Once upon a time, Abu Dhabi’s hotels were locked in a farcical battle of garish ornaments and expensive furnishings, as they raced to become the most luxurious in the city. But now, following the unveiling of new eco-minded guidelines at the recent World Green Tourism conference, there’s a new standard to aspire to – one that doesn’t necessitate covering everything in gold.
Devised by Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council, the new Pearl Rating system will see hotels given a mark out of five to denote the strength of their green credentials, which will sit alongside the existing star rating. The first hotel to be judged in accordance with the new system will be Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort Hotel, a new Earth-friendly development also unveiled at the conference, which is scheduled to open in 2015. Speaking at the three-day event, Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, head of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, stressed the importance of the guidelines for the city’s future. ‘Green tourism, for many, has been a niche concept,’ he said. ‘Many believe it is best left to those free from the constraints of commercial reality. This forum, I hope, will totally disprove this gross misconception. Green tourism is the new commercial reality.’
So, with a new title to vie for, expect to see gigantic solar panels on the roof of Emirates Palace any day now…
