Expo City Dubai has achieved the globally recognised ISO 20121:2024 certification across multiple venues following a comprehensive audit by Bureau Veritas, demonstrating the city’s commitment to event sustainability as part of its broader vision for sustainable urban development.

An international standard that provides a framework for sustainable event management systems, the ISO 20121:2024 certification affirms that Expo City has implemented a robust management system to integrate sustainability holistically into event planning and operations; mitigate and minimise any negative impacts from events; promote a positive legacy; enhance stakeholder engagement; and address key issues including climate change, ethical practices, social impact and accessibility and inclusivity.

Bureau Veritas – a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services – conducted its audit across functions spanning visitation and procurement to health and safety operations and facilities management, and both indoor and outdoor venues including Al Wasl Plaza, the Connect Conference Centre (C3), Terra, Alif, Nexus and the Women’s Pavilion. The achievements marks the first time in the UAE that six venues within a single district have been certified simultaneously under ISO 20121:2024, the updated international standard for sustainable event management.

Sanjive Khosla, Vice President – Corporate Strategy, Expo City Dubai, said: “For a city born out of a World Expo, 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.

“The ISO 20121:2024 certification is a proud recognition of our efforts to embed sustainability into everything we do, reinforcing Expo City’s offering as vibrant, nurturing community that maintains a balance between social, environmental and economic impact.”

The ISO certification is supported by the development of a new tailored Sustainability Events Management System, which adopts international best practices for sustainable venues and events, adapting them to the realities of the region.

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.

A blueprint for sustainable urban development, Expo City Dubai’s sustainable event management certification is complemented by its designation as a Certified Autism CenterTM in support of autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors. The city has also achieved pre-certification under WELL Community, a standard that emphasises health and wellbeing – a first for a city in the Middle East and North Africa region – as well as being pre-certified Platinum under LEED Cities and Communities, which focuses on inclusivity, economic development and environmental preservation.

Expo City’s master plan also includes specific targets across areas such as: protecting and increasing biodiversity; reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of clean energy; reducing water consumption and increasing the use of alternative water sources; increasing the use of sustainable, lower carbon public transport options and creating spaces that encourage walking, cycling and micromobility; and facilitating economic opportunity and creating a quality work environment.

A hub in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan at the heart of Dubai’s growth corridor, Expo City Dubai is close to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port and directly adjacent to Dubai Exhibition Centre. Embracing a gradual phased development, the city will eventually welcome around 35,000 residents and 40,000 professionals, with distinct opportunities offered by its forward-thinking, people- and environment-focused master plan that takes advantage of its prime location and world-class connectivity.