UAE ministers on Tuesday announced the creation of a Green Innovation District at Expo City Dubai, a new initiative aimed at positioning sustainability at the centre of the country’s economic development.
The project introduces a “green licence” offering incentives such as discounts on commercial spaces to businesses focused on sustainable practices. Companies involved in renewable energy, green manufacturing, sustainable mobility, packaging and eco-friendly products will be eligible.
Abdulla bin Touq, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, unveiled the initiative during the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum at Expo City.
Eco-friendly manufacturing units, farming plots and clean energy investors are expected to form the backbone of the district. The zone, supported by European bank Intesa Sanpaolo and the UAE’s corporate social responsibility fund Majra, will be located at the boundary of Expo City
Food industry giant Nestle will relocate its Middle East operations to the district, while Emirati firm Palmade, which produces cutlery from date palm leaves, will also move there.
Mr bin Touq said the new hub merges the UAE’s economic and environmental goals.
“The district will be more than a collection of buildings, it will be an ecosystem for collaboration and discovery”, he said.
"It will also work for international companies seeking a trusted and future-ready base for regional operations".
He added that the initiative would connect academia, investors, SMEs and research centres.
“The Green Innovation District is a national milestone in our long-term strategy for sustainable growth and reflects the vision of our leadership to place sustainability at its core economic planning”, he said.
Ms Al Hashimy, who also heads the Expo City Dubai Authority, said the area would serve as a federal hub where “business and the environment would thrive".
“We are also very proud to announce the UAE's first green licence, providing a host of benefits for eco-conscious businesses and an on-site green intellectual property office, which will attract innovative enterprises from across the globe”, she said.
The former Expo 2020 site has been redeveloped into a mixed-use area of residential, commercial and entertainment zones, now serving as a home for companies advancing green solutions and decarbonisation efforts.
“Expo City Dubai, a city-wide test bed for nature-first innovation, is the natural home for this groundbreaking initiative”, Ms Al Hashimy said.
Marjan Faraidooni, Expo City’s education and culture chief, said the community design ensures accessibility.
“We've developed experience in sustainability so we can help businesses elevate standards around wellness, inclusion and support them to get certifications. It’s all part of being in this community", said Faraidooni.
“Our green licence provides an additional incentive for anybody interested to come in and get some discounts on commercial spaces, on their businesses", Faraidooni added.