Dubai Airports Publishes First ESG Impact Report
Dubai Airports has released its inaugural ESG Impact Report covering 2024-2025 operations at DXB and DWC, detailing progress in energy reduction, waste diversion, and accessibility.
Dubai Airports has published its first ESG Impact Report covering 2024 and 2025 operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). The report, aligned with the Airports Council International ESG Global Reporting Framework, combines environmental, social and governance priorities under three pillars: Planet, People & Community, and Business. It establishes an initial framework for tracking progress as the operator expands.
Environmental progress
Measurable environmental gains are a central feature of the report. Dubai Airports reduced electricity consumption by 144.72 GWh against its 2019 baseline as of June 2025. A 45 MWp rooftop solar programme is operational across both airports. The operator has also introduced a 5% biodiesel blend across airport and partner vehicle fleets. The Decarbonisation Strategy, established in 2023, focuses on reducing emissions associated with electricity, water, fuel, and waste.
Waste and circularity initiatives
Waste management saw significant advances. Dubai Airports diverted 76% of its total waste from landfill in 2025. In an update beyond the main reporting period, the diversion rate reached 100% in May 2026. At DXB, seven food-waste digesters provide a combined processing capacity of 4,900 kg per day. Broader efforts include increasing recycling and supporting circular resource management to keep materials in use.
Social and accessibility commitments
The report details extensive social initiatives. By the end of 2025, 36,040 sunflower lanyards had been distributed to support guests with hidden disabilities. Dubai Airports provides eight dedicated services for People of Determination at DXB. Training reached a wide audience, with 52,619 learners across fourteen partner entities completing accessibility training in 2025. Internal development was also a focus.
| Initiative | 2025 Figure |
|---|---|
| Sunflower lanyards distributed | 36,040 |
| Dedicated services for People of Determination | 8 |
| Partner learners completing accessibility training | 52,619 |
| Staff learning hours delivered | 24,115 |
| Staff receiving development | 1,531 |
| Service partners extended development | 17,349 |
Governance, strategy and future work
An updated governance framework was introduced in 2025, strengthening oversight and accountability. ESG considerations are being incorporated into enterprise risk management and long-term decision-making. The oneDXB Sustainability Alliance aims to bring together partners across the airport ecosystem to accelerate decarbonisation. CEO Paul Griffiths stated that sustainability must influence business choices, operations, and future planning. He acknowledged there are no quick fixes, and progress will require sustained action across the entire aviation community. The report identifies areas needing further work, including strengthening data gathering, completing climate-risk planning, and deepening partner collaboration. Dubai Airports’ Decarbonisation Strategy integrates renewable energy, lower-carbon infrastructure, and green mobility into the future development of DXB and DWC.
