The Sustainability Lounge by EmiratesGBC Podcast

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Can a building be both luxurious and sustainable?

In this episode of the Sustainability Lounge by EmiratesGBC, hosted by ​Manal Shawish, Vice Chair of EmiratesGBC and Sustainability Lead at Atkins Realis, the council invited a very special guest to tell us if buildings can be both luxurious and sustainable. Ahmed Ezzat, Senior Vice President Technical of DAMAC Real Estate Development, Corporate Member of EmiratesGBC shares how luxury buildings must be sustainable.
A key message of the episode is that developers who want to make their buildings more sustainable, they must start now and that sustainable buildings are not a burden, but rather a relief.

Manal Shawish

Manal Shawish is the Vice Chair of the Emirates Green Building Council and an award winning sustainability professional with deep expertise in strategy, green buildings, climate change, decarbonization, and ESG. With an MBA in Sustainable Business and previous experience as Sustainability Lead at AtkinsRéalis, she has guided major projects and organizations toward more resilient, low carbon pathways and sustainable outcomes.

Manal is widely recognized for her leadership in shaping practical, future focused sustainability and climate strategies in the UAE and wider region. She has contributed to mega projects and industry level sustainability frameworks, supported the integration of green building best practices, and championed decarbonization approaches that align with global climate goals.

A frequent speaker at national and regional events, Manal is known for her ability to connect technical sustainability principles with strategic decision making, empowering both public and private sector stakeholders to accelerate meaningful climate action. Her work continues to support the advancement of high performance, environmentally and socially responsible development across the Middle East.

Ahmed Ezzat

Ahmed Ezzat has 20+ years of international experience in the design, execution, and supervision of projects such as hotels & resorts, governmental buildings, Commercial & residential complexes, industrial buildings, sports facilities, and stadiums. My experience includes working on world-renown projects such as the famous clock tower in Mecca Saudi Arabia, Al Marsa al Arab hotel, Dubai eye, and Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel in Dubai UAE. Experience working in busy, fast-paced, and challenging environments with a track record of introducing improved methods to enhance company operations..

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