Expo City Dubai has officially launched the UAE’s first Green Licences, awarding them to six pioneering businesses as part of its new Green Innovation District. The initiative has been developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and aims to create a strong ecosystem where startups, small businesses, and multinational companies can work together to accelerate sustainable innovation and support the country’s environmental and economic goals.
The Green Licence program is designed to help sustainability-focused businesses establish and expand their operations by giving them access to Expo City Dubai’s advanced infrastructure and dedicated testing facilities. The initiative is intended to encourage companies that develop innovative solutions for climate action, energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainability, and the circular economy.
To qualify for the licence, small and medium-sized enterprises must demonstrate that they offer scalable products or services that contribute directly to environmental sustainability. Every application is reviewed individually by Expo City Dubai’s team of sustainability experts to ensure that companies meet the required standards before receiving approval.
Businesses that obtain the Green Licence receive a support package worth more than AED 400,000. The package includes discounted business setup costs, sustainability advisory services, promotional and engagement opportunities, and access to collaboration initiatives within Expo City’s growing green business community. The aim is to reduce barriers for innovative companies while helping them expand their impact.
Licence holders will also become members of the Green Majlis, a platform that brings together experts, business leaders, and policymakers to discuss practical solutions for sustainability challenges. In addition, companies will receive fast-track access to intellectual property support through the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s upcoming Green IP office located at Expo City. This service is expected to speed up patent registration and provide better protection for green innovations.
The first six organisations to receive the Green Licence represent a diverse range of sustainability sectors. They include AirJoule, which develops atmospheric water harvesting technology, and WAT (We Are Tech), a UAE-based company specialising in secure e-waste recycling and refurbishment of IT equipment. The other recipients are Polygreen, known for its circular economy and waste management solutions; Carbon Assurance, which provides greenhouse gas validation services; Carbon Standard, which helps organisations measure and report environmental performance; and RBT Collective, a long-term partner in Expo City’s food rescue programme focused on reducing food waste.
Reem Al Hashimy, CEO of the Expo City Dubai Authority, said the selected organisations are helping to build a collaborative ecosystem that supports the UAE’s net-zero ambitions while contributing to economic diversification. She added that the initiative reflects Expo City Dubai’s commitment to encouraging innovation, sustainability, and long-term environmental progress for future generations.
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