Sharjah hotel transforms food waste into water with innovative recycling system

Resort converts kitchen waste into irrigation water, setting a new sustainability benchmark.

Sharjah: Coral Beach Resort Sharjah has become the first hotel in the emirate to install and operate a biodigester, introducing a system that converts food waste into reusable water while cutting landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions, in line with Sharjah’s sustainable tourism objectives.

The newly installed biodigester treats organic kitchen waste on-site using natural microorganisms and oxygen, converting it into nutrient-rich greywater instead of sending it to landfill. By processing waste at the source, the system helps reduce methane emissions generated by decomposing organic matter and lowers the carbon footprint associated with transporting food waste.

Greywater for irrigation

The recycled greywater is used to irrigate the resort’s landscaped gardens and green areas, creating a circular system that turns kitchen waste into a useful resource while supporting water conservation.

The initiative is part of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority’s Food Waste Carbon Pilot Implementation, a programme designed to reduce food waste and minimise the environmental footprint of the hospitality sector.

The latest initiative forms part of the resort’s wider sustainability strategy, which includes the Northern Emirates’ first on-site water bottling facility to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles, the Coralganic organic garden, energy and water efficiency programmes, and multiple waste reduction efforts.

Creating lasting value

“I am proud that Coral Beach Resort Sharjah has become the first hotel in Sharjah to commission and operate this innovative biodigester technology,” said Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah.

“This goes beyond installing new equipment; it represents the successful implementation of a practical sustainability solution that is already delivering measurable results. Sustainability is at the core of our operations, and we remain committed to adopting technologies that reduce our environmental impact while creating long-term value for our guests, our community and future generations,” Hamdani said.

The resort’s sustainability initiatives have previously been recognised through the Sustain Sharjah Award at the Sharjah International Travel & Tourism Forum Awards 2025, presented by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.

With the biodigester now fully operational, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah is establishing a new benchmark for sustainable hospitality practices in the emirate, demonstrating how innovative waste management solutions can contribute to environmental protection and responsible tourism growth.