UAE advances sustainable industry with new green certification for factories

The UAE has recently advanced its National Green Certificates Programme further into the industrial sector, introducing a new track specifically for factories. This move is part of the broader push to develop a lower-emissions economy across the country.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, this factory-focused scheme was revealed at Make in the Emirates 2026, where it was positioned as a national framework for evaluating and certifying sustainable industrial sites. The programme employs artificial intelligence to assess energy and water efficiency, as well as the quality of industrial processes, the ministry’s announcement explained.

But this approach aims to do more than just slap a “green” label on factories. Its goal is to create a system with measurable benchmarks that encourages ongoing improvements, setting standards, rewarding facilities that reduce waste, optimize resource use, and implement cleaner practices.

The ministry states that the programme centers on four main areas: energy, water, emissions, and innovation. That broad focus really matters for the UAE, especially considering how industrial expansion is increasingly linked to climate policies and the nation’s long-term economic plans. By tying certification to real operational metrics, the government hopes to make sustainability a practical, competitive feature for industrial companies, not just an optional additional badge.

Sherif Al Olama, the undersecretary at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized that these factory certificates are a significant step toward building a more sustainable industrial base. He mentioned that the initiative supports better resource management and aims to promote smarter use of energy and water across the sector.

He also described the programme as part of the country’s larger efforts to lower its carbon footprint through a more integrated system, built on clear indicators and standards. Essentially, companies looking for certification will need to demonstrate not just compliance, but ongoing improvement against a structured national framework.

The ministry notes that factories which meet the set criteria can apply for certification and might gain certain benefits, like incentives and competitive advantages. These perks are expected to help companies strengthen their positions both regionally and internationally, especially as sustainability credentials grow more vital in supply chains, investment decisions, and procurement processes.

For the UAE, this factory initiative is yet another sign that industrial policy is increasingly linked to decarbonization efforts. The government has made it clear that the scheme supports the UAE Climate Neutrality Strategy 2050, as well as contributes to broader goals outlined in We the UAE 2031, the national blueprint focused on boosting innovation, resilience, and economic growth.

This factory rollout comes after an earlier phase of the National Green Certificates Programme. Back in July 2024, the Ministry launched standards for commercial buildings, covering areas like energy efficiency, water management, indoor air quality, and sustainable building materials. At that time, the ministry also announced plans to offer technical support to help businesses meet high sustainability standards.

This initial step demonstrated how far the programme was meant to extend across sectors, not just focusing on one part of the economy. Starting with commercial properties and now expanding to factories, the government is working towards creating a comprehensive national system focused on green performance across construction and manufacturing sectors.

The industrial push also aligns with other clean-energy initiatives in Dubai. For example, in June 2025, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority issued 51 D33 Industry Friendly Power Certificates to 24 firms under a scheme launched in early 2024. That scheme allows certified industrial users, including agritech firms and data centers, to install rooftop solar systems to power their operations, potentially covering all their energy needs.

When you look at the bigger picture, these programmes collectively reveal a broader policy pattern in the UAE: sustainability is becoming embedded through official certifications, financial or operational incentives, and clear performance standards. The aim is not only to cut emissions but also to develop an industrial ecosystem that attracts investment, promotes cutting-edge manufacturing, and stays competitive in a world where environmental regulations are tightening.

What’s especially interesting is the role of AI in the factory certification process. It hints that the UAE isn’t just relying on standard environmental audits. Instead, it’s testing out digital tools to make sustainability monitoring more accurate and efficient. AI-driven assessments could speed up the identification of inefficiencies, improve the quality of data collected, and ensure consistent comparisons across different facilities.

For manufacturers, this might raise expectations, yet, it also provides a more credible way to showcase their progress. In a region where industrial growth is still a priority, the challenge remains: how to expand capacity without escalating emissions. These new certificates might be one way to bridge that gap.

The ministry frames the programme as a means to boost resource efficiency, enhance overall industrial environmental quality, and develop advanced infrastructure capable of meeting future economic needs. Ultimately, the goal is to position the UAE as a global hub for sustainable industry.

This vision is increasingly reflected across the country’s climate and economic strategies. With the inclusion of commercial buildings and now factories in the programme, the National Green Certificates framework is shaping up to be a key tool in aligning industrial growth with the UAE’s net-zero ambitions.