In a strategic move towards enhancing its sustainability efforts, Radisson Hotel Group has appointed Neeraja Rahul to spearhead Responsible Business Initiatives across multiple markets in the Middle East, including the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, and Qatar. Rahul’s leadership will be pivotal in driving the group’s ambitious journey towards achieving Net Zero by 2050, aligning with its ‘Think People, Planet, and Community’ focus.

Neeraja Rahul’s new role complements her current position as Chief Engineer at Radisson RED, Dubai Silicon Oasis, underscoring the group’s commitment to sustainability and female empowerment. Within the Responsible Business Team, Rahul will play a crucial role in enhancing initiatives related to sustainability, community engagement, and ethical business practices. Notably, Rahul holds the distinction of being the first female Chief Engineer for Radisson Hotel Group in the Middle East, a testament to her dedication and expertise in the field.

As the Group charts its course for 2024, Rahul will lead a diverse range of initiatives, including Iftar for delivery for drivers, Earth Hour activities, community action month events, and sustainability verification efforts across all hotels. Moreover, she will actively support hotels in obtaining eco-labelling certifications and promote participation in initiatives such as towel reuse programs and green housekeeping initiatives through partnerships like Just a Drop.

These innovative strategies are poised to advance Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to becoming Net Zero by 2050. The Group will pilot efforts in adopting green building practices, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainable operations to reduce its carbon footprint and align with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Jan Hanak, Managing Director, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Egypt Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Radisson Hotel Group’s long tradition of being a responsible business, with its first environmental policy defined in 1989, the responsible business coordinator role is vital. Neraaja’s background in engineering brings invaluable technical expertise and problem-solving skills to the role, enabling her to implement sustainable practices and initiatives effectively.’’

In addition to internal initiatives, Radisson Hotel Group extends its sustainability pledge to its guests, offering sustainable value propositions such as 100% carbon-neutral meetings and expanding EV charging networks globally. Over the past decade, the Group has already reduced its average energy and water footprint by 30% and aims to further reduce its carbon footprint by 30% over the next 5 years, with the ultimate goal of halving it by 2030. This commitment includes minimizing natural resource consumption, increasing renewable energy usage, and phasing out single-use plastics to foster a more sustainable future for all stakeholders.