JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort, winner of last year’s Dubai Green Tourism Award, is stepping up its efforts to promote environmental awareness. The resort recently hosted a workshop for hospitality professionals to exchange practical strategies and solutions for sustainable tourism.
At the workshop, JA Jebel Ali’s management introduced the resort’s new aquaponics system — a method that combines fish farming and soilless plant cultivation, using nutrient-rich fish water to nourish crops. Aquaponic gardening enables the efficient production of organic vegetables, leafy greens, herbs and fruit, while also yielding fresh fish as a sustainable protein source. Compared with conventional gardening, aquaponic systems can be four to six times more productive and use up to 90 percent less water.
“I’m proud to be called an eco-friendly destination, and I strongly encourage the whole team to do all they can to aid our cause,” said Fredrik Reinisch, general manager of JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort. “This training was another step in the right direction and sets an excellent example of different organizations working together for the greater good.”
The workshop covered practical topics such as setting up and maintaining aquaponic systems, water-saving practices, waste reduction, and ways hotels can integrate sustainable food production into guest experiences. Attendees discussed operational challenges, cost savings from reduced water and waste, and opportunities to source fresh produce and fish on-site, which can lower supply chain emissions and improve traceability.
Participants left with actionable guidance for implementing similar systems at their properties, including tips on balancing fish stocking densities, selecting plant varieties suited to aquaponics, monitoring water quality, and designing compact systems that fit urban or resort environments. Emphasis was placed on training staff, measuring environmental impact, and communicating sustainability efforts to guests in an authentic way.
JA Jebel Ali’s initiative reflects a broader industry trend toward integrating sustainable food systems into hospitality operations. By demonstrating that innovative approaches like aquaponics can reduce resource use while enhancing guest offerings, the resort aims to inspire other hotels and restaurants to adopt greener practices.
Recognitions such as the Dubai Green Tourism Award highlight the value of measurable environmental action, and JA Jebel Ali continues to build on that momentum with targeted training and visible projects. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the sector, the workshop organizers believe more properties can achieve meaningful reductions in water use and waste while creating new guest experiences centered on sustainability.
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