Dubai Real Estate Corporation (DREC) said it extends its full support to the remarkable initiative ‘green buildings’ of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The initiative, which encourages buildings in Dubai to be constructed with green building standards from January 2008, and reflects a major component within the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 to focus on achieving sustainable development.

Following the vision of, DREC has also announced that it will be one of the first companies in the UAE to implement green building principles across the full spectrum of its property portfolio, with energy and water reduction measures to be incorporated in its residential, commercial, industrial, hospitality and tourism-focused developments from today.

The move will ensure that all properties registered in the name of the Dubai Government or any of its departments are constructed according to world-class standards of sustainable development.

“We fully support this remarkable initiative of his highness, as it will ensure that Dubai will become an iconic destination for many generations in the future because of its replicable, recyclable, renewable and sustainable environment,” said Hisham Al Qassim, chief executive officer of DREC.

“As a company that has been created to further develop Dubai’s real estate and asset management sector, it is our goal to raise industry benchmarks; which is why we have taken this initiative on board from day one.  Our future projects will incorporate the best standards and systems available, based on international best practices as recommended by the Dubai Government,” Al Qassim added.

In practice, a ‘green building’ incorporates measures such as optimised use of natural light, renewable energy sources and district cooling systems, to enhance the comfort of building occupants in an energy efficient and environmentally responsive manner.

International research reveals that green buildings reduce long-term operational and energy-related costs, while also minimising the disruptive impact on the environment. Green buildings also promote indirect benefits, such as improved worker performance and productivity gains.

Sustainable development methods can be incorporated into buildings at any stage, including renovation and maintenance; however the most significant benefits can be achieved by integrating a green approach from the inception phase.

“Taking a proactive approach on this issue will complement our efforts to play a pivotal role in the UAE’s next chapter of development as we will encourage environmental compliance and energy conservation as the fundamental norms within the real estate industry. In the near future we will be able to see the positive results of this initiative, which will certainly position Dubai as the global city of the 21st century,” Al Qassim added. 

DREC operating as a full-solution asset management company is responsible for providing a number of value-added services for its customers and the community.

Therefore, The company is currently in the process of conducting preliminary studies about the real estate sector in Dubai; the results of which will highlight key areas for development based on growth potential and market demand.