The Most Sustainable Emirate: Ras Al Khaimah

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Environment Sustainability Ecology Ras Al Khaimah

by Sophie She

The Most Sustainable Emirate: Ras Al Khaimah

5 Feb 2024

Welcome to the northern jewel of the United Arab Emirates — Ras Al Khaimah. In an era where environmental responsibility reigns supreme (and thank goodness for that), this emirate has emerged as a torchbearer of eco-conscious initiatives, showcasing a commitment to preserving its natural wonders and nurturing a healthy relationship between progress and the planet, not just a fleeting situationship. From innovative green projects to community-driven efforts, Ras Al Khaimah stands at the forefront of sustainable living.

The Nasty CO2 Battle

We are all aware of the perils of CO2. Many of us took notice when Skyscanner started displaying the amount of carbon emissions per flight. So, RAK has mobilised in its battle against air pollution, unveiling several initiatives showcased at COP28 UAE. Here are some of them.

The Green Mobility Framework 2040

This plan envisions a future with electric vehicles, efficient public transportation networks, and safe cycling infrastructure (hooray!) to slash emissions and promote clean transportation. The aim? To help your skin stay zit-free in cleaner air. Let's just hope Tesla improves its autopilots by 2040!

Instagram: @visitrasalkhaimah

Green Lung Initiative

This colossal project targets desertification by planting native trees throughout Ras Al Khaimah to increase vegetation cover, enhance air quality, and boost biodiversity. With a million trees slated for planting, we may soon have our own jungles for those Bali-like photo ops.

RAK Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Strategy 2040

Another ambitious plan focuses on renewable energy (like solar power, not your ex), energy-efficient buildings, infrastructure, and waste management through recycling and composting programs. The commitment is stellar — they plan to slash 20 per cent of the carbon footprint by 2025! So not only will housing be more conscientious (excluding the price tag), but you can enjoy your chiller guilt-free even in the summer.

Instagram: @visitrasalkhaimah

Thoughtful and Cautious Tourism

Ras Al Khaimah aims to be the Middle East's most sustainable destination by 2025, eyeing over 3 million annual visitors by 2030. Recently achieving Silver Certification in the Sustainable Destinations programme by EarthCheck, it is the first location in the region to gain this recognition.

What is the EarthCheck? It is the global authority overseeing sustainable tourism, setting scientific benchmarks, and constantly updating standards in line with technological advancements.

One pivotal programme is the Responsible Tourism Destination Strategy, prioritising environmental protection through eco-friendly tourism practices, cultural preservation by honouring local traditions and heritage (music to my ears), and community engagement by supporting local businesses and initiatives.

Inspired by this, the RAK Authority has launched “Responsible RAK”, measuring and certifying sustainability in tourism enterprises, backed by EarthCheck's scientific data. These programmes establish guidelines and assess sustainability protocols across ten performance metrics, including energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and water consumption. Over 20 tourism businesses are part of the program, with the aim of recruiting 10 more. Additionally, the authority sets sustainability guidelines for new hotel developments through the “Green Hotel Rating” initiative, striving for 100 per cent integrated sustainability.

But let's shift focus from hotels. What about the cultural aspect? Yeah, they haven’t forgotten either. RAK’s long-term plan involves investing in cultural conservation, safeguarding and enhancing UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List archaeological sites and cultural projects like Suwaidi Pearls and Al Jazeera Al Hamra (check out another RAK article to see what activities are poppin').

Educating for a Sustainable Future

Enter the "funergy" part of RAK's sustainability journey. Launched in 2019, Manzily Game educates people of all ages about household energy efficiency. The app transforms homes into virtual power plants, where families and friends compete to reduce energy consumption. Every action that saves electricity or water — switching off lights, shorter showers, wise use of air conditioning — earns points and rewards in the game. Beyond a points race, the app features an engaging storyline, turning players into "Manzily Heroes" and imparting sustainable living lessons within your eco-sims adventure.

The RAK Authority has also rolled out various environmental education programmes, integrating sustainability concepts into school curricula. These initiatives raise awareness among young generations about environmental issues and responsible living by promoting recycling and waste reduction campaigns in schools and the emirate. It shows the state's dedication to becoming the primary eco-destination in the region.

by Sophie She