Page 219 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 1)

11/3/25, 8:26 AM Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Expo City Dubai Partners to Launch UAE’s first Green Innovation District - builtenvironmentme.com
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.

Her Excellency Dr Maria Hanif Al Qassim, Assistant Undersecretary for Policies and Economic Studies Sector,
Ministry of Economy and Tourism, said: “The Green Innovation District is a collective endeavour uniting entities

committed to advancing the green economy, empowering SMEs, and accelerating circular and sustainable innovation.
It reflects a shared commitment—nationally and internationally—to fostering responsible investment, enabling green
entrepreneurship, and driving climate action. Central to this vision is the promotion of green intellectual property and
technologies that translate innovation into tangible environmental and economic impact.”

Sanjive Khosla, Vice President, Corporate Strategy at Expo City Dubai, said: “The success of the Green
Innovation District will hinge on collaboration among all stakeholders to maximise the benefits of shared
infrastructure and symbiotic, sustainable relationships. We’re delighted to launch this initiative with four outstanding
strategic partners and are looking forward to welcoming many new entities as we expand the green innovation
community.”

Aiming to yield significant reductions in carbon emissions and waste, the Green Innovation District caters to
businesses involved in the circular economy, urban farming or offering sustainable products and services. It will offer

flexible office, retail and F&B space as well as a number of light industrial unit and farm plots.

As part of its free zone – which was awarded fDi Intelligence’s global “rising star” free zone for 2025 – Expo City will
launch UAE’s first Green Licence aimed at attracting entities committed to environmental and social sustainability.
Offering a host of incentives to enable companies to set up and operate seamlessly, the licence will encourage
innovation and support green business growth. In addition, the Ministry of Economy will set up an IP Office at Expo
City Dubai to encourage research and development. Both initiatives are designed to increase the UAE’s
competitiveness in attracting innovators and advance sustainable practices.

Why Expo City Dubai?

Expo City, designed as a blueprint for sustainable urban development, builds on its legacy as the home of Expo 2020
Dubai and COP28 to create a hub for sustainability pioneers and a driver of meaningful partnerships and initiatives.

Its master plan is pre-certified Platinum – the highest possible rating – in LEED (Leadership in Energy and

Environmental Design) Cities and Communities standard, while LEED Gold will continue to be a minimum
requirement for all buildings. The plan has also achieved pre-certification for WELL Community – a standard that
emphasises health and wellbeing – and is targeting WELL Gold. Having already achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating under
BREEAM Infrastructure across eight existing projects, the city is aiming to reach this rating for all infrastructure and
public realm projects.

As a go-to destination for globally significant events, Expo City boasts multiple ISO 20121:2024-certified indoor and
outdoor venues, demonstrating its eco-credentials for the planned ‘Green Investopia’ conference in 2026 – an event
dedicated to exploring key trends in green investing and attract investment to the UAE. An off-shoot of the Investopia
series of conferences organised by the Ministry, this will further strengthen Expo City’s position as a convening hub.

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