Sustainability is becoming more than a corporate goal in the UAE. Businesses working in clean technology, circular economy, climate action and sustainable solutions now have a dedicated route to establish and grow within Dubai’s Green Innovation District.
The UAE Green Licence, introduced through Expo City Dubai, is designed specifically for businesses that can demonstrate genuine sustainability credentials or provide evidence that their products, services and operations contribute to environmental and climate-focused goals.
Expo City Dubai issued the first six Green Licences in July 2026 to businesses working across areas including climate technology, e-waste management, circular economy, carbon assurance, carbon standards and sustainable food systems.
So, who qualifies for a Green Licence? What benefits does it provide? How much does it cost? And how can a business apply?
Here is everything you need to know about the UAE Green Licence in 2026.
What Is the UAE Green Licence?
The Green Licence is a licensing product from Expo City Dubai, designed to attract, enable and scale businesses that advance clean energy, the circular economy and green technology. It is the entry point to the Green Innovation District, a joint initiative between the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism and Expo City Dubai, launched in October 2025.
The framework moved from announcement to action quickly. On 7 July 2026, Expo City Dubai issued the first Expo Green Licences to six businesses, from a small social enterprise to multinationals, working in climate technology, e-waste management, circular economy, carbon assurance and food rescue.
In practical terms, it is a free zone licence with a sustainability filter and a benefits package attached. Companies are licensed in Expo City Dubai, so free zone advantages such as 100% foreign ownership sit alongside the green-specific perks.
Is the UAE Green Licence the same as a normal Dubai business licence?
Not exactly. The Green Licence is issued through the Expo City Dubai Authority and is designed for qualifying sustainability-focused businesses operating within the Green Innovation District ecosystem.
It therefore combines business licensing with sustainability-focused support, infrastructure and networking opportunities.
Which Businesses Qualify for the Green Licence?
Eligibility rests on demonstrated ESG credentials rather than turnover. Your products or services should also link to sustainable climate action, energy and water efficiency, sustainability initiatives or the circular economy.
Sectors That Fit
The Green Licence is particularly relevant to companies whose core activities directly contribute to sustainability or climate action. Potentially relevant areas include:
- Clean energy generation and management
- Circular economy, recycling and waste management
- Climate technology and data-driven climate solutions
- Urban farming, agriculture solutions and sustainable food technology
- Carbon assurance, carbon standards and sustainability consultancy
Some of these are controlled activities, so you will need approvals from the relevant UAE authorities as part of your final submission.
Pathway 1: Direct Qualification Through an ESG Rating
If you already hold a recognised rating from an accredited agency, you get a streamlined route. Expo City’s guide lists these benchmarks:
| Rating or Certification | Required Level |
| B Corp Certification | SMEs: 80+ points on the B Impact Assessment. Large enterprises: above 110 out of 200 |
| EcoVadis | Gold or Platinum medal |
| MAJRA Verified Impact | Small: Silver Impact Seal or Verified Impact Project. Medium and large: Gold or Platinum |
| MSCI ESG Rating | A, AA or AAA |
| S&P Global ESG | Score above 50 |
| Sustainalytics (Morningstar) | Low or negligible ESG risk |
Under Ministry definitions, small enterprises have 50 or fewer employees and annual returns below AED 50 million. Medium enterprises have 51 to 200 employees and annual returns below AED 250 million.
Pathway 2: Evidence-Based Qualification
No rating yet? Startups and growing SMEs can qualify by showing that both their operations and their products or services are sustainable. Expo City looks for evidence across five areas:
- Policies and plans covering sustainability, climate action, environmental management, occupational health and safety, and ethical governance
- Management systems such as ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 20121, EMAS or equivalents
- Public information, meaning performance disclosed in reports or official publications
- Annual reporting, where an ESG or GRI report is highly valued but not mandatory
- Partnerships and community initiatives with charities, universities, research bodies, government or other sustainability partners (client companies do not count)
Benefits of the Expo Green Licence
Expo City values the overall package at more than AED 400,000. The main components are:
1. Setup advantages
A distinctive Green Licence, a dedicated directory of green business activities, discounted licence fees, flexible durations including dual licensing, flexible employee visa allocation and preferential leasing terms.
2. Growth support
Consideration for national programmes such as Future 100 and UAE Future 50, showcasing at the UAE Startup Forum, Ministry-facilitated business missions, a Riyada card for qualifying SMEs and startups, and collaboration with Majra.
3. IP and innovation
Fast-track access to the Green IP office once it launches, testbed facilities and support with commercialisation and investor introductions.
4. Sustainability services
An annual customised sustainability clinic, expert help with international certifications and tools to measure and communicate performance.
5. Networking and collaboration
Businesses can participate in the Green Majlis, a forum focused on sustainable solutions, leadership dialogue and collaboration. They can also receive facilitated introductions to industry, government and ecosystem partners.
How to Apply for the UAE Green Licence: Step by Step
The application process involves both a sustainability qualification assessment and company licensing process.
Step 1: Submit the qualification form
Complete the online Green Licence Qualification Form and attach your supporting documents.
Step 2: Choose your location
Select an office or shared desk setup within Expo City Dubai.
Step 3: Submit legal documents
Provide the documents needed to register your entity, plus approvals for any controlled activities.
Step 4: Wait for the qualification review
The Expo City team evaluates your full submission and endorses you to proceed. Its guide cites three working days for initial approval once the review is complete.
Step 5: Apply through the ECDA portal
Submit your Green Licence application with documents that match your company type and planned activities.
Step 6: Sign the lease and receive your licence
Once your entity is registered, you and Expo City sign the lease agreement. ECDA then issues your Green Licence, Registration Certificate and Company Card where applicable.
Document lists differ by company type and activity, so check them against Expo City’s business setup guide before you file.
Documents Required for a UAE Green Licence
The exact documentation depends on the company structure and activity, but applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Passport and identification documents of shareholders and managers
- Company incorporation documents, where applicable
- Business plan or activity information
- Details of proposed business activities
- Green Licence Qualification Form
- ESG certifications or ratings, if available
- Sustainability policies and plans
- Environmental management certifications
- Sustainability or ESG reports
- Evidence of sustainability initiatives
- Details of sustainability partnerships
- Supporting documents for controlled activities
- Additional regulatory approvals, where required
A business without an ESG rating should focus on building a strong evidence package that demonstrates measurable and credible sustainability practices.
Is the Green Licence Right for Your Business?
It suits companies whose core products or services are sustainable and who want to be part of a collaborative district. The clearest fits are climate tech and circular economy ventures that value testbed access, IP support and government-facilitated introductions.
A standard free zone or mainland licence may be simpler if your business is not sustainability-led, or if you need a location outside Expo City Dubai. The right choice depends on your activity, customers and growth plans, so compare options before committing.
Costs, Workspace and Visas
The UAE Green Licence cost depends on your business setup and workspace arrangement at Expo City Dubai.
For businesses leasing premises, the licence costs AED 14,000 for one year, AED 32,000 for three years, and AED 48,000 for five years. Businesses opting for a shared-desk setup can choose between two packages: Basic at AED 10,000 and Premium at AED 15,000.
These packages include initial approval and registration, the Green Licence, and the Company Card. Employee allocation depends on the selected setup. However, Knowledge and Innovation Fees are charged separately, and the final cost may vary depending on eligibility and applicable terms.
Workspace options include Al Wasl offices (9,000 to 13,000 sq ft), district offices (1,000 to 30,000 sq ft) and small workspaces or single desks for freelancers and professionals. The wider district also offers light industrial and R&D units and farm plots. Employee visa allocation is flexible, but the exact number depends on your setup.
Set Up Your Green Business in the UAE
The UAE Green Licence gives sustainability-focused businesses a dedicated route to establish themselves within one of Dubai’s emerging innovation ecosystems. However, choosing between the Green Licence, a standard free zone licence and a mainland licence depends on your activity, team size and ESG readiness. Shuraa Business Setup can help you compare options, organise your qualification evidence and coordinate approvals. Speak to our advisors to map out the right route for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UAE Green Licence?
It is a business licence issued by Expo City Dubai Authority for sustainability-focused companies in the Green Innovation District, with discounted fees and a support package worth over AED 400,000.
2. Who can apply for the Expo Green Licence?
Businesses of different sizes, stages and sectors can apply if they show ESG credentials through an accredited rating or an evidence-based review.
3. Can startups get a Green Licence?
Yes. Startups and small businesses without a formal ESG rating can qualify through the evidence-based pathway.
4. Is the Green Licence the same as the UAE Green Visa?
No. The Green Licence is a company licence, while the Green Visa is an individual residence permit.
5. Can I get a Green Licence outside Expo City Dubai?
At present, the Expo Green Licence is issued by ECDA for Expo City Dubai. Check for updates if other locations are announced.
6. What is the Green Innovation District?
It is the UAE’s first Green Innovation District, located at Expo City Dubai and developed with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism to support sustainable businesses, clean technology, circular economy solutions and climate-focused innovation.
