‘'Waste' wins it for Holiday Inn Dubai - Al Barsha Awarded for the Best Waste Management Practices - 4 Star Category Dubai Green Tourism Awards, May 6th 2014

Waste is the end product for every produce or process in any form. History is a witness to the immense amount waste created by humans but it was not under the radar as the ratio of waste vis-a-vis the population was vast. Now with the increase in the density of population, concrete jungle and industrialization, the environment plays a very vital role in our lives and for generations to follow.

The DTCM - Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing - constantly strives to uplift the image of Dubai by innovation and commercial offerings, further resulting in strengthening the economy. The Dubai Government foresees Dubai to be the ultimate destination for both business and leisure. The Government has initiated the drive to make the Tourism Industry go green. Hotel establishments who take remarkable attempts to save energy and water, reduction of waste and protect the environment are recognized and honoured.

The awards are declared bi-annually. Applications are screened and shortlisted by a team of delegates from DTCM (Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing), Dubai Municipality, DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) and other notable entities. The shortlisted establishments are visited and an in depth study is done by the Dubai Municipality, DEWA, DTCM, EEG (Emirates Environmental Group) and EWS – WWF (Emirates Wildlife Society – World Wide Fund). Only after this are the finalists chosen by the panel.

Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha took its first step towards go green way back in 2008 when the hotel welcomed its first guest. Over the years Holiday Inn has contributed to the society in various forms namely feeding 200,000 children in 2012, providing 115,000 high energy biscuits to Philippines in 2013 and providing food for 16500 in Syria in 2012, apart from several other initiatives. Recently the Waste Compactor and the Bailing Machine was introduced which has contributed immensely to the waste management.

We have all known about the 3 Rs which are ‘reuse’, recycle’ and ‘reduce’. Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha has gone a step ahead and proudly embraced the fourth ‘R’ which is ‘re-think’ as a part of continual improvement. Not only the entire team has imbibed the culture of conservation but has made this a habit of their daily life. A humble confession from Mr. Mukhtar Hussain, Director of Engineering states the reason behind the immense success. He says that – ‘Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha does not seek any accolades. The award and recognition is a challenge taken positively to strive even further, live up to the expectations and contribute to the world at large.’