100 Percent Solar-Powered Hotel To Break Ground In Dubai

Environmentally friendly hotels are springing up all around the world from the Polynesian islands to the Swiss Alps. Now Dubai is about to get their first fully sustainable hotel. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has partnered with Diamond Developers in Dubai. IHG already has 62 hotels around the world and plans to apply their experience in hospitality to this new project. 

Building a 100 percent eco-friendly hotel isn’t always easy, but it helps to be surrounded by a supportive community. Located in The Sustainable City, Dubai’s first sustainable integrated development, the hotel shouldn’t have a problem drawing in eco-conscious guests.  

The hotel will be completely fueled by solar power to meet all of its energy needs. The property will even have a solar powered shuttle bus to transport their guests to and from Downtown Dubai. Each detail of the 143 room hotel has been designed to be sustainable on every level. For example, all water and material waste will be recycled. 

Food and wellness are also key points within the guest experience. The cafe will source its herbs from the nearby organic gardens and guests will have access to health amenities like an outdoor yoga deck and natural pools. 

According to Lonely Planet, Pascal Gauvin, InterContinental Hotels Group chief operating officer for India, Middle East & Africa, said, “Upon completion, we look forward to welcoming our guests to this exclusive property, that reflects the changing tastes of the discerning travellers who not only seek unique local experiences but are also sensitive to their own carbon footprint and believe in greater environmental stewardship.” 

The Sustainable City is in the building process but has already finished Phase 1 of the development plan. All in all, the area will be covered with 10,000 trees and be home to nearly 3,000 residents. The city will produce 10 MW/h of solar power to make sure all those people aren’t kept in the dark. Locals will be able to eat from the urban farms dotted through the area. Residents will also have access to a new hospital as well as clinics which will offer alternative medicine. 

To attract visitors, the developers have added electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city and will offer entertainment and activity centers such as an equestrian building. Once fully completed, the area will be the first operational net zero energy city in Dubai. 

According to Arabian Business, Diamond Developer’s CEO, Faris Saeed, said, “We have created a living, breathing, sustainable community that is cost-effective and eco-friendly for over 300 families, and after proving that the concept is feasible and successful, we look forward to commencing phase 2 of The Sustainable City, with Hotel Indigo representing the first of four buildings that we are adding.” 

So far The Sustainable City has already garnered positive feedback, and the Dubai Land Department named the development the “happiest community” in Dubai. Both the Indigo Hotel Group and The Sustainable City organization hope this partnership will be a working model of sustainable living to be replicated around the world.