Expo City Dubai Hosts the Nation’s First Sustainability Innovation Cluster
(Source: Al Khaleej Newspaper)
Expo City Dubai has announced the launch of the “Green License,” the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates, designed to attract organizations and enterprises committed to environmental and social sustainability.
This new license offers a range of incentives to enable companies to establish and operate smoothly within Expo City Dubai, furthering its position as a hub for sustainable innovation and responsible business.
The announcement coincided with the launch of the UAE’s first Sustainability Innovation Cluster, a joint initiative between the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and Expo City Dubai, aimed at redefining industrial development by combining economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.
Developed in collaboration with four strategic partners, the cluster will serve as a powerful catalyst for sustainable industrial growth, attracting global companies to the UAE and accelerating progress toward the nation’s ambitious goals of economic diversification and climate action, in line with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy and UAE Centennial 2071.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism also plans to establish an Intellectual Property Office within the cluster to boost research and innovation. Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen the UAE’s competitiveness in attracting innovators and promoting sustainable business practices.
Expo City Dubai: The Ideal Home for Sustainability Ventures
Expo City Dubai offers the ideal ecosystem for launching sustainability-driven projects, particularly those focused on clean energy, circular economy models, and green technologies aimed at reducing carbon footprints and enabling sustainable growth.
The city provides award-winning sustainable infrastructure, operates as a world-class free zone, and is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Strategically located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it serves as a vital logistics corridor linking Jebel Ali Port to Al Maktoum International Airport, enhancing global trade efficiency.
A Key Milestone Toward the UAE’s Economic Vision
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, stated:
“The launch of the Sustainability Innovation Cluster in Expo City Dubai marks an important milestone on our path toward achieving the UAE’s future economic and climate ambitions. It is designed to act as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and a nurturing environment for companies and startups driving the transition to a green and circular economy, fostering long-term economic and social development.”
He added:
“Companies operating within the cluster will also benefit from the Ministry’s new Green Intellectual Property Track, which promotes innovation, accelerates technology localization, and supports the development of projects in the fields of knowledge economy, environmental sustainability, and circular industries.
This initiative will enhance the UAE’s appeal as a destination for green and sustainable investment and innovation, aligning with the vision of We the UAE 2031. Through our collaboration with Expo City Dubai, we aim to build an integrated ecosystem that merges economic prosperity with environmental responsibility, advancing clean energy solutions and renewable power generation from solar, water, and wind sources—paving the way for industrial decarbonization and a new global model for sustainable development.”
Building a Connected Circular Economy Community
Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, said:
“The Sustainability Innovation Cluster builds on Expo City Dubai’s rich legacy in sustainability and its vision to create a connected community operating under a circular economy model. This initiative embodies our mission to drive positive environmental, social, and economic impact.
The cluster will serve as a magnet for global companies committed to sustainability, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading destination for green economic development, local talent investment, and meaningful contribution to national and global climate action.”
Strategic Partners and Global Collaboration
Under a strategic agreement with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Intesa Sanpaolo Bank will support the creation of the Green Innovation Zone within Expo City Dubai. As one of the largest banking groups in the Eurozone and the only Italian bank with a UAE presence, Intesa Sanpaolo has provided over €14 billion globally in circular economy financing, reflecting its commitment to advancing sustainability-driven projects that enable long-term growth. This collaboration represents a key step in advancing the UAE’s agenda for sustainable development, green growth, and innovation.
Nestlé, the world’s largest food and beverage company, will contribute to the newly launched Green Innovation Zone by sharing technical expertise and knowledge. Building on its global legacy in research, development, and innovation, Nestlé will help drive sustainable industrial growth, circular economy solutions, and green transformation efforts across the UAE.
The Majra National CSR Fund will help channel environmental and innovative projects into the Green Innovation Zone through initiatives such as The Sustainable Impact Challenge and Future 100, creating a national platform that combines sustainable innovation, responsible investment, and positive social impact.
Palm Made, a Dubai-based industrial company that transforms palm fronds into high-quality biodegradable products, is also among the strategic partners. By converting this abundant natural resource into sustainable alternatives, Palm Made exemplifies UAE-rooted circular innovation. Its move to a new facility in Expo City Dubai marks a significant step in expanding production, accelerating R&D, and launching new sustainable product lines.
Tangible Environmental Impact
Dr. Maryam Haneefa Al Qassim, Assistant Undersecretary for Economic Policy and Studies at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, commented:
“The Sustainability Innovation Cluster represents a collective effort by entities committed to advancing the green economy, empowering SMEs, and accelerating sustainable and circular innovation. It embodies a shared national and international commitment to responsible investment, green entrepreneurship, and climate action.
At its core lies a focus on strengthening intellectual property and sustainable technologies that translate innovation into tangible environmental and economic impact.”
Collaborative, Circular, and Sustainable Relations
Sanjiv Khosla, Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Expo City Dubai, said:
“The success of the Sustainability Innovation Cluster depends on collaboration among all stakeholders to maximize the benefits of shared infrastructure and foster symbiotic and sustainable relationships.
We are delighted to launch this initiative with four strategic partners and look forward to welcoming many more as the Sustainability Innovation Community expands.”
The cluster aims to reduce carbon emissions and waste, targeting businesses involved in circular economy, urban farming, and sustainable products and services. It will offer dedicated office spaces, retail units, F&B outlets, and light industrial facilities, along with areas for agricultural innovation.
Why Expo City Dubai?
Expo City Dubai was designed as a model for sustainable urban development, renowned for hosting Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28, and continues to serve as a global hub for sustainability innovation and collaboration.
The city’s master plan has achieved preliminary certification under two major global sustainability systems, earning LEED Platinum certification for Cities and Communities—the highest level in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design framework—and WELL Community certification, which focuses on health and wellbeing. The city is also pursuing WELL Gold certification, while maintaining LEED Gold as the minimum standard for all its buildings.
Eight infrastructure projects in Expo City Dubai have already achieved an “Excellent” rating under BREEAM, and the city aims to extend this standard across all infrastructure and public facilities.
A leading destination for international events, Expo City Dubai offers indoor and outdoor venues certified under ISO 20121:2024, underscoring its commitment to the highest sustainability standards. It is set to host the Green Investopia Conference in 2026, focusing on green investment trends and drawing sustainability-driven investors to the UAE — part of the broader Investopia Conference series organized by the Ministry of Economy.
The city’s Terra Pavilion, a LEED Platinum-certified structure, stands as a model of sustainable architecture, designed to be self-sufficient in energy and water, and serves as the city’s biodiversity and environmental education center.
As part of its broader environmental efforts, Expo City Dubai has partnered with the IUCN Species Survival Commission to establish the world’s first Fungal Species Survival Center, and hosts the regional office for the Roots & Shoots program of the Jane Goodall Institute, which promotes youth engagement in environmental awareness, animal welfare, and humanitarian action.
In addition, the city offers an integrated urban ecosystem for testing and developing sustainable concepts with global impact — providing companies with a competitive edge through resource efficiency, innovation, and collaboration.
Several clean energy and low-carbon companies are already operating in the city, including ENGIE, Siemens Energy, Nestlé, DS Energy, Carbon Assurance, Carbon Standard, and DNV.