Page 195 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 2)

10/24/25, 4:19 PM Expo City Dubai earns highest level of sustainable tourism certification ahead of inaugural Sustainable Destinations Forum - Middl…
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 TM 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.”

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