Page 192 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 2)

10/24/25, 4:19 PM Expo City Dubai earns highest level of sustainable tourism certification

- Expo City Dubai earns highest level of sustainable tourism certification ahead of inaugural Sustainable Destinations
Forum

Expo City Dubai boasts the highest level of sustainable tourism certification available globally having become a Certified Sustainable
Destination under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), leading the way in the UAE’s commitment to putting the planet at
the heart of tourism.

Illustrating the city’s commitment to embedding sustainability into every aspect of its evolution and operations and strengthening its
offering as a tourist destination in the UAE, Expo City is the first city in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to receive the
full GSTC-level certification, in compliance with the Green Destinations Standard. The criteria span tourism destination management,
nature and scenery, environment and climate, culture and tradition, social wellbeing and sustainable governance.

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 CenterTM last year, reflecting its standing as a city built for the world, to deliver a better 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-minded organisations at the Sustainable Destinations Forum, where
together we will help shape a cleaner, greener tourism industry.”

Terra sits at the heart of Expo City’s commitment as the city’s flagship sustainability experience and a living showcase of the
principles behind the GSTC certification. Playing a key role in strengthening Expo City’s position as a global leader in sustainable
tourism, Terra exemplifies the sector’s potential to advance environmental stewardship and community engagement, integrating net-
zero design, nature-based solutions and hands-on education to inspire positive change.

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