Dubai offers greener event solutions

Dubai’s determination to commit to green pledges has culminated in an impressive roll-out of sustainability initiatives and offerings, such as Terra, which brings visitors on an immersive journey to better understand humanity’s impact on the environment.

Dubai’s commitment to improving the health and future of our planet is backed by serious initiatives, action, and investment. Building on the discussions at the COP28 Climate Conference – hosted at Expo City Dubai last year – the city is implementing an impressive range of domestic sustainability initiatives.

In addition to the significant sustainability commitments from COP28, such as transitioning away from fossil fuels and increasing reliance on renewables, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched more domestic initiatives. These include Dubai Can, which is already having an impact on the city’s aim to phase out single-use plastic water bottles by installing drinking water fountains and public awareness campaigns.

As part of a phasing out of all single-use plastic by 2026, Dubai has recently banned single-use plastic bags, tableware, and Styrofoam containers.

Since its inception, Dubai Can has provided access to free and safe drinking water across Dubai, while driving awareness on sustainability issues and plastic alternatives.

New scheme rates hotels’ environmental practices

The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, another DET initiative, has been launched to recognise the efforts of hotels to improve their sustainable practices. In order to merit a Gold, Silver or Bronze Stamp, hotels must meet the DET’s 19 Sustainability Requirements, which include energy and water efficiency, waste management programmes, staff education, and engagement initiatives. This gives event organisers an easy way to identify and book greener venues, meeting the expectations of participants, while motivating other venues to do better.

With the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, hotels in Dubai are incentivised to meet the DET’s sustainability requirements, and allows organisers to easily identify and book greener venues for events.

Expo City Dubai

Expo City Dubai was built and designed for Expo 2020 as a blueprint for sustainable urban living. Home to the Dubai Exhibition Centre and host of COP28, where it welcomed 70,000 heads of government, industry leaders, experts, and academics, it showcases the latest innovations in energy efficient infrastructure and buildings.

Expo City Dubai’s decarbonisation roadmap details its ‘reduce, remove, offset’ approach that includes integrating 15-minute city planning to encourage walking and micro-mobility; implementing energy efficiency and circular economy practices to cut emissions and tackling remaining emissions through projects such as mangrove restoration.

Recommended for group or individual visits is Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, an astonishing venue designed to encourage visitors to explore the relationship between people and nature. The architecture is spectacular and showcases the possibilities of designing buildings, even in harsh environments, that can be self-supporting in terms of energy production and use, and water.

Designed by UK-based Grimshaw Architects, it has been awarded the highest accreditation for sustainable buildings, LEED Platinum certification. With nearly 5,000 solar panels on its 130m canopy and 18 Energy trees, it harnesses enough energy to charge 900,000 mobile phones. Innovative irrigation techniques, including grey-water recycling, aim to reduce water use by 75%.

Among the initiatives undertaken include a push for more photovoltaic solar panels – including the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park, which is currently the largest single-site solar park in the world.

Dubai World Trade Centre leads the way

The city’s largest event venue is the Dubai World Trade Centre and it has long been at the forefront when it comes to sustainability. Its commitment to reducing energy consumption, conserving valuable resources, and minimising waste has earned it Green Globe certification.

One of its flagship projects has been the introduction of photovoltaic solar panels, generating an impressive 3.5 MW. Committed to achieving a net-zero sustainable future and positively impacting the environment, DWTC is working on three key areas: serving as a role model for businesses in supporting environmental objectives, aligning with national sustainability strategies, and pursuing leadership in sustainability benchmarking within the global events industry.

With 145,000 sqm of event space, Dubai World Trade Centre remains the epicentre of business in the Middle East – and remains at the forefront of sustainability efforts.

DWTC collaborates closely with event organisers and exhibitors to promote sustainability in stand design and structure. Its ‘Green Meetings’ initiative encourages eco-friendly practices such as reducing plastic bottle use, minimising water consumption in cleaning and advocating for paperless event materials.

The company adheres to the principle of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’. DWTC’s Earth Care team works with organisers and exhibitors post-event to segregate bulk waste for processing in partnership with the Beeah Group. It also works with Emirates Environmental Group on recycling campaigns, the UAE Food Bank for distributing excess food as well as donating old linens and uniforms.

Your local partner

Dubai Business Events is the official convention bureau for Dubai. Its team of professionals can offer advice, guidance and support to business event organisers. Offering services considered among the best in the international meeting industry, it is a member of the BestCities Global Alliance.

Help is available for site inspections, obtaining proposals, assistance with suppliers, introductions to local government and industry contacts as well as recommendations for social programmes and pre- and post-tours. It can also offer advice on how to ensure your event meets your sustainability requirements.