Index IntroductionEfforts towards establishing ecotourism in DubaiHow has ecotourism brought positive benefits to the environment?Challenges Dubai faces in achieving ecotourismConclusions and recommendationsIntroductionEcotourism is a type of responsible tourism that focuses on natural environments with the goal of observing wildlife and supporting conservation efforts. It is essential to highlight the main advantages of ecotourism; first of all, contribute to the conservation of natural environments, empowering and protecting both economically and socially the communities that live near tourist attraction sites. Furthermore, ecotourism also seeks to impart knowledge to travelers on how they can reduce the impact they have on the environment. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Ecotourism is crucial to the tourism industry of the United Arab Emirates and, in this case, Dubai. In case there is uncontrolled tourism, there is a high probability that damage could be inflicted on natural resources. This is because a lot of pressure is put on the area. For example, uncontrolled tourism puts pressure on various resources and can also force local populations to compete for critical resources such as water. When ecotourism enters the scene, there is a substantial reduction in the destruction of natural resources. This paper identifies the efforts and ways that have been made to ensure ecotourism in Dubai, identifies the benefits of ecotourism to the environment around tourism and identifies the challenges that the city has faced in trying to implement ecotourism. Next, the document provides recommendations on how to incentivize ecotourism. Efforts towards the creation of ecotourism in Dubai As mentioned above, ecotourism is central to the tourism industry of the United Arab Emirates and in this case, Dubai, a city that is one of the largest cosmopolitan tourism centers in the world (Ryan & Stewart, 2009). In case there is uncontrolled tourism, there is a high probability that damage may be inflicted on natural resources. The first effort that has been made towards the creation of ecotourism in Dubai means the creation of a sustainable environment. Initially, the vast lands of Dubai and its surroundings were deserts with high temperatures and salty water. Dubai is located in the United Arab Emirates, which is home to one of the world's largest ecological phenomena: the desert commonly known as the Arabian Desert. It is fair to admit that the desert is not really a sustainable place to embark on the construction of large cities, but cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai have changed this narrative. Previously these cities were characterized by high temperatures and saline water. But at the moment, all parts of the cities have air conditioning. Furthermore, water desalination plants have been introduced and plants have been planted throughout the city. Therefore, the first effort made towards creating an eco-friendly tourism environment is the commitment to the sustainability of cities that once had no hope. Construction projects in Dubai are materially financed from other unsustainable parts, such as deserts, to avoid overburdening the environment. Dubai is a city full of rugged constructions and this means that the environment has been overburdened with its resources, most of Dubai's major projects are roads, shopping malls, golf courses, hotels, skyscrapers, real estate, entertainment complexes such as stadiums and all the other massive infrastructure projects that rob the environment of sand and soil. AfterHaving realized that this could have harmful effects on the environment, stakeholders put in place efforts to preserve the future environment. Dubai, for example, is the only city in the world to have artificial islands. The most amazing thing about artificial islands is that the materials used to make them were obtained from the desert. These materials; sand and earth were obtained far from unsustainable regions to avoid overburdening the city's surroundings. This directly contributed to the creation of ecotourism, although this topic was met with deep criticism that even the areas that were robbed of building resources did not deserve it. Another effort made to ensure ecotourism is to encourage outdoor activities that are eco-friendly. Dubai is a well-known city across the world and most people go there to have fun during their holidays. Some of the eco-friendly outdoor activities encouraged in Dubai are; hiking, scuba diving, Hajar Mountains treks, traditional desert safaris and bird watching activities. These devices support efforts that promote ecotourism. Furthermore, tourists are strongly encouraged to enjoy the ecological deserts. The business community has also been influential in contributing to efforts that encourage ecotourism by engaging in eco-friendly activities. A good example of such companies is Hajar safaris which promote eco tours. How has ecotourism brought positive benefits to the environment? Bearing in mind that ecotourism is central to the UAE's and, in this case, Dubai's tourism industry, it is crucial to determine the ways in which ecotourism directly benefits Dubai residents and its environments. In the event that uncontrolled tourism occurs, there is a high probability that damage may be inflicted on natural resources (Henderson, 2006). But it is also crucial to know the benefits that accrue after embracing ecotourism. The first advantage is that the locals were able to get a favorable environment. Although most of Dubai's tourist attraction sites are man-made, the locals have benefited positively in various ways due to the efforts put in place by agencies lobbying for ecotourism. Locals were able to find work (Dutt & Ninov, 2016). The environment, the most important aspect to overlook when talking about ecotourism. The environment has been protected and preserved. The air was purified by using air conditioners and installing water desalination plants which eliminated the salt water problem, making it better than it was initially. Simply put, ecotourism has brought positive benefits to Dubai's environment by contributing towards the conservation of natural environments, empowering and protecting communities living near tourist attraction sites both economically and socially. Furthermore, ecotourism also seeks to impart knowledge to travelers on how they can reduce the impact they have on the environment. The challenges Dubai faces in achieving ecotourism Achieving ecotourism in Dubai has been no mean feat. Despite the substantial progress made in trying to achieve it. First, Dubai receives a huge number of visitors from all over the world every day, which contradicts the narrative of their efforts to achieve an eco-friendly environment. Dubai witnesses mass pollution caused by the large number of cars passing through the city's streets. Another challenge Dubai faces is the problem of mass construction. Dubai is an ever-expanding city hungry for new buildings and other infrastructure. These developments, however, imply that the environment will.