Expo City Dubai has issued the UAE’s first Green Licence to six businesses, from climate tech startups to multinationals, as the Green Innovation District begins signing up its first tenants.
The licence, a first for the UAE, is the entry product of the district launched by Expo City and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in October 2025. It is aimed at sustainability-led companies of any size, with qualification based on demonstrated ESG credentials rather than turnover.
The first six holders span waste management to climate tech: AirJoule, which harvests water from the air; Dubai e-waste firm WAT (We Are Tech); global circular economy operator Polygreen; Carbon Assurance, the first UAE body accredited by EIAC for greenhouse gas validation; Carbon Standard, which helps governments and businesses set emissions targets; and RBT Collective, a partner in Expo City’s Terrazo food rescue programme. The licences were presented by Minister Bin Touq Al Marri and Expo City executive director Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali.
Holders get a support package valued at upwards of AED 400,000, covering discounted setup fees, sustainability services, promotion and collaboration opportunities. The six are the first of a longer pipeline of applicants, from the UAE and abroad, according to Expo City.
“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.”
— Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority
In Al Hashimy’s framing, the licence is how the district turns sustainability talk into tenancy.
“The Expo Green Licence is a powerful tool to encourage innovation and support green business growth.”
— Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism
What it means for green businesses in the UAE
The licence offers two routes to qualification. Established companies can qualify directly with recognised ESG ratings from accredited agencies; smaller firms can apply through an evidence-based assessment of their products and services, judged by Expo City’s in-house sustainability experts.
That second route is aimed squarely at startups and SMEs. A company with a scalable climate, energy efficiency or circular economy product can qualify on merit rather than on certified ratings, and the package stacks up alongside other UAE setup incentives, such as the AED 1,000 licences handed out at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 and Abu Dhabi’s startup programmes.
Holders also get business mission invitations through the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, access to national sustainability platform MAJRA, a place at the Green Majlis forum and fast-track IP support once the Ministry’s Green IP office opens at Expo City.
What is the Expo Green Licence?
A first-of-its-kind UAE business licence issued by Expo City Dubai for sustainability-led companies. It is the entry product of the Green Innovation District, a joint initiative between Expo City and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, and is open to businesses of all sizes and stages with demonstrated ESG credentials.
What is the Green Innovation District?
The UAE’s first Green Innovation District, launched in October 2025 by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and Expo City Dubai with founding partners including Intesa Sanpaolo, Nestlé, Majra and Palmade. It combines Expo City’s free zone, testbed facilities and light manufacturing and R&D space for climate, circular economy and clean technology businesses.
How much is the Expo Green Licence worth?
The support package is valued at upwards of AED 400,000, covering discounted setup fees, sustainability services, promotion and collaboration opportunities. Holders also get business mission invitations via the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, collaboration with national platform MAJRA, a place at the Green Majlis forum and fast-track IP support once the Green IP office opens.
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