Page 576 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 1)

The achievement illustrates the centrality of sustainability – environmental, social and

economic – to the city’s vision, as it continues to serve as a hub for sustainability pioneers and
a driver of meaningful partnerships and initiatives. It follows Expo City becoming a Certified
Autism Center last year, reflecting its standing as a city built for the world, to deliver a better
TM
future for all.

Expo City’s GSTC certificate will be awarded during the first ever Sustainable Destinations

Forum, taking place at Expo City Dubai from 28-29 October. This dedicated event for the
region’s leaders in sustainable tourism is co-hosted with Green Destinations – a GSTC-

accredited certification organisation that supports sustainable destinations – and held in
partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism.

Her Excellency Dr Maria Hanif Alqassim, Assistant Undersecretary of Policies and Economic

Studies Sector, UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, said, “The UAE has placed sustainability
at the core of its tourism strategy, ensuring that growth goes hand in hand with the preservation

of our environment, climate and natural resources. Through ambitious initiatives, we aim to
expand the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy in a way that reflects our

responsibility to future generations. In line with this commitment, the Ministry is collaborating
with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and other partners

to integrate sustainability standards into our tourism policies, supported by strong governance
and robust data systems.

“These efforts have positioned the UAE as a global leader in sustainable tourism, meeting the

growing demand for engaging, responsible travel. Expo City Dubai exemplifies this vision,
uniting environmental stewardship with economic opportunity. We look forward to advancing

this ambition globally at the Sustainable Destinations Forum, along with Green Destinations
and other partners.”

Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education and Culture at Expo City Dubai, said, “Sustainability is
part of Expo City Dubai’s DNA. We are proud to have received the GSTC destination recognition,
illustrating that tourism can – and must – go hand in hand with care for our environment and

culture. We believe we have a responsibility to spread these values through youth and

community engagement and learning opportunities, and we look forward to working with like-

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