In a city known for making the impossible possible, Expo City Dubai is once again raising the bar, and cementing its reputation, as the ultimate MICE destination.
Having just earned the world’s most prestigious seal of approval for hosting sustainable events, the globally recognised ISO 20121:2024 certification, this now changes things for anyone looking to host, exhibit, or attend an event in a place that is following through on its talk on sustainability.
After a rigorous assessment by Bureau Veritas experts, an incredible six venues within the city, the iconic Al Wasl Plaza, the state-of-the-art Connect Conference Centre (C3), and the awe-inspiring Terra, Alif, Nexus, and Women’s Pavilions were all certified simultaneously. This is a first for the UAE, and shows Expo City is setting a new standard for sustainability.
Why this matters
For the MICE market, this is a golden ticket. Event organisers can now offer their clients a destination that is not only visually stunning and technologically advanced, but also deeply committed to ethical and eco-friendly practices.
Imagine hosting a global conference knowing that everything from procurement to facilities management has been designed to minimise environmental impact and create a positive social legacy. It really is a powerful selling point today, and enhances brand reputation, while providing peace of mind.
For exhibitors, it means being part of a global movement. Featuring your brand at Expo City aligns you with a future-focused vision, attracting a conscious and highly engaged audience. And for visitors, every concert, exhibition, and family day out is underpinned by a commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and planetary well-being, making the experience deeply meaningful.
It’s not secret that Expo City Dubai is already a global leader in the events world. Born from the spectacular success of Expo 2020, hosting unforgettable moments is literally in its DNA. The city’s stunning architecture, seamless infrastructure, and vibrant energy have made it a magnet for global gatherings. As Sanjive Khosla, Vice President of Corporate Strategy, puts it, the city is a natural “platform for collaboration and a connector of people and ideas.”
This new ISO certification is simply the latest jewel in an already glittering crown. The city is recognised by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as a shining example of sustainable venue management. But its commitment to people goes even further. Expo City is also a designated Certified Autism Center™, ensuring a welcoming experience for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors. It’s also on track for WELL Community and LEED Cities and Communities Platinum certifications, focusing on everything from public health and wellbeing to economic opportunity and environmental preservation (a first for a city in the Middle East and North Africa region).
Being future-ready
Alighed with rest of Dubai and the UAE, the story is still being written. As a key hub in the visionary Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, Expo City is at the heart of the emirate’s future growth. Perfectly positioned between Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, and right next to the Dubai Exhibition Centre, its connectivity is unparalleled.
The city is set to blossom into a thriving community for 35,000 residents and a bustling workplace for 40,000 professionals. This master plan is a blueprint for the future of urban living, with ambitious targets for clean energy, water conservation, green transport, and biodiversity. As such, this means an ever-growing, dynamic audience and a destination that constantly evolves, offering new opportunities and experiences for the highly lucrative MICE market.
Also read: How one city in Dubai is setting the standard for MICE events
