Latest news with #CitiesinActionForum
Web Release
03-03-2025
- Business
- Web Release
EmiratesGBC signs MoU with Expo City Dubai to accelerate sustainability in the building industry
Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) has entered into a partnership with Expo City Dubai to strengthen sustainability initiatives in the building industry, reinforcing the importance of decarbonizing construction while maintaining economic growth. The MoU signed by Khaled Bushnaq, EmiratesGBC Chairman and Ahmad Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer, Expo City Dubai, at the recent Cities in Action Forum 2025, underlines UAE's dedication to realise the ambitious target of global decarbonisation by 2050. As part of the MoU, EmiratesGBC and Expo City Dubai will collaborate to set the guidelines to help reduce carbon emissions, mainly embodied carbon, during the construction of real estate assets within the UAE. The partnership also aims to enhance stakeholder understanding, examine the transformative potential of net-zero carbon materials, and share valuable insights into cutting edge advancements, critical challenges and innovative solutions shaping net zero carbon construction in the UAE. Khaled Bushnaq, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said; 'Strategic partnerships and collaborations are key to our ambitious target of achieving net zero carbon emissions. At Emirates Green Building Council we strongly believe in the power of advocacy to transform the world in our mission to build a resilient and sustainable built environment. Dubai Expo City's model for sustainable urban living and the pivotal role it plays in the Urban Master Plan 2040, makes it the perfect partner to align on our common mission of achieving net zero carbon emissions in the booming UAE construction industry. We look forward to aligning with them to draw the blueprint for how cities can be designed to provide a resilient and sustainable future for all.' Held at Expo City Dubai, the Cities in Action Forum 2025 was an annual meeting of city leaders and urban visionaries that offers a unique opportunity to build new partnerships with the city's leadership and public and private sector decision-makers from across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and beyond. Attended by investors, innovators, industry leaders and experts shaping the future of urban living in the region, the Forum addressed actionable solutions for sustainable urban development. As part of their active participation at the Cities in Action Forum, EmiratesGBC hosted the Developers' Leaders' Forum where Abdullatif AlBitawi , CEO of EmiratesGBC, presented key insights from leading developers and sustainability experts to share the Forum's energy sustainability standards. The Forum was introduced by the Sustainability Criteria Panel moderated by Khaled Bushnaq, EmiratesGBC, alongside WorldGBC, also explored how the built environment can accelerate climate action through Resilience & Adaptation. The session led by EmiratesGBC CEO Abdullatif AlBitawi kickstarted discussions on the Zero Carbon & Climate Resilience Readiness Framework in MENA, marking a pivotal step toward tackling climate challenges and enhancing regional preparedness for a sustainable future. An insightful workshop on Women in Urban Planning: Designing for Diversity, a collaboration between Expo City Dubai Women's Pavilion and EmiratesGBC Women's Network, explored urban planning through a gender lens. EmiratesGBC, is a non-profit organization aimed at advancing sustainability in the built environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices. They are part of a global network of more than 75 Green Building Councils across 31 countries to join hands to find solutions to Reduce. Electrify. Adapt. for a sustainable built environment with the core belief that what we build today defines our tomorrow. The post EmiratesGBC signs MoU with Expo City Dubai to accelerate sustainability in the building industry appeared first on Web Release.
Zawya
03-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EmiratesGBC signs MoU with Expo City Dubai to accelerate sustainability in the building industry
EmiratesGBC was part of the Cities in Action Forum held at Expo City Dubai Dubai, UAE: Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) has entered into a partnership with Expo City Dubai to strengthen sustainability initiatives in the building industry, reinforcing the importance of decarbonizing construction while maintaining economic growth. The MoU signed by Khaled Bushnaq, EmiratesGBC Chairman and Ahmad Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer, Expo City Dubai, at the recent Cities in Action Forum 2025, underlines UAE's dedication to realise the ambitious target of global decarbonisation by 2050. As part of the MoU, EmiratesGBC and Expo City Dubai will collaborate to set the guidelines to help reduce carbon emissions, mainly embodied carbon, during the construction of real estate assets within the UAE. The partnership also aims to enhance stakeholder understanding, examine the transformative potential of net-zero carbon materials, and share valuable insights into cutting edge advancements, critical challenges and innovative solutions shaping net zero carbon construction in the UAE. Khaled Bushnaq, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said; 'Strategic partnerships and collaborations are key to our ambitious target of achieving net zero carbon emissions. At Emirates Green Building Council we strongly believe in the power of advocacy to transform the world in our mission to build a resilient and sustainable built environment. Dubai Expo City's model for sustainable urban living and the pivotal role it plays in the Urban Master Plan 2040, makes it the perfect partner to align on our common mission of achieving net zero carbon emissions in the booming UAE construction industry. We look forward to aligning with them to draw the blueprint for how cities can be designed to provide a resilient and sustainable future for all.' Held at Expo City Dubai, the Cities in Action Forum 2025 was an annual meeting of city leaders and urban visionaries that offers a unique opportunity to build new partnerships with the city's leadership and public and private sector decision-makers from across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and beyond. Attended by investors, innovators, industry leaders and experts shaping the future of urban living in the region, the Forum addressed actionable solutions for sustainable urban development. As part of their active participation at the Cities in Action Forum, EmiratesGBC hosted the Developers' Leaders' Forum where Abdullatif AlBitawi , CEO of EmiratesGBC, presented key insights from leading developers and sustainability experts to share the Forum's energy sustainability standards. The Forum was introduced by the Sustainability Criteria Panel moderated by Khaled Bushnaq, EmiratesGBC, alongside WorldGBC, also explored how the built environment can accelerate climate action through Resilience & Adaptation. The session led by EmiratesGBC CEO Abdullatif AlBitawi kickstarted discussions on the Zero Carbon & Climate Resilience Readiness Framework in MENA, marking a pivotal step toward tackling climate challenges and enhancing regional preparedness for a sustainable future. An insightful workshop on Women in Urban Planning: Designing for Diversity, a collaboration between Expo City Dubai Women's Pavilion and EmiratesGBC Women's Network, explored urban planning through a gender lens. EmiratesGBC, is a non-profit organization aimed at advancing sustainability in the built environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices. They are part of a global network of more than 75 Green Building Councils across 31 countries to join hands to find solutions to Reduce. Electrify. Adapt. for a sustainable built environment with the core belief that what we build today defines our tomorrow. About Emirates Green Building Council: The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) was founded in June 2006, and became the 8th full member of the World Green Building Council in September 2006. EmiratesGBC promotes and educates on green issues in the built environment and is the official body for the UAE endorsed by the World Green Building Council. EmiratesGBC currently has around 170 members in the UAE which represents 1000s of individuals interested and involved in Green Building in the UAE and the region. In addition, EmiratesGBC members receive discounts on a number of programmes such as those related to conferences, seminars, training and green building events. For more information: Nivine William Burson
Zawya
10-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cities in Action Forum concludes with new partnerships
DUBAI – The second edition of Expo City Dubai's Cities in Action Forum has concluded with the launch of new partnerships and programmes that will catalyse action around the future of urban development ahead of the Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayors' Forum taking place from 27-29 October 2025. The Cities in Action Forum brought together more than 500 thought leaders, investors, innovators and decision-makers from the public and private sector for a series of keynote speeches, workshops and discussions to explore the challenges and opportunities around the future of urban living in the region. Across two days, delegates were also able to learn more about Expo City as an exemplar of innovative, sustainable urban development and discover the exceptional opportunities it offers investors and innovators. Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, said: 'Expo City Dubai was built to be a city that fosters collaboration, drives economic growth and serves as a model for sustainable urban development. From Expo 2020 Dubai to COP28, we have proven that cities can be platforms for action, bringing decision-makers together to tackle global challenges, pioneering regenerative urban spaces and integrating creativity, play and wellbeing into our everyday lives. 'In October this year we will continue this journey as we host the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors' Forum. We will continue to lend our own experiences and ambitions to the acceleration of real-world progress towards world-wide goals. In so doing we will not just be contributing to the global conversation, but once more setting the global agenda.' A catalyst for knowledge-sharing and impact The forum included the launch of the Expo City Dubai Urban Framework, an innovative platform for cities around the world to benchmark themselves against 30-plus international standards, as well as Expo City's own values-led urban metrics across critical areas including social value creation, SME-integration, innovation and international cooperation. Taking learnings from Expo City's experience in building a city that balances human needs with environmental stewardship, the framework also aggregates metrics from existing international performance indices, enabling cities to conduct their own 'health check', the results of which can lead to tangible action for improvement and inform strategic planning and investment decisions. A milestone moment for the future of cities The Cities in Action Forum also marked the official opening of registrations for the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit (2025APCS) & Mayors' Forum, an initiative of Brisbane City Council, which is taking place in the Middle East for the first time in the event's 30-year history. 2025APCS is set to attract hundreds of mayors and city leaders and more than 1,000 executives, entrepreneurs, industry experts and young professionals. Designed and delivered by Expo City Dubai, the event is the latest milestone in its journey to shape the future of cities while powering economic growth and deeper collaboration across sectors worldwide. In parallel to 2025APCS, Expo City will also host the Sustainable Destinations Summit 2025, organised by Green Destinations, which aims to advance sustainable tourism strategies and collaboration among city and regional leaders. A platform for partnerships A number of partnerships came to fruition at the Cities in Action Forum, with Dubai Chambers and Emicool signing agreements with Expo City Dubai to become Major Partner and Partner of 2025APCS respectively. AIM Congress, UN Habitat, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry - Dubai Branch (FICCI) and the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI) also signed APCS-focused agreements, reflecting a commitment to working with Expo City to deliver long-term value for cities and businesses seeking trade and investment opportunities in the region and beyond. Coming on the heels of Expo City's master plan gaining pre-certification in the LEED Cities and Communities and WELL Community standards, the city also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Emirates Green Building Council to advance net-zero carbon construction practices and materials in the UAE. A lynchpin between Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port and Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai is uniquely positioned at the centre of Dubai's future growth, with its innovative free zone and business ecosystem home to the industries driving the delivery of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and residential properties and commercial plots representing unparalleled opportunities for future-focused residents, investors and developers. Delegate passes to the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayors' Forum start from AED 2,608. About Expo City Dubai Expo City Dubai, the legacy city of Expo 2020 Dubai, is an innovation-driven, people-centric community rooted in the belief that collaboration can propel sustainable progress. Its prime location and world-class connectivity place it at the centre of Dubai's future – the lynchpin between Dubai Exhibition Centre, Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port and a key driver of Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33) A world-class free zone, it is home to a thriving business community that supports cross-sector collaboration and provides a springboard for businesses of all sizes to scale and grow, enhancing Dubai's position as a global centre of trade and reinforcing the UAE's development and diversification ambitions Its residential communities redefine urban living, exemplifying best practice in innovative, environment-friendly design with a focus on wellbeing and happiness An incubator for innovation, it is a testbed for solutions and a platform for groundbreaking ideas that benefit both people and the planet Packed with educational, cultural and entertainment offerings, with more than 30 indoor and outdoor venues attracting globally significant events, it celebrates human creativity and ingenuity and inspires future generations Designed as a blueprint for sustainable urban living and one of five hubs on the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, its roadmap to achieving net zero by 2050 and its broader decarbonisation targets raise the bar on responsible urban development
Hi Dubai
10-02-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Expo City Dubai's Cities in Action Forum Concludes with Key Partnerships and Urban Development Initiatives
The second edition of Expo City Dubai's Cities in Action Forum concluded with the launch of significant partnerships and programs aimed at shaping the future of urban development. The event sets the stage for the upcoming Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayors' Forum (2025APCS), scheduled to take place from October 27-29, 2025. The two-day forum gathered over 500 thought leaders, investors, and policymakers from the public and private sectors for discussions, keynote speeches, and workshops on sustainable urban living. Attendees explored Expo City Dubai as a model for innovative urban development and investment opportunities. Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, emphasized the city's role in fostering collaboration and sustainable growth. She stated, 'Expo City Dubai was built to be a city that fosters collaboration, drives economic growth, and serves as a model for sustainable urban development. We will continue to lend our experiences and ambitions to the acceleration of real-world progress towards global goals.' New Urban Development Framework and Strategic Partnerships The forum saw the launch of the Expo City Dubai Urban Framework, a benchmarking tool for cities to assess themselves against over 30 international standards. This framework integrates metrics related to social value, SME inclusion, innovation, and global cooperation, helping cities conduct performance evaluations and drive strategic improvements. The event also marked the official opening of registrations for the 2025APCS, which will be held in the Middle East for the first time in its 30-year history. The summit is expected to attract over 1,000 executives, entrepreneurs, and industry experts, alongside hundreds of city leaders and mayors. Additionally, Expo City Dubai will host the Sustainable Destinations Summit 2025, in collaboration with Green Destinations, to advance sustainable tourism strategies. Strengthening Global Collaborations Several key partnerships were formalized at the forum. Dubai Chambers and Emicool signed agreements with Expo City Dubai as Major Partner and Partner of 2025APCS, respectively. Other agreements were signed with AIM Congress, UN Habitat, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry - Dubai Branch (FICCI), and the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), reinforcing commitments to fostering trade and investment. Expo City Dubai also signed an MoU with the Emirates Green Building Council to promote net-zero carbon construction practices, following its pre-certification under the LEED Cities and Communities and WELL Community standards. A Strategic Hub for Dubai's Future Growth Strategically located between Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port, and Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai is positioned as a key driver of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Its free zone and business ecosystem offer unique opportunities for investors, developers, and future-focused residents. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Trade Arabia
09-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Expo City masterplan gets pre-certifications in LEED, WELL systems
The Expo City Dubai masterplan has attained two pre-certifications of globally recognised social and environmental sustainability systems, testament to its commitment to developing an innovation-driven, people-centric community, maximising social, environmental and economic impact, and advancing international best practice in the region. Expo City Dubai is now pre-certified Platinum – the highest possible rating – in LEED Cities and Communities standard, which focuses on inclusivity, economic development and environmental preservation. LEED is the most widely used 'green' rating system in the world for real estate and the urban environment. The city also achieved pre-certification for WELL Community – a standard that emphasises health and wellbeing and the leading international standard for a healthy built environment – and is targeting WELL Gold for its anticipated certification. Expo City Dubai is the only urban centre in the Middle East and North Africa region to achieve this combination of pre-certifications and first in the region to achieve WELL Community pre-certification. The achievements, announced at the Cities in Action Forum taking place from February 6 to 7, exemplify the city's commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable and equitable community for tenants, visitors and future residents and enhance its appeal to investors and developers. Chief Development and Delivery Officer Ahmed Al Khatib said: "Expo City's masterplan is rooted in the principles of sustainable development, and we are proud to have this commitment globally recognised as we push forward on the master plan's delivery." "Our pre-certification in LEED and WELL community standards shows we are on track to meet our ambitious targets and reinforces our city's robust position as a new urban centre at the heart of Dubai's growth corridor," he noted. The pre-certifications underscore the unparalleled opportunity offered by Expo City's forward-thinking, people- and environment-focused master plan that takes advantage of its prime location and world-class connectivity. The lynchpin of Dubai's growth located in the rapidly expanding Dubai South area, Expo City Dubai is close to Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port and Dubai Exhibition Centre. The master plan features five districts designed as an efficient grid system to ensure navigation, circulation and accessibility, while a network of green and blue spaces – from parks and fields, to small sikkas and urban water features – will permeate throughout. It contains specific targets across areas including: protecting and increasing biodiversity; reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of clean energy; reducing water consumption and increasing the use of alternative water sources; increasing the use of sustainable, lower carbon public transport options and creating spaces that encourage walking, cycling and micromobility; and facilitating economic opportunity and creating a quality work environment. "The unique offering of our city – a vibrant, nurturing community where people connect, thrive and live in harmony with nature – is reflected in the incredible demand for every Expo City Dubai real estate project launched, including commercial leasing, residential developments and plots for sale," stated Al Khatib. LEED Cities and Communities, managed by the US Green Building Council, addresses various factors that contribute to quality of life, including natural systems, energy, water, waste and transportation, as well as optimising the operational aspects of a city through its design. Pre-certification is granted based on Expo City's masterplan information and associated data. Expo City Dubai, including Dubai Exhibition Centre and Expo Village, is already home to 123 LEED-certified buildings, and the masterplan further sets the target of LEED Gold as a minimum requirement for all buildings. Meanwhile, the WELL Community standard, created by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) gives pre-certification to real estate projects that demonstrate a commitment to health and wellbeing across 10 areas: air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind and community.
