Dubai: A model for sustainable real estate development
With the release of a new UN-sponsored report, Dubai once again demonstrates its position as a model for sustainable urban development in the Arab world
Dubai’s remarkable transformation into the Middle East’s first global city has attracted headlines around the world and huge interest from investors.
However, what is less known is the emirate’s commitment to economic and environmental sustainability across all sectors of development.
Dubai’s real estate development sector is one of the main beneficiaries of investment in this area, as evidenced by the recent launch of a new Sustainability Report produced by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).
The report, which was released on the sidelines of the sixth World Government Summit, which was hosted by Dubai from 11th to 13th February, was prepared in accordance with an MoU signed by the DLD, MOCCAE and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
It positions Dubai as a leading model for sustainable development in the Arab world, with a particular emphasis on real estate sustainability in buildings and construction.
Speaking during the launch of the report, HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: "We believe that transforming our national economy into a low-carbon, sustainable green economy is not only the responsibility of the government sector, but also of our wider society and those concerned with development in the public and private sectors. The government has been keen to encourage opportunities for investment in green projects by creating an attractive investment environment, legislation, regulation and management, as well as by promoting partnership initiatives between the public and private sectors and relevant international organisations."
The report involved 14 months of research conducted by sustainability specialists in the Arab world, who collected the data required to support its core themes.
The report highlights the state of real estate sustainability as well as sustainable laws, regulations and efforts in a number of Arab cities, documenting a wide range of governmental and private sector initiatives that have contributed to the advancement of sustainability initiatives in the Arab region.
The project is the first official report on the state of real estate sustainability in the Arab world and has received support and accreditation from the United Nations.
DLD played an important role in this collective effort, working in cooperation with MOCCAE and UNEP to produce an integrated report that highlights one of the most important issues for the future of the region and its population.
HE Sultan Butti bin Mejren, Director General of DLD, commented: "The report is a reference for researchers, specialists and all relevant institutions and agencies in the field of sustainability, and underscores the UAE's leading position among the world's most sustainable countries through our commitment to applying the highest international standards in the real estate sector.
"The challenges we face require us to work together to achieve sustainable solutions that will help us to avoid the dangers posed by the pressure on ecosystems and various resources. In the face of these challenges, we must adopt a sustainable approach to urban development in our modern world. We have been able to achieve this goal by supporting sustainability standards in the Emirate's construction industry, as well as by developing innovative high-end systems that support our goals for sustainable development."
The report sets a new benchmark for real estate sustainability research as the team of experts has documented regional information on green building and real estate sustainability for the first time. The report was produced in both Arabic and English, providing an important tool for professionals and researchers to base their findings and recommendations on.