Anantara Mina Al Arab RAK Resort earns triple sustainability recognition

Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort has announced a trio of prestigious accolades: Responsible RAK Certified Silver status, Green Growth Certification, and LEED Gold certification for 2024. 

 

These remarkable achievements highlight the resort’s commitment to environmental responsibility while cementing its position as a leader in sustainable luxury hospitality in both the emirate and the United Arab Emirates, it said.

 

Situated on a private peninsula bordered by protected mangroves, the resort exemplifies how thoughtful design and conscious practices can create a harmonious balance between luxury and environmental stewardship, perfectly aligning with Ras Al Khaimah’s vision to become the Middle East’s leader in sustainable tourism by 2025. 

 

Achieving Responsible RAK Certified Silver status underscores Anantara Mina Al Arab’s role in supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s pioneering Responsible Tourism strategy. As the first destination in the Middle East to achieve EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations Silver Certification, Ras Al Khaimah has set a global benchmark for environmental leadership, it said.

 

The Responsible RAK program, powered by EarthCheck’s scientific data, provides a rigorous framework for the emirate’s hospitality partners to adhere to the highest sustainability standards. Anantara Mina Al Arab’s Silver certification recognises its success in implementing sustainable practices across all operational areas, from energy efficiency and waste management to community engagement and education initiatives for guests and team members. 

 

The Green Growth Certification further highlights the resort’s dedication to embedding sustainability into every facet of its operations. This achievement reflects the resort’s robust efforts to reduce its environmental impact through innovative programs and eco-conscious practices. From minimising waste to responsibly sourcing materials and fostering local partnerships, Anantara Mina Al Arab has taken significant steps to support Ras Al Khaimah’s sustainability goals. Guests are not only treated to an unparalleled experience but are also invited to be part of a broader mission to preserve the emirate’s natural and cultural heritage. 

 

Earning LEED Gold certification — the globally recognised standard for environmental design — demonstrates the resort’s commitment to leading-edge sustainability practices. This accolade is a result of scrupulous planning and thoughtful execution, from incorporating energy-efficient systems to selecting eco-friendly materials during the resort’s construction. Solar panels harness renewable energy, while a sophisticated greywater recycling system irrigates the lush landscape surrounding the resort. In guest rooms, an advanced management system optimises energy consumption, showcasing how luxury can coexist with eco-conscious design. These features, combined with the resort’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint, reaffirm its leadership in sustainable luxury, the resort said.

 

Anantara Mina Al Arab is particularly proud of its initiatives to eliminate single-use plastics. Recognising the environmental burden of plastic waste, the resort has implemented a comprehensive strategy to phase out plastic across all operations. An on-site water bottling plant produces reusable glass bottles for guest rooms, dining venues, and meeting spaces, significantly reducing plastic consumption. Amenities in guest rooms have been replaced with sustainable alternatives, and all food and beverage outlets are entirely plastic-free. These efforts demonstrate the resort’s proactive approach to fostering a cleaner, more sustainable future. 

 

A focus on waste reduction further highlights the resort’s environmental ethos. By adopting forward-thinking solutions such as composting food waste and recycling coffee grounds, the resort has established a circular economy model that nourishes its gardens and reduces landfill contributions. In the kitchens, responsible sourcing and waste management practices from part of a sustainable food chain, while the cultivation of fresh produce and herbs in the chef’s garden not only lowers the resort’s carbon footprint but also enhances the flavours of its culinary offerings. These initiatives demonstrate how sustainability can be integrated into the guest experience.

 

Beyond its operational efforts, Anantara Mina Al Arab plays an active role in preserving Ras Al Khaimah’s unique natural environment. The resort is committed to protecting the surrounding mangroves — an essential habitat for biodiversity and a natural shield against coastal erosion. Educational programs raise awareness among guests about the importance of mangroves, inviting them to engage with conservation efforts and leave a positive impact during their stay. 

 

"Achieving these certifications emphasises our dedication to preserving Ras Al Khaimah’s pristine natural beauty. At Anantara, we believe that sustainability and luxury are not just compatible but essential for creating extraordinary guest experiences. We are proud to support Ras Al Khaimah’s pioneering efforts in sustainable tourism," said General Manager Ramsey Saarany.

 

From the emirate’s first overwater villas to its serene beachfront retreats, Anantara Mina Al Arab blends indulgence with environmental consciousness. Guests can immerse themselves in sustainable opulence while exploring Ras Al Khaimah’s natural wonders, from its unspoiled mangroves to the awe-inspiring Hajar Mountains. -TradeArabia News Service