The Arab world is home to 7 UNESCO Natural World Heritage sites, 1,200+ protected areas, and some of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems — from coral reefs in the Red Sea to deserts in the Empty Quarter.
But rapid tourism growth threatens it all.
Enter Green Arabia — AUTDI’s bold sustainability framework, aligned with UNEP, UNESCO, and ECOSOC standards.
The Green Arabia Certification
Launched in 2024, this first-of-its-kind regional eco-label certifies:
- Hotels reducing water use by 30%
- Tour operators running carbon-neutral excursions
- Destinations protecting local biodiversity and culture
Over 150 properties in Jordan, Oman, and Tunisia are now certified.
Key Pillars
| Pillar | Action |
|---|---|
| Water & Energy | Smart metering, solar-powered resorts |
| Community | 70% local hiring, fair wages |
| Waste | Zero single-use plastic by 2027 |
| Heritage | Digital storytelling of Bedouin, Pharaonic, and Nabataean legacies |
Youth at the Heart
Through the Arab Youth in Tourism Program, AUTDI has trained 1,000+ young leaders in green hospitality. By 2030, the goal is 10,000.
Global Recognition
- UNEP Partnership: Joint coral restoration in Egypt & Saudi Arabia
- WTTC Safe Travels Stamp: Adopted by 8 AUTDI member states
- Annual Green Arabia Awards: Celebrating top sustainable destinations
The Bigger Picture
Sustainable tourism isn’t a trend — it’s survival. AUTDI’s data shows:
- 78% of global travelers prefer eco-certified destinations
- Green-certified hotels enjoy 12% higher occupancy
Call to Action
Whether you’re a hotel owner in Beirut, a tour guide in Muscat, or a policymaker in Cairo — Green Arabia needs you.
Apply for certification. Train your team. Share your story.
“We don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors — we borrow it from our children.” — AUTDI Sustainability Manifesto
Apply for Green Arabia Certification | Download the Guidelines (PDF) | Join AUTDI