The Expo Green Licence, situated within Expo City Dubai’s Green Innovation District, is a collaborative effort with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism. This initiative aims to attract businesses focused on sustainability, clean technology, and innovative solutions for a circular economy.

Comprehensive Support Package

Companies that qualify for the Expo Green Licence can benefit from a support package exceeding Dh400,000. This package includes discounted setup costs, sustainability consulting services, promotional assistance, opportunities for engagement, and collaboration avenues. Furthermore, licence holders gain the chance to participate in various local and international business missions organized by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. They also have the opportunity to collaborate with MAJRA, the UAE’s national platform aimed at fostering sustainability-driven businesses.

The initiative is designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes and sectors, provided they demonstrate environmental, social, and governance credentials. Verification can be achieved through recognized certifications, documented performance histories, or an evidence-based evaluation process.

First Cohort of Innovative Companies

The inaugural recipients of the Expo Green Licence include pioneering firms such as AirJoule, which specializes in atmospheric water harvesting technology, and Dubai’s own WAT (We Are Tech), known for its eco-friendly disposal, recycling, refurbishing, and repurposing of electronic and IT equipment while safeguarding sensitive data. Also among the initial licensees is Polygreen, which is focused on circular economy solutions centered on recycling and waste management.

Additional recipients include Carbon Assurance, Carbon Standard, and RBT Collective, all of which have established connections with Expo City Dubai. Notably, RBT Collective collaborates on Terrazo, a food rescue initiative within Expo City. Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, emphasized the significance of these pioneering organizations in shaping a collaborative and solutions-driven ecosystem to support the UAE’s net-zero and economic diversification goals.

Opportunities for Small Enterprises

The Expo Green Licence offers two pathways for qualification. Established businesses with recognized ESG ratings or equivalent credentials can qualify directly and easily. Meanwhile, smaller or emerging firms can be assessed through Expo City’s evidence-based methodology, as long as their products or services are linked to sustainable climate action, energy and water efficiency, or circular economy principles.

Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, noted that this licence is vital for fostering innovation and supporting the growth of green businesses in the UAE. The organisations receiving the licence today are considered frontrunners in the evolution of the Green Innovation District, which aims to support the UAE’s ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. This vision seeks to diversify the national economy and accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy sources.

Intellectual Property Support for Sustainability

Holders of the Expo Green Licence are also expected to gain access to the Green Majlis, an expert forum designed to facilitate discussions and actions around sustainable solutions. In addition, they will benefit from streamlined access to intellectual property (IP) support through the planned Green IP office by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. This office, once established, aims to protect sustainable innovations, expedite patent registrations, promote technology localization, and drive projects related to the green and circular economy.

The Expo Green Licence not only represents a stepping stone for innovative companies but also a commitment to enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness in the fields of sustainability and environmental innovation. As more businesses embrace this initiative, they will contribute to a shared vision of sustainable growth and economic diversification for future generations.