Dubai, UAE; March 5, 2014: The Board Members of Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, unanimously elected Saeed Al Abbar as its Chairman. Al Abbar was previously serving as Vice Chairman of EmiratesGBC. The former chairman Adnan Sharafi will continue to serve as a Director on the Board of the Council.

The Founding Managing Director of Alabbar Energy & Sustainability Group (AESG), a firm specialising in the provision of energy and sustainability consultancy in the Middle East, Al Abbar is also a member of the Steering Committee for the World Green Building Council MENA Network, where he serves as Vice Chairman.

Al Abbar said: “I thank the Board Members of EmiratesGBC for electing me as the Chairman of the Council. Under the leadership of Adnan Sharafi, the Council had undertaken several ambitious initiatives that have underlined the importance of sustainable built environments in the region. I look forward to the guidance and support of the Board Members in undertaking this new responsibility.”

He added: “Over the last few years, developing sustainable buildings and retro-fitting existing buildings to drive energy efficiency has acquired great importance. The UAE has been at the forefront of the sustainable development initiative with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, outlining a clear ‘green strategy’ for the nation.

“Achieving the goals for a greener future and to uphold sustainable development practices, it is imperative that all stakeholders work together, exchange ideas, and promote ‘green innovation.’ EmiratesGBC will continue to steer dialogue, action, and thought-leadership in promoting the UAE’s sustainable development.”

Involved in managing and directing sustainable design, construction and renovation projects throughout the Middle East, Al Abbar has contributed to landmark projects including some of the largest and prestigious master-planned developments, high rise buildings, housing development, and critical infrastructure projects in the region.

He actively works to promote the advancement of sustainable building in the UAE and MENA region by working with industry, academia, and government departments to develop collaborative solutions to some of the region’s greatest sustainability challenges.

Al Abbar has authored a number of papers on achieving sustainable development and energy efficiency in the UAE and MENA region, which have been presented at a number of local, regional, and international conferences. He also presented a policy paper at the United Nations Regional Policy Dialogue in 2012 on policy measures that would be effective in tackling the region’s energy and sustainability challenges.

Regularly providing training to industry professionals on green building and energy efficient design techniques, Al Abbar was awarded the title of International Young Consultant in 2010 by British Expertise, which recognises excellence in professional services worldwide and in 2013 was recognised as a Legend in Energy by the Association of Energy Engineers.

A mechanical engineer by profession, he holds a First Class Masters degree with honours in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath and is a LEED Accredited Professional and Estidama Pearl Qualified Professional and Certified Energy Manager.

EmiratesGBC regularly hosts and participates in multinational events, conferences and forums. The Council has also developed a suite of activities, inclusive of networking events, technical workshops, focus days and facilitated training based around specific issues related to the built-environment that meet the needs of its members, of the UAE community, and the wider Middle East.

For more details of the Congress, contact: events@emiratesgbc.org

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About Emirates Green Building Council:

The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) was founded in June 2006, and became the 8th full member of the World Green Building Council in September 2006. EmiratesGBC is an organization that promotes and educates on green issues in the built environment and is the official body for the UAE endorsed by the World Green Building Council. EmiratesGBC currently has around 260 members in the UAE which represents 1000s of individuals interested and involved in Green Building in the UAE and the region. In addition, EmiratesGBC members receive discounts on a number of programmes such as those related to conferences, seminars, training and green building events.

For further information, please contact:

Kelly Home / Mohammed Al Tawil

ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller

+9714 4507600

kelly.home@bm.com / mohammed.altawil@bm.com