The UAE will get its first Green Innovation District that will redefine industrial development by integrating economic growth with environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET) and Expo City Dubai are coming together for the initiative, which is in collaboration with four strategic partners – INTESA Sanpaolo, Nestle, Majra and Palmade.
The Green Innovation District is expected to serve as a powerful catalyst for sustainable industrial growth, attracting global businesses to the UAE and actively accelerating the nation’s economic diversification and climate action goals.
Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, commented: “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.
“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.
“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 localisation and support the development of new projects in the new economy, environmental sustainability, and the circular economy.
“Together with Expo City Dubai, we are forging an ecosystem where economic prosperity and environmental responsibility are inextricably linked and developing sustainable solutions in the fields of clean energy and green electricity. This initiative will set new benchmarks for green industrial development, becoming a flagship model for the Global South.”
Expo City, the ideal location
Expo City Dubai is seen as the ideal location, with its ready-built sustainable infrastructure, world-class free zone and a legacy of driving sustainable, innovative progress. It’s location – mid-way between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and on a critical logistics link that connects Jebel Ali Port with Al Maktoum International Airport – is equally important.
Expo City’s master plan is pre-certified Platinum – the highest possible rating – in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Cities and Communities standard, while LEED Gold will continue to be a minimum requirement for all buildings. The plan has also achieved pre-certification for WELL Community – a standard that emphasises health and wellbeing – and is targeting WELL Gold.
In addition, Expo City’s city-wide testbed provides a real urban environment to trial and scale nature-first ideas with global impact, creating competitive advantages for businesses by boosting resource efficiency and supporting innovation and collaboration. Many companies focused on clean energy and decarbonisation – including ENGIE, Siemens Energy, Nestlé, DS Energy, Carbon Assurance, Carbon Standard and DNV – have already established operations in the city.
Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, added: “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 maximises our environmental, social and economic impact – and will become a highly attractive destination for eco-conscious businesses worldwide and contribute significantly to both national prosperity and global climate action.”
Global collaboration
Intesa Sanpaolo – one of the largest banking groups in the Eurozone and the only Italian bank with a presence in the UAE – will be a strategic partner in developing the Green Innovation District. It is a pioneer in circular economy finance, with more than EUR14 billion already disbursed at the global level.
Nestlé, the world’s largest food and beverage company, will support through the transfer of knowledge and technical expertise. Building on its global legacy in research, development and innovation, the company will contribute to the District’s mission of fostering sustainable industrial growth, advancing circular economy solutions and driving the UAE’s green transition.
Majra, the UAE’s National Corporate Social Responsibility Fund, will help direct environmental projects and innovative enterprises to set up at the District through its initiatives. Palmade, a Dubai manufacturer transforming locally discarded date palm leaves into high-quality biodegradable products, is the fourth partner.
Aiming to yield significant reductions in carbon emissions and waste, the Green Innovation District will cater to businesses involved in the circular economy, urban farming or offering sustainable products and services. It will offer flexible office, retail and F&B space as well as several light industrial unit and farm plots.
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