Construction & Real Estate

Masdar City opens new mosque; set for LEED certification

Masdar City, an Abu Dhabi-based sustainability and innovation hub, has inaugurated its Estidama Mosque located in Masdar Park, which is set to become the emirate's first LEED Platinum mosque.
 
LEED Platinum is the highest international standard for green buildings, awarded by the US Green Buildings Council. Estidama 3-Pearl is a rating awarded by the UAE's Estidama Pearl Rating System, which is designed for the UAE's physical environment and focuses on water conservation.
 
The new, 500-sq-m domed structure, located in Masdar Park, adheres to the highest international sustainability standards and can accommodate 335 worshippers for each of the five daily prayers, said the Abu Dhabi group.
 
It was designed by Masdar City in collaboration with X-Architects with a focus on passive design, an approach they champion across the city. 
 
It is an architectural technique that works with the local environment and a building's physical components to minimise the need for energy-intensive cooling, it stated.
 
Skylights on the roof are compact, and traditional Arabic screens maximise natural light while minimising heat generated by direct sun. The building also has a low surface-area-to-volume ratio, an airtight building envelope, and high-performance insulation, it added.
 
Additionally, the primary pathways to the building and the courtyard are shaded by trees, and intelligent sensors within the building enable precise management of lighting and ventilation based on building occupancy. All of these features work together to reduce the need for cooling.
 
Solar photovoltaic panels, installed on the nearby car parking shades, produce a portion of the building's remaining energy requirements, it stated.
 
"Estidama Mosque is a powerful symbol of our commitment to our community, our faith, and responsible stewardship of the earth," remarked Mohamed Al Breiki, Masdar City's Executive Director of Sustainable Development, at the opening ceremony. 
 
"We see this as so much more than a house of worship—it's a community gathering place in the heart of our city where worshippers can look forward to a journey that is both environmentally conscious and spiritually profound."
 
In total, the mosque will use over 50% less energy than a traditional mosque building, stated Al Breiki. 
 
The mosque also conserves about 48% of its water. A water treatment unit allows grey water to be used to irrigate plants in the mosque's garden.
 
"We're proud of the fact that this unique design is on track to be Abu Dhabi's first LEED Platinum mosque," said Al Breiki. 
 
"Our designs meet all the requirements for both LEED Platinum and Estidama 3-Pearl, and we anticipate receiving the certifications later this year," he added.
 
Masdar City's second mosque, a much larger, net-zero energy building that will accommodate 1,300 worshippers, was announced during COP28 and is expected to break ground in 2024.

Construction & Real Estate

Ashghal starts work on Qatar Sidra Academy

Qatar's Public Works Authority (Ashghal), represented by Buildings Projects Department, has started work on the Qatar Sidra Academy project located in Education City being developed in collaboration with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development. 
 
Spanning a total area of 74,000 sqm, it will feature a two-storey main building that includes classrooms, lecture halls, administrative offices, and reception areas for students and visitors. On completion, it will be able to accommodate 1,800 students.
 
The academy will boast a 33,000 square meters of built-up area. 
 
Eng. Ahmed Al-Mahmeed, Head of the Public Projects Section, said work is currently underway and the project is expected to be completed by Q2 2026. 
 
"The project heavily relies on locally produced materials, with an estimated 60% of the materials used, including steel, iron, electrical and mechanical equipment, glass, and aluminum, sourced locally," he stated.
 
The academy has been designed as per the highest local and international standards, reflecting Qatar's cultural heritage and identity. The architectural designs align with Qatari values and traditions.
 
In line with sustainability standards, the design conforms to the global GSAS system, with the academy aiming to achieve a 3-star environmental quality rating. 
 
The project includes modern technologies for energy and water conservation, the use of locally produced eco-friendly materials, and ensures a safe and healthy indoor environment while adhering to fire safety standards, he added.
 
Eng. Saud Al-Dosari, Project Manager, confirmed that the academy will include 60 classrooms to meet the needs of all educational stages, in addition to several service facilities to support the educational process. 
 
The academy, he stated, would incorporate the latest technologies and modern designs to create a comprehensive educational environment.
 
According to him, the project would include diverse educational and recreational facilities, such as a music room, a theater, art rooms, and multi-purpose activity rooms, as well as a library and science labs. 
 
It will also have sports halls, outdoor fields, a swimming pool, and a cafeteria, he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Construction & Real Estate

JIIC, LEAD achieve key safety milestone at Jubail Island

UAE-based Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC) and LEAD Development have achieved a major safety milestone at its landmark community in Abu Dhabi - Jubail Island - clocking 12 million man-hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI).
 
This remarkable achievement was accomplished exclusively for infrastructure works, including bridges, in collaboration with Gulf Contractors Company (GCC).
 
Owned by JIIC and developed and managed by LEAD Real Estate Developer, Jubail Island comprises six residential villages nestled among the breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the mangroves. 
 
The low-density, low-impact landmark community offers residents every convenience and amenity, seamlessly blending sustainable living, luxury, and wellness in an iconic new addition to Abu Dhabi’s real estate landscape, said the developer.
 
To celebrate the feat, the Abu Dhabi City Municipality recently hosted a special ceremony where an awards was presented to Engineer Abdulla Saeed Al Shamsi, the General Manager of JIIC.
 
At the ceremony, the municipality officials recognised both the Jubail Island and LEAD Development team for achieving an outstanding health and safety milestone.
 
"We are grateful to Abu Dhabi City Municipality for this significant award," said Eng. Al Shamsi. 
 
"This recognition underscores the successful collaboration between our team, our partners at GCC, and all stakeholders. Prioritising the safety and well-being of our workforce is paramount," he stated. 
 
"We are committed to maintaining the highest health and safety standards, and this award reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone involved," he added.-TradeArabia News Service