InterContinental Hotels Group to open world’s first solar powered hotel in Dubai in 2017

The world’s first 100 per cent solar powered hotel looks set to open in Dubai next year, by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the world largest hospitality group. The hotel will be part of Sustainable City which is currently under construction in Dubailand close to Arabian Ranches.

Hotel Indigo Dubai, The Sustainable City will have 170 guest rooms and will use solar power for all its energy requirements, as well as recycle all waste and water. The hotel will also use produce from the development’s organic farm for its restaurants and kitchens.

Pascal Gauvin, IHG’s chief operating officer EMEA, explained:

“Hotel Indigo Dubai, The Sustainable City, is a unique project designed to be integrated into an entirely sustainable community, and to meet the highest environmental, social and commercial sustainability standards. As a brand, Hotel Indigo is a direct reflection of its surroundings and in this case, the hotel’s first commitment to its neighbourhood was a net zero energy building where solar power will meet 100% of the hotel’s energy needs."

Mr Gauvin added that by opening the world’s first solar powered hotel it might encourage more hotels around the world to follow and even create a potential trend in solar energy. The Indigo-branded hotel will be a Net Zero energy building, which means it will be 100 per cent powered by solar energy. It will also have a solar powered shuttle bus that will transport guests to downtown Dubai.

Once completed, the Sustainable City complex in Dubai will have private residences, a green school, a green field with vegetables and herbs, a community centre, an equestrian centre, and solar covered parking areas. There will also be a Planetarium and a grass Amphitheatre for events. Home to 2,700 residents, the development will generate 10MW of solar power at peak times, and it will connect solar panels to the electricity grid.

The Hotel Indigo is a lifestyle boutique brand that takes its design influences from the surroundings of the property. Each hotel is inspired by the local food, art, culture and people in its location. This is the second Hotel Indigo scheduled to open in Dubai after the Hotel Indigo Dubai Business Bay. The Hotel Indigo Riyadh King Abdullah Financial District in Saudi Arabia is scheduled to open this year.

The InterContinental Hotels Group has more than 80 hotels in destinations in the Middle East, and 18 hotels in the United Arab Emirate. The properties operate under five brands including Crowne Plaza, InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites.