Dubai has accomplished another significant milestone in its sustainability path by gaining Gold Certification from the United Nations SDG Cities Programme. The award recognises cities that have made substantial progress towards meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through data-driven policies and inclusive governance.
The announcement was made during the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum 2025 at Expo Dubai, when the city was praised for its visionary leadership, innovative infrastructure, and people-centred approach to urban growth. Dubai has been recognised as one of the world’s top cities in sustainability, showing its consistent efforts towards social, economic, and environmental improvement.
The evaluation procedure included more than 70 international variables that assessed governance quality, innovative capacity, public services, and general quality of life. Along with this achievement, Dubai revealed its Voluntary Local Review (VLR), the region’s first, which aims to match local initiatives with global SDG targets.
The accomplishment is the result of coordinated action by 13 government agencies dedicated to making sustainability an essential element of urban development. Dubai’s focus on technology, renewable energy, and transparent governance has resulted in measurable progress. Dubai’s goal of achieving Platinum Certification strengthens its position as a model for future sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities.
