Expo City Dubai Issues UAE’s First Green Licenses to Sustainability-Focused Businesses
The Expo Green License addresses a gap in the licensing market by providing sustainability-focused businesses with a framework based on verified ESG credentials.
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Expo City Dubai has issued the UAE’s first Expo Green Licenses to six businesses as part of its Green Innovation District, an initiative developed jointly with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism to support sustainability-focused enterprises.
The new licensing framework is designed for businesses with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials and aims to support organizations developing solutions in areas such as climate technology, waste management, and the circular economy.
The first six license holders are AirJoule, WAT (We Are Tech), Polygreen, Carbon Assurance, Carbon Standard, and RBT Collective. According to Expo City Dubai, the businesses represent the first group of applicants under the new licensing model, with additional applications under review from organizations in the UAE and abroad.
“Attracting, enabling and scaling sustainability-focused business, innovation and talent is integral to the Green Innovation District’s mission to deliver measurable environmental, economic and social impact and directly aligns with an enhanced nationwide focus on strengthening local industry,” H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, said. “We are proud to advance the District’s mission as we grant the first green licences – entrusted to these pioneering organisations that now form part of a collaborative, solutions-driven ecosystem that will contribute to UAE’s net zero and economic diversification ambitions, helping to create a brighter future for generations to come.”
On his part, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the UAE Circular Economy Council, added: “The UAE has made great strides in developing an integrated national system to promote the transition towards a circular economy model and enable the growth and competitiveness of sustainable and advanced industries. As we work to advance the UAE’s long-term economic and climate ambitions, the Expo Green Licence is a powerful tool to encourage innovation and support green business growth. The companies receiving their licence today are frontrunners in the ongoing evolution of the Green Innovation District, and we look forward to welcoming more innovative organisations that will drive the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision to diversify the national economy, accelerate the transition to clean energy sources, and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the areas of sustainability and environmental innovation.”
Presented with their licenses by H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri and H.E. Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director of Expo City Dubai Authority, the first recipients include AirJoule, which develops atmospheric water harvesting technology; Dubai-based electronic waste management company WAT (We Are Tech); and Polygreen, which provides circular economy, recycling, and waste management services.
The first group of license holders also includes Carbon Assurance, which conducts greenhouse gas validation and verification services; Carbon Standard, which supports organizations with emissions measurement and sustainability strategies; and RBT Collective, which works on food rescue and circular food systems.
According to Expo City Dubai, the Expo Green License addresses a gap in the licensing market by providing sustainability-focused businesses with a framework based on verified ESG credentials. Established companies can qualify through recognized ESG certifications or ratings, while small and medium-sized enterprises are assessed individually based on the sustainability impact and scalability of their products or services.
The license also provides businesses with support including discounted setup costs, sustainability services, collaboration opportunities, and participation in local and international business missions through the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. License holders will also be able to engage with MAJRA, the UAE’s national platform supporting sustainability-focused businesses and initiatives.
As part of the Green Innovation District, businesses will have access to sustainable infrastructure, research and development facilities, and light manufacturing capabilities intended to support the development and commercialization of climate technologies and circular economy solutions.
License holders will also be invited to participate in the Green Majlis, a forum focused on sustainability leadership and collaboration, and will have access to intellectual property support through the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s planned Green IP office, which will support patent registration and the commercialization of sustainable technologies.
The Green Innovation District forms part of Expo City Dubai’s broader efforts to support sustainable businesses and innovation while contributing to the UAE’s environmental and economic development goals.
Expo City Dubai has issued the UAE’s first Expo Green Licenses to six businesses as part of its Green Innovation District, an initiative developed jointly with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism to support sustainability-focused enterprises.
The new licensing framework is designed for businesses with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials and aims to support organizations developing solutions in areas such as climate technology, waste management, and the circular economy.
The first six license holders are AirJoule, WAT (We Are Tech), Polygreen, Carbon Assurance, Carbon Standard, and RBT Collective. According to Expo City Dubai, the businesses represent the first group of applicants under the new licensing model, with additional applications under review from organizations in the UAE and abroad.
Entrepreneur Middle East Staff
Entrepreneur Staff
