UAE launches first Green Licence to power a new era of sustainability
New Green Innovation District at Expo City Dubai to nurture climate-focused enterprises
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced its first Green Licence, a landmark move aimed at empowering environmentally conscious businesses and advancing the country’s sustainability agenda.
Announced during the launch of the UAE’s first Green Innovation District at Expo City Dubai, the initiative strengthens the country’s growing role as a global hub for sustainable development, circular economy solutions, and green innovation.
Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, announced the new framework, describing it as “a host of benefits for eco-conscious businesses” and part of a wider effort to create “a vibrant living ecosystem where economic opportunity and ecological responsibility flourish side by side.”
The unveiling of the Green Licence marks a pivotal step in the UAE’s green transition journey, aligning with national strategies for decarbonisation and the Net Zero 2050 goals.
What is the Green Licence?
The Green Licence provides a dedicated regulatory and operational framework for sustainability-led businesses. It offers incentives and streamlined access to resources for enterprises working in clean energy, green manufacturing, circular economy, and sustainable agriculture.
Among its key features is an on-site Green Intellectual Property Office, designed to support innovative enterprises by protecting eco-driven inventions and technologies. The licence aims to attract global firms seeking to trial and scale sustainability solutions within the UAE’s growing green economy.
Al Hashimy noted that Expo City Dubai is “the natural home” for this initiative, describing it as a “city-wide test bed for nature-first innovations.” The project underscores Expo City’s transformation from the legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai into a forward-thinking district where innovation, research, and enterprise intersect.
How does Green Innovation District work?
The Green Innovation District, jointly launched by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and Expo City Dubai, will serve as a central hub for clean technology, urban farming, and light industrial activities. Designed as an interconnected community, it combines research facilities, startup incubators, and sustainable commercial spaces.
Officials say the district will act as a catalyst for developing products, services, and knowledge that drive the global energy transition. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, described it as a “national milestone” that unites the UAE’s economic and environmental ambitions under one framework.
“Over the next decade, investment in clean energy and sustainable industries across the UAE is expected to more than triple,” Al Marri said. “This district will help channel that momentum into practical outcomes that strengthen the UAE’s regional leadership in decarbonisation.”
The initiative will also encourage collaboration among government agencies, academia, and private-sector investors, fostering innovation across all levels of the economy.
Who are the founding partners?
The Green Innovation District has already drawn support from major international and local organisations committed to sustainability. Founding partners include Intesa Sanpaolo, a leading European banking group known for circular economy funding; Majra, the UAE’s national corporate social responsibility fund; Nestlé, contributing expertise in research and innovation; and Pomade, a Dubai-based company repurposing date palm waste into sustainable packaging.
Together, these partners represent the kind of cross-sector collaboration the district seeks to encourage – bridging finance, manufacturing, agriculture, and research to accelerate climate-positive innovation.
Al Hashimy emphasised that the district will also create opportunities for small and medium enterprises, youth innovators, and research institutions. “Sustainability is also about inclusion,” she said, highlighting the importance of giving the next generation an active role in shaping the UAE’s green future.
When will the impact be seen?
While no specific timelines have been announced, the district’s establishment at Expo City Dubai signals immediate readiness to welcome enterprises. Businesses licensed under the new Green Licence framework will gain access to the district’s infrastructure, research hubs, and collaborative ecosystem designed to accelerate sustainable growth.
Officials underscored that the initiative is not just about policy – it’s about building a living, breathing model for sustainable urban development. From clean energy production and resource efficiency to biodiversity and innovation-led job creation, the UAE’s first Green Licence and Innovation District are setting the foundation for a greener, more competitive economy.