The Ministry of Economy and Tourism and Expo City Dubai have launched the UAE’s first Green Innovation District
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET) and Expo City Dubai have announced the launch of the UAE’s first Green Innovation District, a landmark initiative that integrates economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility to redefine the future of industrial development.
Developed in collaboration with four strategic partners — Intesa Sanpaolo, Nestlé, Majra (the UAE’s National CSR Fund), and Palmade — the District aims to become a global hub for sustainable industries and a model for green development in the Global South.
Strategically located at Expo City Dubai, the Green Innovation District will provide an enabling ecosystem for businesses focused on clean energy, the circular economy, and green technology, supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, Centennial 2071 Plan, and National Investment Strategy 2031.
A New Era of Sustainable Industrial Development
H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the launch marks a defining step in advancing the UAE’s long-term economic and climate goals.
“The Green Innovation District at Expo City Dubai will serve as a powerful catalyst for sustainable economic growth, providing an incubative environment for enterprises and startups driving the UAE’s green and circular economy transition,” he said.
“Together with Expo City Dubai, we are forging an ecosystem where economic prosperity and environmental responsibility are inextricably linked — setting new benchmarks for green industrial development and innovation.”
He added that businesses operating in the District will benefit from the Green Intellectual Property (IP) Roadmap, which supports innovation, technology localisation, and sustainable enterprise growth in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.
Expo City Dubai: A Model for Green Growth
H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, said the initiative builds on Expo City’s global sustainability legacy.
“The Green Innovation District cultivates an interconnected community operating on a circular economy model,” she said. “It reflects our core purpose — to drive meaningful change that maximises environmental, social and economic impact, solidifying the UAE’s position as a global leader in green development.”
Expo City’s sustainability credentials make it an ideal base for the District: its master plan is LEED Platinum pre-certified, with all buildings meeting LEED Gold as a minimum standard, and it holds BREEAM Excellent and WELL Community pre-certifications.
As part of the initiative, Expo City will also introduce the UAE’s first Green Licence — a specialised permit designed to attract businesses committed to environmental and social sustainability — and the Ministry of Economy will establish an IP Office on-site to promote research and innovation.
Strategic Partners Fuel the Green Transition
- Intesa Sanpaolo, one of Europe’s largest banking groups, will serve as a strategic financial partner, leveraging its experience in circular economy finance, having disbursed more than €14 billion in global sustainability projects.
- Nestlé will contribute expertise in sustainable production and innovation, helping to advance circular economy solutions.
- Majra, the UAE’s National CSR Fund, will direct environmental projects and responsible enterprises to the District through initiatives such as the ‘Sustainable Impact Challenge’ and ‘Future 100’.
- Palmade, a homegrown UAE manufacturer that converts discarded date palm leaves into biodegradable products, will scale its operations at the District, driving circular innovation and local manufacturing.
Dr Maria Hanif Al Qassim, Assistant Under-Secretary for Policies and Economic Studies, MoET, said the initiative “unites entities committed to advancing the green economy, empowering SMEs, and translating innovation into tangible environmental and economic impact.”
Sanjive Khosla, Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Expo City Dubai, added,
“The success of the Green Innovation District depends on strong collaboration among all partners to maximise shared infrastructure and sustainable synergies.”
A Global Blueprint for Sustainability
The District will feature flexible office, retail and light industrial spaces, urban farming plots, and F&B concepts catering to green and circular businesses. It will also host ‘Green Investopia’ in 2026 — a new conference series under the Ministry of Economy’s Investopia platform, focused on sustainable finance and green investment.
With major sustainability-focused companies such as ENGIE, Siemens Energy, DNV, and Carbon Standard already based in Expo City, the Green Innovation District reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation, clean technology, and sustainable urban development.
