Dubai’s most future-forward neighbourhood just bagged another world first. Expo City Dubai has officially earned the highest level of sustainable tourism certification on the planet, becoming a Certified Sustainable Destination under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). What does this mean? It means it’s now officially the place where eco-luxury meets innovation.
This milestone positions Expo City front and centre in the UAE’s bold mission to put the planet at the heart of tourism. It’s also the first city in the MENA region to achieve the full GSTC-level certification, ticking every box under the Green Destinations Standard, from destination management and climate care to culture, community and governance.
Following its certification as a Certified Autism Center™ last year, Expo City continues to prove it’s a city built for everyone, and for the future.
Recognition with perfect timing
The official GSTC certificate will be handed over during the first-ever Sustainable Destinations Forum, hosted right where it all happens, at Expo City Dubai from 28–29 October. The event is co-hosted with Green Destinations, a GSTC-accredited organisation, and backed by the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism. Expect two days of big ideas, bold debates and green innovation.
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.”
Sustainability: more than a buzzword
Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education and Culture at Expo City Dubai, summed it up best:
“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: the beating green heart of Expo City
At the heart of Expo City’s sustainability story is Terra, a living, breathing showcase of how to do green tourism right, featuring net-zero design, nature-based solutions and hands-on learning to inspire the next generation of changemakers.
Terra is also home to the world’s first International Union for Conservation of Nature Centre for Species Survival (CSS) dedicated to fungi (yes, fungi are the new heroes of biodiversity), and the regional office of Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots programme, a global youth movement for animals, people and the planet.
Even the master plan of Expo City has sustainability stitched into every detail. With flowing green and blue spaces, seamless walkability and inclusive design, the city has achieved WELL Community pre-certification (a MENA first) and LEED Platinum pre-certification, the highest rating for sustainable urban design.
The forum that’s making breakthroughs
The Sustainable Destinations Forum is a global call to action. Designed to ensure tourism drives environmental health and local prosperity, the forum will showcase innovations redefining what it means to travel responsibly.
Hosted at The Nexus, an ISO 20121:2024-certified venue, the Forum will bring together a who’s who of tourism leaders, from city mayors and tourism boards to investors and sustainability experts. Among the speakers are Wael Al-Rousan, Deputy Managing Director, Jordan Tourism Board; Melih Kayacik, Tourism Directorate, Metropolitan City of Izmir; and Dr Chuwit Mitrchob, Deputy Director General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), Thailand.
Dubai Business Events, the city’s official convention bureau, joins as a destination partner, supporting sessions that dive into data-driven sustainability, empowering local leadership and elevating tourist experiences through the Good Travel Alliance.
All in all Expo City Dubai continues to lead by example. Its GSTC recognition is proof that cities of the future can thrive and protect the planet. And with the Sustainable Destinations Forum just around the corner, Dubai’s once again showing the world how to turn big green dreams into reality.
