Expo City Dubai is making strides towards sustainability by awarding its inaugural ‘Green Licences’ to six enterprises. This initiative includes a diverse mix of small social ventures and established multinational companies, all aligned under the vision of fostering a Green Innovation District.

Creating a Sustainable Innovation Hub

The Green Innovation District is the result of a collaboration between Expo City and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. Its primary objective is to unify businesses that are committed to sustainable innovation, thereby amplifying their environmental and economic impacts. By pooling resources and encouraging collaboration, the District aims to create a thriving ecosystem for green initiatives.

The newly established licence will empower these sustainable enterprises to set up, innovate, and expand by leveraging Expo City’s already developed infrastructure and testing facilities. This enables them to achieve quantifiable results in areas such as environmental stewardship and efficiency.

Eligibility and Support for Sustainable Businesses

Licensed small and medium enterprises are required to focus on scalable solutions related to climate action, energy conservation, and circular economy principles. Each applicant undergoes a thorough evaluation by Expo City’s sustainability experts to confirm their eligibility and ensure alignment with the District’s goals.

In addition to the licence, businesses receive a robust support package valued at over AED 400,000. This includes reduced setup costs, various sustainability services, marketing assistance, and opportunities for collaboration with other Green Licence-holders.

Particularly noteworthy is the invitation for licence holders to engage in the Green Majlis—an expert forum designed to facilitate dialogues on sustainable solutions. This platform aims to further develop responsible business practices and foster valuable networking opportunities in the field of environmental sustainability.

Accelerated Access to Resources and Networking

Green Licence-holders will also benefit from expedited access to intellectual property (IP) support through the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s dedicated Green IP office. This initiative is set to aid in the protection of sustainable innovations, streamline patent registrations, localize technologies, and propel the development of green and circular economy projects.

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, expressed pride in advancing the District’s mission as they grant these pioneering organisations their first green licences. “These businesses now form a collaborative ecosystem that supports the UAE’s ambitions for net-zero emissions and economic diversification, thereby contributing to a sustainable future for all,” she stated.

Pioneering Companies Leading the Charge

The companies that have received the Green Licence include a mix of innovators and sustainability-focused ventures. Notable recipients are:

1. AirJoule: A tech firm specializing in atmospheric water harvesting solutions.
2. WAT (We Are Tech): An e-waste management company dedicated to responsible recycling and refurbishing of electronics.
3. Polygreen: A leader in the circular economy promoting recycling and waste management solutions.
4. Carbon Assurance: Accredited by the Emirates International Accreditation Centre for greenhouse gas validation and verification.
5. Carbon Standard: Assists governments and organizations in setting, measuring, and reporting sustainability targets.
6. RBT Collective: Partners with communities to enhance food systems and reduce waste.

Through initiatives like these, Expo City Dubai aims to inspire a shift toward environmentally sustainable practices across various industries, paving the way for innovative solutions that benefit both business and society.