SUSTAINABLE TRAVELLER

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray introduces new farm-to-table concept in Dubai

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray in Dubai has launched Arcadia, an interactive experience that integrates its onsite urban hydroponic farm and a new dining concept. e farm is spread across a total of 55 sqm and can harvest up to 250kg of more than 30 varieties of leafy greens and herbs per month. Guests will receive the fresh produce served directly to their table at all of the resort’s signature restaurants.

Jumeirah says that the hydroponic farm reduces water consumption by up to 90 per cent as no soil is required for farming. By building it onsite, the carbon footprint generated by transportation for distribution is also signi cantly reduced. “We’re happy to have launched our own hydroponic farm onsite as it will allow us to minimise waste and ensure a greener and responsible sourcing for organic produce, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for the industry. Additionally, growing produce on the property will open up the opportunity to inform and engage guests in responsible production and consumption, while also bringing a new dimension to our culinary o ering,” says Mark Hehir, general manager of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray.

Set amidst greenery and organic herb garden beds, Arcadia will feature an outdoor countrystyle kitchen and will host culinary events including a chef’s table, cooking classes, as well as the presentation of bespoke dishes and signature menus.

ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET CHOOSES ‘WORKING TOWARDS NET ZERO’ AS THEME FOR 2023 EDITION

The annual travel and tourism trade event, Arabian Travel Market (ATM), has chosen ‘Working Towards Net Zero’ as its o icial theme for next year’s event. The 2023 edition will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 1-4. RX (Reed Exhibitions), the organiser of ATM, will mark the 30th edition of the event by unveiling a dedicated sustainability pledge and announcing 30 long-term goals as ATM works towards net zero in line with the RX Global pledge. According to a World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report, travel and tourism accounts for between 8-11 per cent of the world’s emissions, thereby making the theme all the more relevant for the ATM.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH The industry must get serious about decarbonisation... collaboration between governments, corporates and the aviation sector, which increases SAF supply and availability at airports, helps pave the way for broader adoption”

Cassie Mackie, vice president of Procurement and Supply Chain at Etihad Airways THE MIDDLE EAST’S FIRST CARBONNEUTRAL AIRPORT UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN SAUDI ARABIA’S RED SEA PROJECT

The recently-rebranded Red Sea Global has signed a SAR1 billion agreement appointing Daa International as the operator of the upcoming Red Sea International (RSI) airport in Saudi Arabia. Powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, the facility is expected to become the region’s firstever carbon-neutral airport. It is being readied to receive its first guests early next year. RSI is a regenerative airport designed by Foster + Partners and will be able to serve an estimated one million domestic and international tourists per year by 2030 – at a peak of 900 travellers per hour.