Newsletter
Dear EmiratesGBC Family,
I sometimes think the future of our cities is decided in surprisingly small moments.
Not at conferences. Not during launch events. Not when ambitious sustainability targets first appear on the screen. But in ordinary meeting rooms, usually late in a project.
The energy in the room has changed. Deadlines are getting tighter. Budgets are under pressure. Teams are tired. The conversation shifts from possibilities to priorities.
And then someone asks a question that almost everyone in our industry has heard before:
“Do we really need this?”
Maybe it is a façade performance target, or a passive design measure.
Maybe it is an efficiency strategy, a resilience intervention, or a carbon reduction initiative.
Then comes the follow-up: “What’s the minimum requirement?”
On the surface, it sounds like a reasonable question. But I have learned over the years, working across a multitude of projects and communities throughout the MENA region, that this is often the exact moment sustainability gets tested.
Because sustainability rarely disappears through one major decision. It erodes quietly.
A specification changes. A target is softened. A performance threshold moves slightly. Something important gets pushed into a future phase.
Each decision in isolation feels small, but buildings stay with us for decades, and small decisions have long memories.
The UAE and our wider region have made remarkable progress. Sustainability has moved from the margins into the centre of the conversation. National agendas, climate commitments, evolving regulations, and initiatives such as the UAE Climate Law and UAE Net Zero 2050 are reshaping expectations across our industry.
The discussion today is no longer whether sustainability matters. Thankfully, we have moved beyond that.
The more difficult question now is this: How do we continue protecting ambition once projects encounter reality?
Because designing sustainably when conditions are ideal is relatively easy. Designing sustainably when commercial pressure appears – that is where discipline begins!
For developers and asset owners, this means recognising that sustainability cannot simply be a feature added onto a project narrative. The assets and communities being delivered today will operate long after current market cycles and trends have passed. Decisions around resilience, operational performance, carbon, health, and wellbeing increasingly shape not only environmental outcomes, but long-term value and risk.
For policymakers, there is an equally important challenge. Ambition matters. Vision matters. But clear, stable and practical pathways matter too. Markets accelerate when there is confidence around direction.
And for consultants, engineers and designers, there is also a big responsibility. Sometimes our role is not to say “yes” to every compromise. Sometimes our responsibility is to defend future value in rooms focused heavily on present pressures.
Throughout my own journey, and in the work we have always tried to champion as a practice across the region, I have seen the strongest outcomes emerge when sustainability is embedded early and treated as a design principle rather than an overlay. When carbon, resilience, wellbeing, and performance become part of the DNA of a project from day one, rather than a layer added later.
Because by the time sustainability reaches the value-engineering table, some of the most important decisions have often already been made.
This is also why Emirates Green Building Council continues to play such an important role. EGBC does far more than bring people together. It quietly raises expectations across the industry. It creates the space where difficult conversations happen, where experiences are shared honestly, and where today’s ambitions gradually become tomorrow’s standard practice.
The next phase of sustainability in our region may not be defined by larger targets or more ambitious statements. It may simply be defined by how many times we collectively choose not to lower the standard.
Because ultimately, sustainability is not what we promise at the beginning of a project. It is what we choose to protect when things become difficult.
Mario Saab
Emirates Green Building Council Board Member
Director of Sustainability MENA
Cundall
Emirates Green Building Council Board Member
EmiratesGBC NEWS AND UPDATES
Applications are now open for the 14th edition of the MENA Green Building Awards 2026
Organized by Emirates Green Building Council and endorsed by the World Green Building Council, the awards continue to honour excellence in sustainability, innovation, and leadership across the built environment in the MENA region.
This year’s awards are delivered in collaboration with regional Green Building Councils and partners from Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia — reflecting a collective commitment toward advancing sustainable development across the region.
Organizations from the public and private sectors are invited to submit projects, initiatives, products, and leadership achievements that demonstrate measurable environmental and social impact.
Applications are open across 17 award categories until 10 July 2026.
More information on award categories, eligibility criteria, submission requirements, and the application process can be accessed through the following link : https://emiratesgbc.org/awards/
EmiratesGBC Engages Stakeholders at Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit 2026
The Emirates Green Building Council participated in the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit 2026. Representing the Council, our team engaged with key public and private sector stakeholders.
The participation also provided an opportunity to showcase EmiratesGBC’s ongoing initiatives and knowledge platforms, while reinforcing the importance of collaboration across sectors to accelerate the transition towards sustainable, climate-responsive cities.
EmiratesGBC Participates as Jury Member for Ajman University School Design Project
Emirates Green Building Council participated as a juror for the Design 3 – School Design Project (3rd Year Studio) hosted by the Architecture Department at Ajman University.
As part of the jury panel, EmiratesGBC reviewed and evaluated students’ design proposals, providing valuable feedback and guidance on sustainable school design principles. The engagement highlighted key considerations for creating healthy, resource-efficient, and future-ready educational environments, drawing on recommendations from EmiratesGBC’s Sustainable School Building Guidance Booklet.
Through collaborations with academic institutions, EmiratesGBC continues to support the development of future sustainability leaders and promote best practices in sustainable building design across the UAE.
Read the Sustainable School Building Guidance Booklet Here
EmiratesGBC Presents Sustainable School Building Guidance to Sharjah Department of Public Works
EmiratesGBC was invited by the Department of Public Works Sharjah, to present about the Sustainable School Building Guidance Booklet (Read it here).
The presentation focused on certain chapters of the booklet, related to design, health and wellbeing, as well as furniture and universal access. The presentation was delivered in an interactive and discussion-oriented way led by Abdullatif Albitawi, CEO of the EmiratesGBC where attendees invited to take part in an open discussion on adoption and implementation.
PREVIOUS EMIRATESGBC EVENTS
EmiratesGBC Launches Sustainable Buildings: Case Studies in the UAE at Sustainability Lounge
At the Emirates Green Building Council Sustainability Lounge, EmiratesGBC officially launched Sustainable Buildings: Case Studies in the UAE, a landmark publication supported by HSBC. The report showcases leading sustainable developments across the UAE and highlights the growing financial value and investment potential of green real estate.
The event brought together key stakeholders from the finance, real estate, and sustainability sectors to discuss the role of capital in accelerating the transition toward a greener built environment. Through insightful discussions and expert perspectives, participants explored the increasing alignment between sustainability, investment strategies, and long-term economic resilience.
The session also reinforced the UAE’s commitment to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and net-zero ambitions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across industries to drive sustainable transformation.
The publication is now publicly available and can be accessed here:
Sustainable Buildings: Case Studies in the UAE
UPCOMING EMIRATESGBC EVENTS
EmiratesGBC 20th Anniversary Celebration
As Emirates Green Building Council marks its 20th anniversary, we are pleased to invite members, partners, and industry stakeholders to join us for a special celebration of two decades of advancing sustainability in the UAE’s built environment. Taking place on 18 June 2026 at Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City, Dubai, the event will bring together sustainability leaders, innovators, and professionals to reflect on EmiratesGBC’s achievements, recognize outstanding contributions to the sector, and explore the future of green building and sustainable development. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry peers, participate in a special awards and recognition ceremony, and celebrate the collective impact of the green building community. EmiratesGBC members can benefit from an exclusive discounted registration rate. we are glad to have Arabian Gulf Steel Industries L.L.C as a platinum sponsor
More Details: https://emiratesgbc.org/emiratesgbc-20th-anniversary/
World Environment Day Webinar on Nature-Based Solutions in the Built Environment
Emirates Green Building Council will host a special World Environment Day webinar titled “Inspired by Nature: Nature-Based Solutions in the Built Environment.” Aligned with this year’s global theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” the session will explore how nature-based solutions (NbS) are being embedded into built environment policy and practice across diverse regions. The webinar will feature insights from the Saudi Green Building Forum, Hong Kong Green Building Council, and Tunisian Green Building Council, followed by a moderated dialogue on shared challenges, enabling policies, and opportunities to scale impact. This cross-regional exchange aims to strengthen collaboration within the global GBC network and highlight practical pathways for integrating nature into resilient, climate-responsive buildings and cities.
Women Connecting for a Sustainable Built Environment
The EmiratesGBC Women’s Network, in collaboration with ASHRAE Falcon Chapter UAE, will host Women Connecting for a Sustainable Built Environment at the Sustainability Lounge.
The event will bring together professionals from both networks to strengthen collaboration, exchange knowledge, and advance sustainability within the built environment sector.
Participants will take part in an interactive session led by Dr. Eman Ismail Abdellatif, Ph.D., exploring how cities can be designed to support wellness and resilience in the face of future challenges. The programme will also include a creative “Build Your Terrarium” activity, providing additional opportunities for networking and engagement.
EMIRATESGBC TECHNICAL WORKSHOP FOR MEMBERS BY MEMBERS
The EmiratesGBC 6th (2026) Technical Workshop
For members by members will be by AESG on the 12th of June . The workshop will be held in online format through Teams, invitation will be sent to all Members, and the link will be updated at the members portal.
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 organizations in more than 70 countries worldwide where Emirates Green Building Council is the national operator in the United Arab Emirates.
New Green Key Hotel Certified:
- Bab Al Qasr Hotel
MEMBERS & PARTNERS
ALEC Holdings Advances Sustainability and ESG Excellence in 2025
ALEC Holdings has published its 2025 Sustainability & ESG Report, covering UAE and KSA operations during a milestone year in which the Group became publicly listed on the Dubai Financial Market, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and responsible business practices.
Link to the report: ALEC Holdings ESG Report 2025 – Official by ALEC Holdings – Issuu
Key highlights include LEED Platinum certification for the ALEC Holdings Corporate Office, alongside LEED Gold certification for the ALEMCO Corporate Office and ALEC Dubai Industrial City Yard. All operations are covered under ISO 14001:2015, with 69% of waste diverted from landfill and 6.421 MWp of solar capacity installed across assets and active projects.
A strong safety culture, supported by ISO 45001:2018, delivered a Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate of 0.097 per million man-hours, alongside training for 8,000+ workers, with 250 promoted to staff roles. Governance remains robust, with ISO 9001:2015 certification, a 100% case closure rate via ALEC Alert, our third-party whistleblowing platform, and 3,132 vendors compliant with the Vendor Code of Conduct.
In March 2026, ALEC Holdings was awarded the EcoVadis Silver Medal (73/100), placing the Group in the top 15% of all companies assessed globally.
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!
Baher Yousef
Sr. Architect |Specifications Manager
Berger Paints Emirates Ltd
Emirates Green Building Council Individual Member
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
- As an architect living in Dubai, I have been inspired by the city’s continuous focus on innovation and sustainability. At the same time, being raised in Nablus, a city known for its historic souqs and passive architectural solutions, shaped my appreciation for climate-responsive design and human comfort from an early age. Beyond my professional role, I value a sustainable lifestyle and believe that architecture should always balance functionality, wellbeing, and environmental responsibility.
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 career journey started with a strong appreciation for architecture that preserves cultural identity and enhances human experience. During my architectural studies, I was involved in renovation and heritage-related projects in the old city of Nablus, which deepened my understanding of sustainable and passive design principles.After moving to Dubai, I expanded my experience by contributing to sustainability-focused initiatives and collaborating with key stakeholders, consultants, and developers on projects targeting LEED Gold and Platinum standards. My work today focuses on promoting low-emission and environmentally responsible materials, including products with EPDs and HPDs, while supporting the industry’s transition toward more sustainable building practices. Obtaining the LEED Green Associate credential has further strengthened my passion for sustainability.
- 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?
- One of the key challenges in the sustainability field is encouraging stakeholders to look beyond short-term costs and focus on long-term environmental and economic benefits. Topics such as recycling, low-emission materials, and sustainable design strategies often require continuous awareness and knowledge sharing to support informed decisions.I strongly believe that “what we build today frames our future,” which is why sustainability should gradually become a standard practice rather than an optional approach. Through collaboration, technical discussions, and continuous learning, I have seen positive shifts in awareness across the industry. One of the most meaningful aspects of my journey has been contributing to projects and conversations that support a more sustainable future for the built environment.
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?
- In my current role, I focus on promoting innovative materials and solutions that support human comfort, wellbeing, and indoor air quality. This includes low-emitting materials, products with recycled content, and greater transparency regarding material ingredients. I believe these aspects contribute not only to healthier indoor environments and improved productivity, but also to more sustainable lifestyles and resilient buildings aligned with Net Zero 2030 goals.Sustainability is most effective when it is integrated from the early design stages through collaboration between architects, consultants, manufacturers, and stakeholders. I also strongly believe that women have an important role in accelerating sustainability awareness, implementation, and education across the industry and academic fields.My advice to women entering the sustainability and construction sectors is to stay curious, continue learning, and trust the value of their contribution. The industry is evolving rapidly, and diverse perspectives are essential in shaping a more sustainable future.
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.
Recent ISSUES
New Members
Industry Partner
ZERRA
individual members
Binay Kumar
Dhrumit Nileshbhai Parikh
Dr. Muna Salameh
Chimsy Chandran
Chloe Stevenson
Upcoming Events
World Environment Day Knowledge Sharing Webinar
10 June
Women Network Workshop
11 June
Technical Workshop
12 June
EmiratesGBC 20th Anniversary
18 June
Think Green
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