EmiratesGBC NEWS AND UPDATES
EmiratesGBC Successfully Concludes the 14th Annual Congress: “Mission to 1.5°C – Be Bold on Buildings”
The 14th Annual EmiratesGBC Congress brought together an influential gathering of leaders, experts, and changemakers from government, industry, and academia, uniting under one roof to shape the future of the region’s built environment. With a focus on accelerating climate action and fostering cross-sector collaboration, the two-day event was a resounding success—delivering bold ideas, impactful dialogue, and renewed momentum for sustainable development. The Congress reaffirmed EmiratesGBC’s role as a leading platform for technical exchange, policy engagement, and collective progress.
We are pleased to acknowledge Bearys Global as the Platinum Sponsor, Green Way Environmental Consultants as Gold Sponsor and Leading Hospitality Services as Silver Sponsor of this year’s congress, whose support is helping drive forward our shared mission for a greener, more sustainable built environment.
🔗 Explore the full highlights here : https://emiratesgbc.org/annual-emiratesgbc-congress/
In Conversation with Bearys Global: Platinum Sponsor of the Congress
Mr. Syed Mohamed Beary, Founder & CMD of Bearys Group
Q1) How was your overall experience at the EGBC Congress this year, and what moments or discussions stood out most for your team?
The EGBC Congress was a valuable experience, fostering insightful dialogue on sustainable development. Key highlights included discussions on net-zero strategies and innovative green technologies. Engaging with industry leaders inspired our team, reinforced our commitment to sustainability, and provided actionable ideas to integrate into our ongoing and future green building initiatives.
Q2) In what ways has your engagement with Emirates Green Building Council supported your sustainability goals and connected you to the wider industry?
Our engagement with Emirates Green Building Council has significantly advanced our sustainability goals by providing access to expert knowledge, best practices, and policy insights. It fostered collaboration with industry leaders, encouraged innovation, and enabled us to align our projects with global green building standards, strengthening our role in sustainable development.
Q3) Can you tell us about one of your upcoming or ongoing projects in the UAE, and how sustainability is being woven into its foundation?
Our upcoming project, Bearys Wafira in Dubai, integrates sustainable design by incorporating energy-efficient systems, rainwater harvesting, and green building materials. Emphasizing minimal environmental impact, the structure features natural ventilation, solar energy, and waste management solutions—aligning with eco-conscious living while promoting long-term resource conservation and harmony with the surrounding environment.
Q4) What drew Bearys to the UAE’s built environment sector, and how do you see your presence contributing to the region’s sustainability journey?
For over four decades, all our projects have been green-compliant, and Bearys has played a pivotal role in contributing to the Indian green building movement. Recognizing the UAE leadership’s strong focus on sustainability, we believe this is the most opportune time to enter the UAE market and contribute to the development of green architecture, ensuring that Dubai leads the green building movement in the Gulf.
Q5) Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your partnership with EGBC and the long-term impact you hope to create in the region?
We aspire to deepen our partnership with EGBC to drive innovation and sustainability in the built environment. Together, we aim to influence policy, promote green building practices, and inspire industry-wide collaboration, creating lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits across the region for generations to come.
Catch an interview with Mr. Syed Mohamed Beary in this video.
EmiratesGBC and DIFC Host Roundtable on Sustainable Materials
As part of its continued efforts to drive sustainability in the built environment, Emirates Green Building Council, in collaboration with DIFC, co-hosted an industry roundtable titled “Unlocking Sustainable Construction: Enhancing Green Material Procurement & Transparency in the Development Lifecycle.” Moderated by EmiratesGBC CEO Abdullatif Albitawi, the session brought together key internal and external stakeholders to address the challenges of procurement visibility within the construction cycle. The discussion focused on identifying innovative, scalable solutions for sourcing and integrating sustainable materials, reinforcing the importance of collaboration across the value chain to accelerate green development in the region.
EmiratesGBC Attends Build Dubai Breakfast to Explore Sustainable Real Estate Solutions
Emirates Green Building Council was pleased to attend the Build Dubai Breakfast, following an invitation from one of its valued members. The event brought together key stakeholders from the built environment sector to explore sustainable solutions and engage in meaningful networking and dialogue.
The morning session featured thought-provoking discussions on the future of office spaces, including innovations in sustainable door design and material efficiency. A highlight of the event was a compelling case study on The Toyota Way and the Lean Methodology, showcasing how operational excellence and sustainability can drive long-term business growth.
UPCOMING EMIRATESGBC EVENTS
“Reflecting on the UAE Market Brief 2024: Insights and Opportunities”
Knowledge Sharing Webinar
an insightful online panel discussion titled “Reflecting on the UAE Market Brief 2024: Insights and Opportunities” on Thursday, 12 June 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (GST). Hosted by Emirates Green Building Council. This session will revisit the key findings of the recently launched UAE Market Brief 2024, offering expert perspectives on the trends shaping the nation’s green building landscape. Moderated by Eng. Abdullatif Albitawi, CEO of EmiratesGBC, the panel will feature leading voices from DMT, RAK Municipality, and PCFC, who will explore how the brief aligns with current initiatives and what lies ahead for sustainable development in the UAE. The webinar also coincides with World Environment Day, reinforcing the importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving impactful climate action.
“Designing for Comfort and Creativity: Rethinking Outdoor Spaces in Schools” Knowledge Sharing Webinar
As part of our ongoing commitment to advancing healthy, sustainable learning environments, EmiratesGBC is pleased to announce an upcoming webinar hosted by the MENA Alliance for Green Schools:
“Designing for Comfort and Creativity: Rethinking Outdoor Spaces in Schools”
Taking place on Thursday, 19 June 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (GST), this virtual session will explore innovative approaches to improving thermal comfort and well-being in school outdoor environments. Drawing from both academic research and real-world examples, the webinar will feature Lana Abuqulbain of EmiratesGBC presenting findings from her master’s research on thermal comfort strategies in UAE schools, and a representative from the Arbor School showcasing their nature-based outdoor learning spaces. Join us to gain practical insights on how thoughtful design and sustainability principles can reshape educational spaces in response to our climate.
I Am Remarkable Workshop with the EmiratesGBC Women’s Network
PREVIOUS EMIRATESGBC EVENTS
Environmental Product Declarations: Awareness Rising, Action Needed Webinar
Emirates Green Building Council hosted a successful EPD Awareness & Capacity-Building Webinar in partnership with EPD International, EPD MENA, powered by Green AI. The session attracted over 200 participants from across the region and provided an in-depth look at the role of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in advancing sustainable construction.
Live polling during the session revealed key insights:
🔹 47% of attendees were aware of EPDs but had not yet implemented them
🔹 13% were introduced to the concept for the first time
🔹 40% identified a lack of technical knowledge as the main barrier to adoption
🔹 61% expect EPDs to become mandatory within 2–3 years
🔹 57% believe governments and regulators should drive adoption
Participants highlighted stronger regulatory and client demand, along with targeted training, as top accelerators for EPD adoption. In response, EmiratesGBC, together with its partners, is preparing a specialized workshop designed to move beyond awareness and provide hands-on guidance for integrating EPDs into practice.
📺 Watch the full webinar: https://emiratesgbc.org/online-workshops-seminars/
EMIRATESGBC TECHNICAL WORKSHOP FOR MEMBERS BY MEMBERS
The EmiratesGBC 6th ( 2025 ) Technical Workshop
for members by members will be By Zeroe, delving into the topic : “Beyond Carbon: Building a Sustainable Data System that Lasts”. The workshop will be held online format via Teams, invitation sent to all Members.
GREEN KEY
The Green Key programme is a leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. It is operated internationally under the management of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) with Head Offices in Copenhagen, Denmark. FEE has national member organisations in more than 70 countries worldwide where Emirates Green Building Council is the national operator in the United Arab Emirates.
New Hotels Certified Last Month:
- Al Ain Rotana
- Vida Umm Al Quwain
- Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
- Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel
EMIRATESGBC TRAINING
Exploring the Future of Sustainable Construction – In Collaboration with Holcim Academy
Emirates Green Building Council is pleased to announce an in-person training titled “Exploring the Future of Sustainable Construction: Emphasis on Concrete,” taking place on 24–25 June 2025, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the EmiratesGBC Sustainability Lounge, Dubai. Delivered in collaboration with Holcim Academy, this two-day program is tailored for professionals in architecture, engineering, consulting, and development who are looking to deepen their expertise in low-carbon construction and future-ready building materials.
The training will cover essential topics including sustainable construction fundamentals, life cycle assessment, low-carbon concrete and cement, circular construction practices, design strategies, and emerging innovations in concrete. Participants will also benefit from networking opportunities and expert-led discussions.
Download the Full Agenda
📩 Register now: https://bit.ly/43zuyjc
MEMBERS & PARTNERS
ALEC Holdings Strengthens ESG Leadership with Award-Winning Sustainability Initiatives in 2024
In 2024, ALEC Holdings reinforced its ESG leadership through impactful initiatives across environmental, social, and governance pillars. The company was awarded the EcoVadis Committed Badge, recognizing its performance in sustainability, ethics, and responsible procurement. It also received the Dubai Chamber ESG Label—an honour given to only 27 companies in the UAE. ALEC refurbished its offices to enhance employee well-being and reduce resource consumption, actively pursuing LEED certifications. Renewable energy capacity reached 3.5 MWp, with solar installations powering project sites, factories, and worker accommodations. Community engagement efforts included 1,190 employees impacting 6,300+ lives through volunteer initiatives. On the people development front, over 4,600 workers were trained, and 230+ promoted to staff roles. To support transparency, ALEC launched a third-party whistleblowing platform—ALEC ALERT. These initiatives demonstrate ALEC’s ongoing commitment to sustainable business practices and inclusive growth.
MEMBERS OPPORTUNITES
We want to feature your success stories. Please share with us your accomplishments in relation to the green building industry and allow us to feature you in our newsletter.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
EmiratesGBC WOMEN NETWORK SPOTLIGHT!
Sarah AlHamar
Assistant Sustainability Consultant
Turner & Townsend
1. Who You Are:
- Beyond your professional role, tell us a bit about yourself. What drives and inspires you personally? Whether it’s hobbies, interests, or values, we’d love to learn more about the person behind the professional achievements.
I really love staying active! My newest sports obsession is reformer Pilates. You can find me in the gym early in the morning, I think it is such a great way to start the day. I am always trying to find a new activities to try! I am an animal enthusiast currently I only have one cat, but I grew up around animals and always love seeing funny videos of animals. You can find me in a coffee shop! I love to work in open spaces and getting a moment to just sit and enjoy a nice cappuccino.
2. Career Journey and Achievements:
- Can you share a brief overview of your career journey in the field of sustainability? What achievements or projects are you most proud of in advancing sustainable practices?
My sustainability journey began early, but professionally it started with an internship at EWS-WWF in Dubai, where I contributed to the Gulf Green Turtle Project. This experience deepened my passion, which I pursued through a bachelor’s in marine biology and a master’s in industrial and environmental biotechnology. During my studies, I took a course that focused on sustainable projects and how to incorporate sustainability in the lab. Currently, I work as an Assistant Sustainability Consultant at Turner & Townsend. I am also the regional YNG Impact Officer, where I actively promote sustainability across various sectors, engaging people and industries.
3. Challenges and Triumphs:
- As a woman in the sustainability sector, have you faced any specific challenges, and how did you overcome them? On the flip side, what triumphs or successes have been particularly meaningful in your career?
I have been having a challenge of having my voice hear in some meetings. This happens either because I get shy or as someone newer to the industry, I am still working on finding my voice. I think that having a great support system of women has really helped me find my voice and realize what I need to do to make sure that I am seen and heard. I am grateful that I have been able to share my journey with others, and have facilitated talks that showcase how sustainability can be integrated into everyday life.
4. Impact and Advice:
- How do you see your role contributing to the broader goals of sustainability? Additionally, what advice would you offer to other women aspiring to make a difference in the field of sustainability?
Strategic communication plays a vital role in amplifying sustainable impact—internally to engage teams and externally to influence stakeholders. My role contributes by ensuring our ESG commitments are not only credible but actionable. To women aspiring to enter this field: don’t underestimate the value of your voice. Real change happens through collective effort—and every role, every initiative, every idea matters. Keep pushing boundaries, build alliances, and remember: even small actions can shift the narrative.
REACH US
Members of the Emirates Green Building Council can join in any of our technical programs, to advance their knowledge on the program’s relevant topics, contribute to its growth, and sponsor its events. We are working on several ideas related to our programs: Coalition for Green Schools, Health and Wellbeing, Net Zero Center of Excellence, Energy Efficiency, Green Key and Benchmarking Program.
Kindly send us an email to [email protected] to inquire about any of the mentioned technical programs.
EmiratesGBC Sustainability Lounge is now available for meetings and workshops!
If you are interested in using the EmiratesGBC Sustainability Lounge for a workshop or a meeting, kindly get in touch with us at 04-3468244 or send us an email to [email protected]. The office room is fully equipped with AV and provides a pleasant environment for focused meetings or training workshops.
SUSTAINABILITY NEWS
Clean-Energy Investment Set to Double Fossil Fuel Financing in 2025, IEA Says
Despite ongoing geopolitical and market challenges, global investment in clean energy is on track to significantly outpace fossil fuel spending in 2025, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The IEA projects total energy sector investment to reach $3.3 trillion—a 2% increase from 2024. Of that, approximately $2.2 trillion will be directed toward renewable and nuclear energy, energy storage, low-emission fuels, energy efficiency, and electrification—double the amount expected to be invested in oil, gas, and coal combined.
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