Dubai Wins UN Recognition for Sustainable Development

Dubai has achieved a major global milestone by receiving the Gold Certification from the United Nations’ SDG Cities Programme. This recognition confirms Dubai’s global leadership in sustainable development and urban progress. The award was announced during the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum 2025, hosted at Expo Dubai, marking another step in the emirate’s journey toward becoming one of the world’s most sustainable cities.

The announcement was made in the presence of senior Dubai officials, including His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; His Excellency Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of the Department of Finance; and His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police. Other key attendees included the heads of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Community Development Authority, Digital Dubai, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Courts, and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority.

The announcement coincided with the launch of Dubai’s Voluntary Local Review (VLR), the first of its kind in the region. This initiative highlights Dubai’s strong commitment to aligning its local development strategies with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The VLR uses a data-driven governance model focused on transparency, measurable outcomes, and long-term impact to support evidence-based urban planning.

His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti stated that Dubai’s progress reflects the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. He said Dubai follows a human-centered development model that seeks to make it “the best and most beautiful city in the world.” This model is powered by a unified government system that focuses on innovation, environmental protection, and improving quality of life.

Al Basti added that the UN’s recognition highlights Dubai’s continued dedication to advancing inclusive and comprehensive sustainability. The city will continue to share its successful models with international partners while strengthening its position as a global hub for living, working, and innovation. He emphasized that Dubai’s achievements today are building the foundation for a sustainable future.

His Excellency Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, praised the award as a shared success of 13 government entities working together toward a single goal. He said the recognition demonstrates Dubai’s efficient governance model and its ability to transform sustainability goals into real outcomes. He also explained that Digital Dubai played a key role by providing shared digital platforms, integrated data ecosystems, and AI-powered insights to support decision-making.

Al Mansoori highlighted that “every data point in Dubai tells a story,” showing how information drives sustainable policy and community well-being. He said that while the Gold Certification is a proud achievement, Dubai’s ambition is to become the first city in the world to achieve the Platinum Certification from the UN SDG Cities Programme. He added that this goal will be reached through stronger public-private partnerships, innovative financing solutions, and continued investment in people and institutions.

The UN-Habitat Gold Certification is one of the highest levels of recognition a city can achieve under the SDG Cities Programme. It is awarded to cities that show a strong, measurable commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals across economic, social, and environmental areas. The evaluation is based on more than 70 indicators covering governance, infrastructure, innovation, and quality of life.

The newly launched Voluntary Local Review provides a clear and detailed picture of Dubai’s progress toward achieving the SDGs. It highlights areas of success, identifies opportunities for further development, and sets a benchmark for evidence-based and transparent city governance. The report was developed in collaboration with 13 government entities and demonstrates Dubai’s leadership in integrating local and global sustainability goals.

Dubai’s recognition by the UN-Habitat SDG Cities Programme reflects the city’s continuous effort to build a sustainable, technology-driven, and inclusive urban environment. With strong leadership, collaboration, and innovation, Dubai continues to set global standards in sustainable governance and digital transformation. The Gold Certification marks not an end but a new beginning in Dubai’s journey toward a greener and smarter future.