Dubai Airports publishes first ESG Impact Report outlining progress towards sustainable growth

Dubai Airports has published its first ESG Impact Report, setting out the progress it is making towards building more resilient, inclusive, and responsible airport communities across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).

Covering 2024 and 2025, the report brings together Dubai Airports’ environmental, social and governance priorities and selected results under three pillars: Planet, People & Community, and Business. It establishes an initial framework for measuring and communicating progress as the scale and complexity of Dubai Airports’ operations continue to grow. The report covers Dubai Airports’ corporate performance and selected examples from the wider airport ecosystem, including initiatives delivered with partners through the oneDXB Sustainability Alliance.

Aligned with the Airports Council International (ACI) ESG Global Reporting Framework, the report marks a crucial step in the continued development of Dubai Airports’ ESG reporting.

It also shows how sustainability is already integrated into the way Dubai Airports operates. This includes reducing emissions and energy consumption, improving accessibility, investing in people, advancing responsible governance, and collaborating with partners across Dubai’s aviation community to address shared challenges.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “Sustainability cannot sit on the sidelines of the business. It has to influence the choices we make, the way we operate and how we plan for the future. We are clear about where we can make the greatest difference, from reducing the impact of our own operations to bringing partners together around the wider challenge of decarbonising aviation.

“There are no quick fixes, and progress will require honesty, discipline, and sustained action across the entire aviation community. This report provides a transparent account of where we are today, the practical steps already under way and the work still ahead of us as we continue to grow and create long-term value for Dubai, the UAE, and the communities we connect.”

Among the progress highlighted in the report, Dubai Airports has reduced electricity consumption by 144.72 GWh against its 2019 baseline as of June 2025. During 2025, it also delivered 24,115 learning hours through learning and leadership programmes to 1,531 staff and extended development initiatives to 17,349 service partners. The report also highlights Dubai Airports’ 45 MWp rooftop solar programme across DXB and DWC, one of the region’s largest airport-based renewable energy initiatives. Dubai Airports also introduced a 5% biodiesel blend across airport and partner vehicle fleets.

A key enabler of progress is the oneDXB Sustainability Alliance, which brings together partners across the airport ecosystem to accelerate decarbonisation and sustainable aviation initiatives.

Dubai Airports’ environmental priorities are guided by its Decarbonisation Strategy, established in 2023. The strategy focuses on reducing emissions associated with electricity, water, fuel, and waste, while integrating renewable energy, lower-carbon infrastructure, and green mobility into the future development of DXB and DWC.

Reducing waste is also a key focus for Dubai Airports, with a range of initiatives in place to increase recycling, divert waste from landfill and support more circular approaches to resource management. At DXB, seven food-waste digesters have a combined processing capacity of 4,900 kg per day. These efforts helped Dubai Airports divert 76% of its total waste from landfill in 2025, with the diversion rate reaching 100% in May 2026.

The report also highlights how Dubai Airports is supporting its people, guests, and the wider community. Accessibility remains a shared priority across DXB, with eight dedicated services for People of Determination and 52,619 learners across fourteen partner entities completing accessibility training in 2025. By the end of 2025, 36,040 sunflower lanyards had also been distributed to support guests with hidden disabilities.

Responsible governance, safety, security, and economic contribution also form an integral part of Dubai Airports’ ESG agenda. An updated governance framework introduced in 2025 enhanced oversight and accountability across the organisation, while ESG considerations are being progressively incorporated into enterprise risk management and long-term decision-making. The report also identifies areas where further work is required, including strengthening data gathering, completing climate-risk and climate adaptation planning, advancing environmental management systems and deepening partner collaboration within the aviation ecosystem.