Expo City Dubai has awarded the UAE’s first Expo Green Licences to six sustainability-focused businesses, marking a major milestone in the development of the country’s first Green Innovation District. Developed in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the initiative supports environmentally responsible companies through licensing, business incentives, sustainability services, and innovation support while advancing the UAE’s net-zero and economic diversification goals.
Key Overview
- Expo City Dubai has issued the UAE’s first Expo Green Licences to six sustainability-focused businesses.
- The initiative supports the development of the UAE’s first Green Innovation District.
- The licence is offered in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism.
- Eligible companies receive benefits valued at more than AED 400,000.
- The programme supports businesses with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials.
- Licence holders gain access to sustainability services, investment support, innovation networks, and intellectual property assistance.
Green Licence Supports Sustainable Business Growth
Expo City Dubai has awarded the UAE’s first Expo Green Licences to six pioneering organisations, marking a significant step in developing the country’s first Green Innovation District and strengthening the UAE’s position as a regional hub for sustainable innovation.
Developed jointly by Expo City Dubai and the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the Expo Green Licence is designed to support businesses whose operations deliver measurable environmental, social, and economic impact. The initiative aims to attract, enable, and scale companies that contribute to climate action, circular economy solutions, resource efficiency, and sustainable development.
The first six licence recipients represent a diverse range of sustainability sectors, from climate technology and greenhouse gas verification to circular economy and electronic waste management, demonstrating the broad scope of green innovation being supported within the district.
First Cohort Represents Diverse Green Industries
The inaugural licence holders include AirJoule, a climate technology company specialising in atmospheric water harvesting systems, and WAT (We Are Tech), a Dubai-based business focused on secure electronic waste recycling and IT equipment refurbishment.
They are joined by Polygreen, a global circular economy company, Carbon Assurance, the first UAE-established organisation accredited by the Emirates International Accreditation Centre for greenhouse gas validation and verification, Carbon Standard, which supports organisations in developing sustainability targets and emissions reduction strategies, and RBT Collective, a partner in Expo City’s Terrazzo food rescue programme focused on reducing food waste.
According to Expo City Dubai, these organisations form the first group within a growing pipeline of local and international businesses expected to join the Green Innovation District.
Licence Creates New Benchmark for ESG Businesses
Unlike traditional commercial licences, the Expo Green Licence introduces a sustainability-focused qualification framework.
Established organisations with recognised ESG certifications or sustainability ratings qualify directly, while smaller businesses undergo an assessment by Expo City’s sustainability experts. The evaluation considers each company’s contribution to areas including climate action, renewable energy, water efficiency, sustainability technologies, and circular economy solutions.
This approach is intended to ensure that businesses operating within the Green Innovation District demonstrate genuine environmental and social impact while fostering collaboration among organisations pursuing similar sustainability objectives.
Support Package Exceeds AED 400,000
Licence holders receive a comprehensive package of incentives valued at more than AED 400,000, designed to accelerate business growth and innovation.
The benefits include discounted business setup fees, sustainability advisory services, promotional support, participation in international trade and investment missions organised through the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, and collaboration opportunities with MAJRA.
Companies also become members of the Green Majlis, a platform that brings together business leaders, policymakers, researchers, and sustainability experts to exchange ideas and develop practical environmental solutions.
In addition, businesses receive fast-track access to intellectual property support through the Ministry’s upcoming Green IP Office, helping innovators protect and commercialise new sustainable technologies more efficiently.
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Supporting the UAE’s Net-Zero Vision
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chief Executive Officer of Expo City Dubai Authority, said supporting sustainability-focused businesses is central to the Green Innovation District’s mission.
She noted that the newly licensed organisations form part of a collaborative ecosystem that will contribute to the UAE’s net-zero ambitions while strengthening economic diversification and environmental innovation.
His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the UAE Circular Economy Council, said the Green Licence supports the country’s transition toward a circular economy while encouraging innovation and strengthening the competitiveness of sustainable industries.
He added that the initiative aligns with the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision by supporting clean energy, sustainable business growth, and economic diversification.
Growing Importance of Green Innovation Districts
Green innovation districts are becoming increasingly important as governments seek to accelerate climate action while attracting investment into sustainable industries.
By bringing together climate technology companies, circular economy businesses, ESG specialists, and environmental innovators within a collaborative ecosystem, these districts help accelerate the commercialisation of green technologies, strengthen partnerships, and create new opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
The Expo Green Licence also reflects a broader shift toward recognising ESG performance as an important factor in business development, investment attraction, and international competitiveness.
Outlook
The launch of the UAE’s first Expo Green Licences marks an important milestone in strengthening the country’s sustainable business ecosystem. As more organisations qualify for the programme, the Green Innovation District is expected to become a leading platform for climate technology, circular economy solutions, and ESG-driven enterprises. By combining licensing support, sustainability services, innovation networks, and government collaboration, the initiative is well positioned to accelerate green business growth while supporting the UAE’s long-term net-zero and economic diversification ambitions.
FAQs
1. What is the Expo Green Licence?
The Expo Green Licence is a sustainability-focused business licence introduced by Expo City Dubai to support organisations with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials.
2. Who received the first Expo Green Licences?
The first six recipients are AirJoule, WAT (We Are Tech), Polygreen, Carbon Assurance, Carbon Standard, and RBT Collective.
3. What benefits do Green Licence holders receive?
Licence holders receive benefits worth more than AED 400,000, including discounted setup costs, sustainability services, promotion support, Green Majlis membership, and intellectual property assistance.
4. How does the initiative support the UAE’s sustainability goals?
The programme encourages sustainable business growth, promotes innovation, supports ESG-focused companies, and contributes to the UAE’s net-zero emissions and economic diversification objectives.
Sources: Zawya, Gulf Digital News, SolarQuarter, Dubai Eye 103.8, MSN
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