Sustainability

We focus on achieving sustainable progress by responsibly growing the business and contributing to the UAE’s economic development. We aim to integrate sustainability across all our operations to enable a connected world, add value to our society, be an employer of choice, support employee health and well-being, and protect the environment.

To achieve these goals, we have developed the ‘Sustainability Wheel’, a strategic framework designed to ensure a holistic view of our operations. This framework revolves around three interconnected themes that enable us to deliver our vision: Guests, People, and Business. It underscores the importance of delivering exceptional guest experiences, fostering a supportive work environment, and enhancing organisational efficiency for sustainability and continual improvement.

Our priority is on the environment, particularly managing carbon emissions to address climate change contributing to the country’s zero carbon emissions goals by 2050. We value the importance of connection and collaboration to tackle climate change effectively in the aviation industry, believing that being connected makes us smarter, more resilient, and better equipped to transform airports and the aviation sector faster.

We believe environmental sustainability needs to be addressed with the same urgency as safety. The aviation industry has deeply embedded safety into its core through technological investments, global cooperation with governments to set universal standards, and a proactive approach. Similarly, a significant change in mindset is imperative towards environmental sustainability to ensure a secure, conscientious, and efficient future. The only way forward is by working in unison – creating a better tomorrow, together!

We are taking decisive action on climate change, achieved by reducing the consumption of vital resources like energy and water, minimising waste, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. We implement this through our strategic partnerships and the integration of innovative technologies for effective measurement and impact at scale.

ACI accreditation

Dubai Airports has achieved Level 4 ‘Transformation’ accreditation under the Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme, placing DXB among the top 5% of accredited airports worldwide and the first in the UAE to reach this level.

This accreditation was driven by impactful sustainability projects, such as a comprehensive building and lighting retrofit and a rooftop solar integration project with Etihad Energy Services, which boosts energy efficiency and reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Working with BEE’AH Group, DXB also implemented a food waste treatment plan that cuts landfill waste by 60%. Additionally, in partnership with dnata and Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), DXB transitioned dnata’s non-electric airside fleet to biodiesel, reducing CO2 emissions by over 3,500 tonnes annually. DXB’s ‘Follow the Greens’ system further enhances sustainability by optimising aircraft taxiing and lowering fuel consumption and emissions.

ACI’s ACA programme is the only global carbon management standard for airports, guiding them in tracking and reducing their carbon footprint towards net zero by 2050. This commitment aligns with our mission to be the best airport in the world and supports the UAE’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.