chief Executive Officer, Raki Phillips expressed his pride in achieving EarthCheck's Silver Certification. He emphasised that this milestone reaffirms Ras Al Khaimah's commitment to becoming a leader in sustainable tourism in the UAE and the region by 2025.
Phillips stated, "This landmark achievement amplifies our commitment to sustainable, balanced, and purpose-driven tourism industry growth. 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."
EarthCheck's founder and CEO, Stewart Moore, praised Ras Al Khaimah's Silver status, highlighting its positive impact on the local tourism industry and businesses. Moore stated, "Congratulations to 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 added, "The destination management commitments and sustainable tourism guidelines not only provide a strategic framework to drive and foster action across the community and industry but also position Ras Al Khaimah as a regional leader in sustainable tourism. Embracing sustainable principles will ensure that Ras Al Khaimah's unique environment and rich culture can be both fostered and protected as the tourism industry continues to grow. EarthCheck looks forward to being an active partner in this journey."
Towards Better Future
In addition to its Silver Certification, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has introduced its own sustainability certification program for tourism businesses called Responsible RAK. Over 20 tourism businesses have already joined this program. ResponsibleRAK utilises EarthCheck's scientific data to measure environmental impact and promote real action among businesses.
Numerous Ras Al Khaimah tourism businesses, including hotels, attractions, and tour operators, have already earned Responsible RAK Silver Certification. Some notable names on the list include The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach, The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah, and Jais Flight, the world's longest zipline, among others. Many more stakeholders are on track to achieve Responsible RAK Silver status in the near future.