Get into the Green Scene: Dubai launches new sustainable tourism campaign

From World Bicycle Day to International Coastal Clean-Up Day, here's how everyone can get involved in the eco-friendly initiative

Dubai Sustainable Tourism has launched Get into the Green Scene, an initiative to encourage residents and visitors to be more eco-minded. Courtesy Dubai Tourism

Dubai Sustainable Tourism is encouraging visitors and residents to have a more eco-friendly lifestyle with the launch of a new initiative.

The Get into the Green Scene campaign is set to raise awareness about Dubai's sustainable attractions and show residents and people visiting the emirate how they can incorporate environmentally friendly practices into their lives.

Revolving around a calendar of globally recognised sustainability days, including International Mountain Day and World Animal Day, the campaign will share simple ways for people to get involved with the theme of each occasion.

This will include simple suggestions that promote Dubai's natural spaces and put a spotlight on local organisations working towards a more sustainable planet.

“We are very proud to launch Get into the Green Scene, which promotes the ease in which visitors and residents can embrace sustainability-minded behaviours," said Yousuf Lootah, vice chairman of Dubai Sustainable Tourism.

"It also highlights the breadth of work that is being done across Dubai by our partners and stakeholders to ensure a positive impact on our environment."

The initiative is designed to help highlight sustainability in Dubai, a key part of the Year of the 50th campaign taking place to commemorate the UAE's golden jubilee celebrations.

The initiative follows Dubai Tourism's announcement last week that hotels in the emirate have until July 1 to reach sustainability targets.

The dates in Dubai's Green Scene calendar

June 3: World Bicycle Day

Bicycles are an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, and this World Bicycle Day, Dubai Sustainable Tourism is urging residents to hop on the saddle and enjoy one of the city's best bike rides.

Whether you're a complete beginner or expert rider, so long as you can withstand the summer heat, there's a track waiting for you.

Bikes are also available to hire in several places around the city. Try taking to two wheels at the Al Qudra Cycle Track or Nad Al Sheba Park, or head out to Hatta to spin across mountain biking trails that cut across the Hajar Mountains.

July 3: International Plastic Bag Free Day

Every July 3, the world celebrates International Plastic Bag Free Day, when consumers are reminded to take reusable bags with them when shopping.

Dubai Sustainable Tourism is encouraging residents and visitors to say no to plastic bags whenever possible, but especially on July 3. It's also highlighting local eco-stores such as The Green Camel, which specialises in bamboo and beeswax products, or The Green Ecostore, which stocks a wide variety of plastic alternatives.

September 18: International Coastal Clean-Up Day

Located on the UAE's northern coastline, Dubai's beaches are among its big draws for tourists.

The diverse marine ecosystems found along these shorelines are also connected to the city's culture and identity, since Dubai was previously a pearl-diving coastal town.

On September 18, as the world celebrates International Coastal Clean-Up Day, Get into the Green Scene will encourage people to join the Emirates Environmental Group's annual Clean Up UAE campaign. The aim of this event is to remove waste and preserve beaches, desert and waterways across the country for future generations.

Last year, more than 5,000 people across Dubai and Abu Dhabi collected almost 13 tonnes of waste. This year, Dubai Sustainable Tourism is hoping to get even more people involved in the critical clean-up.

October 4: World Animal Day

To celebrate World Animal Day on October 4, Dubai Sustainable Tourism is inviting people to visit the city's natural surroundings and spot some of the wildlife that call the emirate home.

Head to Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the UAE's first unfenced nature reserve, or take part in a wildlife tour at Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, with more than 200 plant and animal species on site. Al Qudra Lakes is the place to go for budding ornithologists – it's home to more than 170 different types of birds.

December 11: International Mountain Day

On International Mountain Day, the world turns its attention to the risks that the planet's peaks face from climate change and overexploitation.

In Dubai, to celebrate the global day, people are encouraged to head to Hatta, where plenty of adventures await in Al Hajar Mountains. From hiking trails and bike rides to campsites and horse-riding, there are plenty of ways to make the most of Dubai's natural mountains, and show them the appreciation they deserve.