Expo City Dubai Earns Global Top Green Tourism Honor

Expo City Dubai has reached a historic sustainability milestone, earning the highest level of sustainable tourism certification under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). With this achievement, it becomes the first city in the Middle East and North Africa to receive full GSTC-level certification in line with the Green Destinations Standard.

This global recognition highlights Expo City’s commitment to embedding sustainability into every part of its operations — from design and governance to culture and community wellbeing. The certification criteria cover areas such as environmental protection, climate action, destination management, and social responsibility, reflecting a balanced model of progress and preservation.

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The certification will be formally presented during the inaugural Sustainable Destinations Forum, set to take place at Expo City Dubai from October 28–29. The event, co-hosted with Green Destinations and in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, will bring together leaders and innovators from across the globe to advance sustainable tourism practices.

At the heart of Expo City’s sustainability efforts is Terra, the city’s flagship sustainability pavilion. More than just an architectural marvel, Terra functions as a living classroom for environmental awareness, featuring net-zero design, nature-based solutions, and educational programs that inspire action. It also hosts the world’s first International Union for Conservation of Nature Centre for Species Survival (CSS) dedicated to fungi, along with the Jane Goodall Roots & Shoots regional office, promoting conservation and youth engagement.

Expo City’s master plan has been developed with people and the planet in mind. Its design ensures easy accessibility, green mobility, and open public spaces. The city has earned WELL Community pre-certification, the first in MENA to achieve it, emphasizing health and wellbeing. It is also pre-certified Platinum under the LEED Cities and Communities standard — the highest rating possible for sustainable urban development.

The upcoming Sustainable Destinations Forum will gather city leaders, tourism boards, investors, and sustainability experts from around the world. Set at The Nexus, an ISO 20121:2024-certified venue, the forum will explore how responsible tourism can drive both economic opportunity and environmental preservation. Discussions will spotlight data-driven sustainability, local leadership empowerment, and green innovation in travel and hospitality.

As Expo City Dubai takes this significant step forward, it reinforces the UAE’s growing reputation as a global leader in sustainable tourism — proving that cities of the future can be both thriving destinations and guardians of the planet.