King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) has announced that it has obtained three new LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certifications from the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

 

This further solidifies its position as the world’s largest LEED Platinum-certified business and lifestyle destination.

 

During an official visit to King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Peter Templeton, the President and CEO of US Green Building Council, presented the certifications, recognizing KAFD’s fire station, headquarters, and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Tower. 

 

The KAFD Fire Station was awarded LEED Platinum for building design and construction, the Headquarters for Interior design and construction and PIF Tower - the tallest building in Riyadh - earned it for operations and maintenance.

 

Templeton’s visit included high-level discussions on LEED v5, KAFD’s sustainability roadmap, and the district’s future plans for integrating green technologies into its infrastructure.

 

Later the Financial District executives also led a tour showcasing its LEED-certified buildings.

 

During the presentation, Templeton emphasized the significance of KAFD’s achievements, stating: "From the KAFD Headquarters to the PIF Tower and the fire station, these projects are driving a fundamental transformation in how buildings are designed, built and operated."

 

"Achieving LEED certification is not just about implementing sustainable practices; it represents a commitment to creating a better world and inspiring others to follow suit. With the urgent need for climate protection and the critical role buildings play in this effort, KAFD is setting a path for a more sustainable future," he added.

 

KAFD DMC Chief Asset Delivery Officer Faddy AlAql said: "We are committed to operating with an environmentally conscious approach, integrating sustainable infrastructure that enhances urban resilience and ensures a high quality of life."

 

"This commitment is reflected in key projects such as the KAFD Fire Station, the first of its kind in the world, which features exceptional energy efficiency and enhances community safety," he noted.

 

"The KAFD headquarters serves as a model for sustainable high-performance buildings, while the PIF Tower stands as a benchmark for smart and eco-friendly operations. Through these initiatives, we continue to build a thriving, forward-thinking urban environment centered on innovation and sustainability," he stated.

 

KAFD continues to establish itself as a leading smart and sustainable district, becoming the first in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) to earn WiredScore certification for urban neighborhoods, said AlAql. 

 

With over 40 LEED Silver- and Gold-certified buildings, KAFD remains dedicated to integrating smart infrastructure, energy-efficient design, and innovative urban solutions that enhance business, lifestyle, and sustainability, he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Alghanim International said it has been awarded a major engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract worth $1 billion for Project Volta, a new cogeneration utilities plant in Abu Dhabi.

 

A major player in construction, engineering and infrastructure development in Kuwait, Alghanim International has been delivering large-scale, high-impact projects across the Middle East and North Africa. 

 

The contract was awarded by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc Group).

 

This landmark project will play a crucial role in supplying utilities to Ta’Ziz’s derivatives complex, supporting the production of new petrochemical products in the UAE. 

 

Additionally, it strengthens Alghanim International’s reputation as a leader in executing large-scale utilities and energy projects.

 

From the Duqm Integrated Power and Water Plant in Oman, which powers the Duqm Refinery, to multiple mega scale energy projects in Kuwait, Alghanim continues to play a role in the progress of the energy industry across the region, said a company spokesman.

 

"With our engineering excellence, proven track record, and unwavering commitment to innovation, we are proud to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s industrial growth and look forward to delivering another world-class project that sets new benchmarks in the energy sector," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has reinforced its leadership in the global clean energy sector by deploying close to AED30 billion in equity investments and securing more than AED16.5 billion of project financing across nine countries. 

 

These accomplishments reflect Masdar’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio while driving the global energy transformation.

 

Since its establishment in 2006, Masdar has been a key enabler of the UAE’s vision as a global leader in sustainability and climate action. 

 

The company has developed and partnered in projects in over 40 countries, with a mandate to increase its renewable energy portfolio capacity to 100GW by 2030.

 

Masdar contributes to accelerating development and supporting the UAE's ambition to become the world's largest developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy and green hydrogen. 

 

It also aids countries globally in achieving their climate neutrality plans, while increasing its project portfolio's production capacity to 51GW by the end of 2024.

 

Masdar’s growth was advanced by landmark acquisitions in Greece, Spain and the United States, strengthening the company’s presence in Europe and North America, as well as breaking ground on seven major projects worldwide. 

 

These included two BESS projects in the UK, two solar projects in Azerbaijan with a combined capacity of 760MW, and the 1.5GW Al Ajban Solar Project in the UAE.

 

Additionally, Masdar announced the financial close of six projects, including the 1.1GW Al Henakiyah Solar Power Plant and multi-utility Amaala sustainable project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as 760MW solar projects Bilasuvar and Neftchala in Azerbaijan.

 

Masdar also signed a power purchase agreement in December 2024 for the 2GW Sadawi project in Saudi Arabia, and inaugurated the 500MW Zarafshan Wind Farm in Uzbekistan, now the largest operation in Central Asia.-TradeArabia News Service