In a world where the words ‘eco’ and ‘event’ rarely go hand in hand, Expo City Dubai is changing the narrative and setting a new global benchmark while they’re at it.
The city’s latest milestone? Securing the prestigious ISO 20121:2024 certification – an international standard for sustainable event management systems – for not one, but six of its venues, a first-of-its-kind achievement in the UAE. From the iconic Al Wasl Plaza to the women-led Women’s Pavilion, this sweeping sustainability accreditation positions Expo City not only as a venue for ideas and innovation, but as a global leader in conscious event management.
But what does that really mean for visitors and event-goers?
It means the magic behind the scenes, every gathering, panel, concert and cultural activation, is being planned with purpose. Whether it’s minimising waste, enhancing accessibility, using alternative water sources, or ensuring venues are socially inclusive and climate-conscious, sustainability is built into the foundations of this urban destination. Quite literally.
‘For a city born out of a World Expo,’ says Sanjive Khosla, Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Expo City Dubai, ‘events are in our DNA, whether creating special family moments or driving progress on the world’s most pressing issues. Serving as a platform for collaboration and a connector of people and ideas, Expo City Dubai has an important role to play as an events destination and a hub for key sectors driving the delivery of Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), and we are committed to fulfilling that role responsibly as our city grows and evolves.’
Certified by global inspection experts Bureau Veritas, the recognition speaks volumes. From procurement to public safety, indoor exhibitions to open-air concerts, every touchpoint was audited with a fine-tooth comb.
A testament to its efforts, Expo City is named by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in its Sustainable Event Guide as an example of world-class venues emphasising sustainability and environmental responsibility. It is also highlighted as a model of sustainable urban design in DET’s annual sustainability report.
Expo City Dubai Accredited for Inclusion
Expo City is also a Certified Autism Center, has achieved pre-certification under the WELL Community Standard—which prioritises physical and mental wellbeing—and is proudly Platinum pre-certified under LEED Cities and Communities.
Add to that its expansive biodiversity goals, solar energy initiatives, water-saving technologies, walkable pathways, and access to cycling and micromobility options, and Expo City begins to feel less like a venue, more like a vision.
Set within Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan and just a short hop from Al Maktoum International Airport, Expo City is growing carefully and consciously. When fully developed, it will be home to 35,000 residents and 40,000 professionals, offering a forward-thinking blueprint where wellness, innovation, and sustainability come standard.
