The GCC developers should focus more on providing sustainable, attractive, outdoor environments when they look at new construction projects, according to industry experts. 


While the building industry is booming in the region, with the total value of construction projects awarded across the GCC expected to exceed $195 billion this year, attention is increasingly turning toward making sure that these developments include appropriately designed and built outdoor space, according to Nicholas Webb, managing partner of Streamline Marketing Group, the organisers of the Outdoor Design and Build Show 2015, which will take place from April 13 to 15 in Dubai, UAE.

The event is an annual B2B tradeshow that will focus purely on design and build for all public and private spaces including parks, urban areas, hotels, schools, sports venues, and major residential projects. 


The UAE has stipulated that 25 per cent of a project’s development area must be set aside for environmentally-responsible landscaping, and in line with its new ‘#HappyDubai’ campaign, Dubai Municipality’s planning standards aim to establish modern, sustainable, and integrated communities that fit with the values and culture of Dubai and provide a distinctive lifestyle to residents.

Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality, said in a statement that the provision of public facilities, parks and beaches is among the most important services the municipality provides.

Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council has addressed sustainable development through its Estidama initiative. Estidama – which is the Arabic word for sustainability – deals with sustainability through four equal pillars: environmental, economic, social and cultural.

With governments becoming increasingly focused on green, pedestrian-friendly space development, the GCC’s landscaping industry will also see growing demand for new energy and water-efficient technologies.- TradeArabia News Service