Dubai, UAE, March 2026: As the UAE continues to advance its sustainability agenda under its Net Zero 2050 strategic vision and responsible tourism initiatives, hotels across the country are increasingly integrating environmental responsibility into everyday operations. In line with the global observance of Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM local time, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection reinforces its year-round commitment to sustainable hospitality through internationally recognised certifications, resource-efficient operations, and meaningful guest engagement initiatives designed to reduce environmental impact while enhancing the overall guest experience.

As part of its sustainability journey, the resort has achieved the prestigious Green Key certification, one of the leading international eco-labels recognising excellence in environmental responsibility within the hospitality sector. The property has also implemented an Integrated Management System certified under ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards, reflecting its structured approach to quality management, environmental performance, and occupational health and safety in line with internationally recognised best practices.

Sustainability continues to be a key priority across every aspect of our operations at Al Habtoor Grand Resort,” said Khalid Saeed, General Manager of Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection. “Earth Hour serves as a meaningful reminder of the role the hospitality sector can play in supporting environmental responsibility, and we are proud to contribute through measurable initiatives, international certifications, and ongoing engagement with our guests and community.”

A key focus area for the resort is waste reduction and resource efficiency. Through the implementation of Orbisk, a food waste monitoring system, the hotel actively tracks and reduces food waste across its operations. This is complemented by robust recycling practices and a continued commitment to responsible sourcing, including a growing proportion of eco-conscious food and non-food procurement across departments.

Energy and water conservation remain central to operations at Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection. The property has implemented LED lighting upgrades, motion sensor corridor lighting, and Building Management System enhancements to optimise energy consumption across key operational areas. In parallel, automatic irrigation systems and sensor-based water fixtures contribute to more efficient water usage throughout the resort.

Beyond operational initiatives, the resort actively participates in community-focused CSR programmes including underwater beach clean-ups, Ramadan food donation initiatives, and Pinktober awareness activities, reflecting its continued dedication to supporting both environmental and social wellbeing within the community.

Through continuous innovation and responsible practices aligned with the spirit of Earth Hour, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection remains committed to advancing sustainable hospitality while encouraging guests to be part of a more environmentally conscious future.

HMH’s approach to sustainability is neither symbolic nor episodic. It is a rigorously structured commitment that spans corporate governance, operational execution, and long-term strategic planning. Central to this framework is the group’s adherence to internationally recognized standards, including ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 9001 for quality management, and ISO 22000 for food safety management systems. Collectively, these certifications underscore HMH’s commitment to environmental stewardship, excellence in service delivery, robust food safety practices, and continuous operational improvement across all HMH-managed properties, ensuring consistent standards and enhanced guest confidence throughout the portfolio.

Importantly, HMH extends this responsibility beyond its own footprint. The same environmental management framework is used to assess, engage, and collaborate with suppliers and partners across its value chain. By aligning procurement and operational partnerships with environmental sustainability objectives, HMH reinforces a shared accountability model—recognizing that meaningful impact is achieved through collective action, not isolated efforts.

One of the most visible demonstrations of this commitment is HMH’s group-wide target for all managed hotels to become 100% single-use plastic free. This ambitious initiative directly addresses one of the hospitality sector’s most pressing environmental challenges: plastic waste and pollution. Through policy changes, supplier engagement, and operational innovation, HMH systematically eliminating unnecessary plastics from guest experiences and back-of-house operations alike.

Leading by example is Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, which has pioneered several innovative sustainability solutions under the HMH portfolio. Among these is the introduction of the Air-O-Water system, a technology that generates clean drinking water directly from atmospheric humidity. By significantly reducing reliance on bottled water, the system has contributed to a measurable reduction in plastic consumption while ensuring high-quality drinking water for guests and staff.

Beyond infrastructure and systems, HMH recognizes that sustainability is ultimately driven by people. Across its managed hotels, teams actively organize and participate in year-round environmental initiatives that reinforce a culture of responsibility and engagement. These include tree-planting drives, beach clean-up campaigns, and large-scale can collection initiatives—each designed to create tangible environmental benefits while fostering a sense of shared purpose among employees and local communities.

Commenting on the group’s sustainability journey, Haytham Abdelaziz, Chief Operating Officer of HMH, said: “At HMH, sustainability is not a box-ticking exercise—it is a long-term commitment that guides how we operate, how we partner, and how we grow. By embedding certified environmental systems, investing in innovation, and empowering our teams on the ground, we are building a hospitality model that delivers value for people, protects the planet – energy saving tech, waste reduction, recycle and water conservation system across properties.”

As HMH continues to expand its portfolio and regional presence, its sustainability agenda remains firmly anchored in daily practice. Through certified processes, forward-thinking solutions, and proactive community involvement, HMH is not only responding to global environmental expectations, but also helping shape a more responsible and resilient future for the hospitality industry.