You’re one of the strategic partners in the Green Innovation District. What does this moment represent for Palmade?

Being part of the Green Innovation District feels like a natural next step for us. Our journey has always been centred on creating value from local, natural resources and this aligns perfectly with that vision. It’s also deeply meaningful because we first launched our products at Expo 2020 Dubai as an Expo Live grantee, so in many ways, it feels like coming home. Being in a space that promotes what we do and connects us with like-minded innovators gives us the opportunity to grow and scale responsibly; it’s a real gamechanger.

How does being part of this ecosystem change the way you operate? It’s more than just a new address; it will transform how we operate. Sustainability doesn’t thrive in isolation, and at times that’s how it can feel. Here, we’ll be surrounded by businesses that support and collaborate with us. Access to logistics, government networks, R&D facilities and IP support will give us the confidence to explore new areas and innovate further.

Palmade is built on circular design. How will the District help you push that further? We use discarded date palm leaves to create biodegradable cutlery – something that hasn’t been done before. With stronger IP protection and access to R&D, we can invest in new designs, technologies and green solutions. The support offered here will strengthen our business while simultaneously advancing the UAE’s wider vision for a circular, sustainable economy. It’s about creating shared value for both innovators and the nation.

Why is a platform like Expo City Dubai important for companies like yours? Our focus has always been on local resources, production, talent and innovation, and the Green Innovation District reinforces that commitment. Beyond the District itself, we’re proud to be part of Expo City Dubai, which continues to champion sustainability in action – not just in theory.

What kind of impact has Palmade achieved so far? Every year, hundreds of tonnes of green waste are discarded. Since launching, we’ve produced around 50 million pieces of cutlery, diverting that many single-use plastics from the environment and repurposing hundreds of tonnes of palm leaves that would otherwise be burned or sent to landfill. We’re also currently studying our carbon impact, as we believe our process captures and stores carbon within the material, delaying emissions.

What’s next? Looking ahead, we’re looking forward to establishing new operations at Expo City Dubai and investing further in R&D. Beyond cutlery, we want to develop alternatives to single-use plastics such as takeaway containers, coffee cups and lids. We don’t yet have the full infrastructure, but we’re confident that being part of the Green Innovation District will enable us to build, innovate and grow sustainably.

Flame Tree Season: Ethnobotany in action as Dubai glows

The future unfolds at Expo Valley

A daily reminder of what the future can be: my view from Expo Valley