Expo City Dubai achieves world’s highest sustainable tourism certification
Certification reinforces UAE’s commitment to responsible and green tourism growth
DUBAI – The Expo City Dubai has reached a landmark achievement, becoming a Certified Sustainable Destination under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) ahead of the inaugural Sustainable Destinations Forum later this month.
The city now holds the highest level of sustainable tourism certification available worldwide, underscoring the UAE’s growing reputation for embedding sustainability into the heart of its tourism industry.
As the first city in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to receive the full GSTC-level certification, Expo City met the stringent criteria of the Green Destinations Standard. These criteria span multiple dimensions including tourism destination management, environmental protection, climate responsibility, cultural preservation, social wellbeing and sustainable governance. The certification demonstrates Expo City’s commitment to integrating environmental, social and economic sustainability across all its developments and operations.
The official GSTC certificate will be awarded during the first-ever Sustainable Destinations Forum, taking place at Expo City Dubai from 28 to 29 October. The forum is co-hosted with Green Destinations – a GSTC-accredited certification body – and held in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The event is expected to bring together global leaders and innovators shaping the future of sustainable travel.
Commitment to responsible tourism
Dr Maria Hanif Alqassim, Assistant Undersecretary of Policies and Economic Studies Sector at the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, said that sustainability lies at the core of the country’s tourism strategy, balancing growth with environmental protection. She noted that the UAE’s tourism policy is designed to expand the sector’s contribution to the national economy while safeguarding climate and natural resources for future generations.
According to Dr Alqassim, the Ministry is working with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and other international partners to integrate sustainability standards into national tourism frameworks. Supported by governance and robust data systems, these efforts have positioned the UAE as a global leader in sustainable tourism, aligning economic growth with environmental stewardship.
“Expo City Dubai exemplifies this vision,” she said, “uniting environmental responsibility with opportunity. We look forward to advancing this ambition globally at the Sustainable Destinations Forum.”
Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education and Culture at Expo City Dubai, added that sustainability is deeply embedded in the city’s DNA. “We are proud to have received the GSTC destination recognition, showing that tourism can and must align with care for our environment and culture,” she said. Faraidooni also emphasised the city’s focus on youth and community engagement to spread environmental awareness and foster learning opportunities.
Sustainability at the core
At the centre of Expo City’s sustainability mission is Terra, the city’s flagship sustainability experience and a living showcase of the principles behind its certification. Terra demonstrates how tourism can drive environmental responsibility through design innovation, education and engagement. It integrates net-zero construction methods, nature-based solutions and interactive exhibits aimed at inspiring visitors to take climate action.
Terra is also home to the world’s first International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Centre for Species Survival dedicated to fungi, as well as the regional office of Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots programme – a youth initiative promoting environmental and humanitarian awareness.
Expo City’s urban planning also reflects its dedication to sustainability and accessibility. Its master plan, centred around people and the environment, ensures seamless navigation and connectivity through a network of green and blue spaces. The city has earned WELL Community pre-certification, becoming the first urban centre in the MENA region to achieve this health and wellbeing standard. In addition, it holds Platinum pre-certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Cities and Communities framework, recognising excellence in economic development and environmental conservation.
Tourism for good
The upcoming Sustainable Destinations Forum will further reinforce Expo City’s leading role in advancing the global sustainable tourism agenda. Set to take place at The Nexus – an ISO 20121:2024-certified venue – the event will gather city and regional leaders, tourism professionals, developers, investors and consultants from around the world.
Speakers will include Wael Al-Rousan, Deputy Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board; Melih Kayacik of the Tourism Directorate, Metropolitan City of Izmir; and Dr Chuwit Mitrchob, Deputy Director General at Thailand’s Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA).
Dubai Business Events, the city’s official convention bureau, is also a destination partner at the Forum. The discussions will focus on sustainable business models in tourism, innovative data applications for sustainability metrics, empowering local leadership, and enhancing visitor experiences through the Good Travel Alliance.
Tickets for the Sustainable Destinations Forum are now available on the official website, offering participants a chance to engage directly with global experts shaping the next era of responsible tourism.