The UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism and Expo City Dubai have launched the nation’s first Green Innovation District, a landmark initiative set to redefine industrial development by seamlessly integrating economic growth with environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
The new Green Innovation District, set up in collaboration with four strategic partners, will serve as a powerful catalyst for sustainable industrial growth, attracting global businesses to the UAE and actively accelerating the nation’s ambitious economic diversification and climate action goals, as set out in the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, Centennial 2071 Plan and National Investment Strategy 2031.
Expo City Dubai, with its sustainable infrastructure, award-winning free zone, and goal of net zero by 2050, is the ideal location for the Green Innovation District. Strategically positioned between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it connects Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, enhancing global trade efficiency.
Under the Strategic Master Agreement with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Intesa Sanpaolo will serve as a strategic partner in developing the district. The Eurozone’s leading banking group and the only Italian bank operating in the UAE, Intesa Sanpaolo has committed over $15.2 billion (€14 billion) globally to circular economy projects that transform sustainability into long-term growth.
Nestlé, the world’s largest food and beverage company, will play a key role in the Green Innovation District by sharing expertise and technical knowledge. With a strong legacy in research and innovation, the company will help drive sustainable industrial growth, advance circular economy solutions, and support the UAE’s green transition.
Majra, the UAE’s National Corporate Social Responsibility Fund, will attract environmental projects and innovative enterprises to the district through initiatives such as the Sustainable Impact Challenge and Future 100, creating a platform for sustainable innovation and responsible investment.
Dubai-based manufacturer Palmade, known for transforming discarded date palm leaves into biodegradable products, will establish a new facility at Expo City Dubai. The expansion will scale production, strengthen research and development, and introduce new sustainable product lines that advance circular innovation in the UAE.
HE Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri UAE Minister – Economy and Tourism
“The launch of the UAE’s first Green Innovation District at Expo City Dubai marks a major milestone in advancing the nation’s long-term economic and climate ambitions. Designed to serve as a powerful catalyst for sustainable economic growth, the District will provide an incubative environment for enterprises and startups driving the UAE’s green economy and circular economy transition, creating a sustainable environment that supports long-term, comprehensive economic and social development. He added, “Businesses operating within the District will also benefit from the Green Intellectual Property (IP) roadmap launched by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, which aims to foster innovation, accelerate technology localization and support the development of new projects in the new economy, environmental sustainability, and the circular economy.”
The minister emphasized that, “The Green Innovation District initiative will enhance the UAE’s attractiveness as a destination for green and sustainable innovations and investments, in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. Together with Expo City Dubai, we are forging an ecosystem where economic prosperity and environmental responsibility are inextricably linked, developing sustainable solutions in the fields of clean energy and green electricity, including generating electricity from renewable sources such as solar, water, and wind. This initiative will support the country’s national goals in achieving net zero while also setting new benchmarks for green industrial development, becoming a flagship model for the Global South.”
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, stated that, “The Green Innovation District builds on Expo City Dubai’s myriad of sustainability credentials to cultivate an interconnected community operating on a circular economy model. It speaks to our core purpose, to drive meaningful change that maximizes our environmental, social and economic impact, and will become a highly attractive destination for eco-conscious businesses worldwide, solidifying the UAE’s position as a global leader in green economic development, investing in local skills and contributing significantly to both national prosperity and global climate action.”
Image credits: Expo City Dubai | Cropped by GBN
Dr Maria Hanif Al Qassim, Assistant Under-Secretary for Policies and Economic Studies Sector, Ministry of Economy and Tourism, noted that, “The Green Innovation District is a collective endeavor uniting entities committed to advancing the green economy, empowering SMEs, and accelerating circular and sustainable innovation. It reflects a shared commitment, nationally and internationally, to fostering responsible investment, enabling green entrepreneurship, and driving climate action. Central to this vision is the promotion of green intellectual property and technologies that translate innovation into tangible environmental and economic impact.”
Sanjive Khosla, Vice President, Corporate Strategy at Expo City Dubai, said that, “The success of the Green Innovation District will hinge on collaboration among all stakeholders to maximise the benefits of shared infrastructure and symbiotic, sustainable relationships. We’re delighted to launch this initiative with four outstanding strategic partners and are looking forward to welcoming many new entities as we expand the green innovation community.”
Green Innovation District to foster circular economy businesses
Expo City Dubai has launched the Green Innovation District to foster circular economy businesses, urban farming, and sustainable enterprises. The district will offer flexible office, retail, and F&B spaces, as well as light industrial units and farm plots. As part of its award-winning free zone, Expo City will introduce the UAE’s first Green Licence to attract sustainability-driven companies and stimulate innovation. The Ministry of Economy will also establish an IP Office at Expo City to advance research, strengthen competitiveness, and bolster the UAE’s sustainable business ecosystem.
Sustainable urban legacy and future vision
Expo City Dubai, a model for sustainable urban development, builds on its legacy from Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28 as a global hub for innovation and collaboration. Its master plan is pre-certified Platinum under the LEED Cities and Communities standard, with all buildings required to achieve at least LEED Gold. The city also holds WELL Community pre-certification, targeting WELL Gold, and maintains an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM Infrastructure rating across its projects.
Image credits: Expo City Dubai | Cropped by GBN
Recognized for its sustainability leadership, Expo City features ISO 20121:2024-certified venues and will host the Green Investopia conference in 2026. The event, part of the Ministry’s Investopia series, will focus on green investment and sustainable growth, further strengthening Expo City’s role as an international center for environmental advancement.
Its LEED Platinum-certified Terra building, net zero for energy and water, anchors biodiversity initiatives, including the world’s first fungi-focused Centre for Species Survival with IUCN SSC and the regional office of Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots. The city also serves as a live testbed for sustainable innovation, attracting companies like ENGIE, Siemens Energy, Nestlé, DS Energy, Carbon Assurance, Carbon Standard, and DNV focused on clean energy and decarbonization.
The Green Innovation District was announced at the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum at Expo City Dubai, which brought together leaders from over 350 cities to showcase major projects driving trade, investment, and sustainable urban growth.
