UAE unveils first Green Innovation District at Expo City

In a major step toward a greener future, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has partnered with Expo City Dubai to launch the nation’s first Green Innovation District.

This landmark initiative aims to drive sustainable industrial growth by aligning economic development with environmental and social responsibility.

The new district, developed alongside four strategic partners, will attract global businesses focused on clean energy, circular economy and green technologies.

It supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and long-term national plans for economic diversification.

With its state-of-the-art sustainable infrastructure and prime location between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Expo City is seen as the perfect base for eco-conscious enterprises.

Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said that the district will serve as an incubator for startups and businesses driving the green economy, while benefiting from the Ministry’s new Green Intellectual Property roadmap to boost innovation and technology development.

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, said the initiative will strengthen the UAE’s  leadership in green economic development, creating a vibrant community built on circular economy principles and contributing to both national prosperity and global climate action.

The initiative was announced at the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum, at Expo City, which has gathered mayors and city leaders from more than 350 cities and provided a platform to introduce major projects enabling governments and businesses to unlock opportunities to build more sustainable cities.

The UAE’s first Green Innovation District is here. 🌿​
Powered by purpose, designed for progress - and proudly rooted in Expo City Dubai.​
​#ExpoCityDubai #GreenInnovationDistrict pic.twitter.com/6NMgT7bLRC

— Expo City Dubai (@expocitydubai) October 28, 2025

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 act as a strategic partner in developing the Green Innovation District at Expo City Dubai.

It's a pioneer in circular economy finance, with more than EUR 14 billion already disbursed at global level, committed to accelerating projects that turn sustainability into long-term growth.

Nestlé, the world’s largest food and beverage company, is supporting the initiative 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 Green Innovation District through its initiatives such as the ‘Sustainable Impact Challenge’ and ‘Future 100’, helping create a national platform that brings together sustainable innovation, responsible investment, and positive social impact.

Palmade is a Dubai-born manufacturer transforming locally discarded date palm leaves into high-quality biodegradable products.

By turning this abundant natural resource into sustainable alternatives, Palmade is driving circular innovation rooted in the UAE.

The company’s transition to a new facility at Expo City Dubai marks a pivotal step in scaling production, accelerating research and development, and introducing new product lines that contribute to a more sustainable future.