Latest news with #SalwaAlMaflahi
Al Bawaba
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Aldar and Dubai Cares expand education partnership to support students and schools across the UAE
In a powerful reaffirmation of their longstanding partnership, and in line with the UAE's declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community, Aldar and Dubai Cares are once again joining forces to support students and schools across the UAE through the Volunteer Emirates programme. Building on the momentum of last year's successful edition, Back to School 2025 will take place on August 15, 2025, at Nabdh Alfalah in Abu Dhabi, where 300 volunteers will come together to pack 10,000 school kits. These kits will be distributed to students from low-income families across the UAE, ensuring they begin the academic year equipped with the tools, confidence, and support they need to thrive. This impactful activation embodies the shared vision of Aldar and Dubai Cares to empower communities and promote inclusive and quality addition, Aldar will sponsor the refurbishment of a not-for-profit school in the capital in 2025, the first such initiative to be undertaken by Dubai Cares in Abu Dhabi. This builds on the successful refurbishment of the National Charity School for Girls in Dubai earlier this year, which significantly enhanced the school's learning Al Maflahi, Executive Director of Sustainability & Community Outreach at Aldar, said: 'At Aldar, we believe that access to quality education is the cornerstone of a thriving society. Our continued collaboration with Dubai Cares reflects our commitment to creating inclusive communities where every child has the opportunity to learn and succeed. 'Given the impact of last year's 'Back to School' event and the success of the refurbishment work at the National Charity School for Girls in Dubai, we are excited to continue our support of students in the UAE who need it most. This partnership not only supports education but also strengthens the spirit of volunteerism and collective responsibility across the UAE.'Abdulla Ahmed Al Shehhi, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Cares, commented that:' We are sincerely grateful to Aldar for their continued support and generous contribution, which is enabling us to equip thousands of students across the UAE with essential school supplies and enhanced learning environments. This partnership embodies the spirit of the UAE's 'Year of Community' by demonstrating how the private sector can work hand-in-hand with civil society to create lasting, meaningful impact. Together, we are ensuring that every child starts the school year with dignity, confidence, and the tools to thrive.' Both initiatives are part of Dubai Cares' flagship Volunteer Emirates programme, which mobilizes the UAE community year-round to donate their time and efforts in support of the education sector. With a total contribution nearing AED 1.5 million in 2025 alone, Aldar's support for Volunteer Emirates underscores its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and long-term community investment.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is building the world's first net-zero mosque
Abu Dhabi is no stranger to breaking records, but its latest project is innovation in every sense. Aldar is behind what will be the world's first net zero mosque – and it's using hydrogen steel to do it. Set to rise in Sustainable City Yas Island, this futuristic house of worship will be the first in the Middle East and North Africa to use hydrogen-based steel rebar, supplied by EMSTEEL Group. That's a big deal because steel is one of construction's biggest carbon offenders – but hydrogen-based steel can slash those emissions by up to 95 percent. That means fewer emissions and more blessings for the planet. With space for more than 850 worshippers across 1,595 square metres, the mosque is aiming for LEED Zero Carbon certification – another first for the capital. Everything from the clean energy powering it to the materials used has been chosen with sustainability in mind. From concrete and cooling to prayer carpets and lighting, this is a space where design and devotion meet cutting-edge decarbonisation. The announcement was made during Make It In The Emirates 2025 – a heavyweight gathering of the UAE's industrial and manufacturing minds – where Aldar and EMSTEEL unveiled their game-changing partnership. It's part of a broader push to green the country's construction sector and recirculate value into the UAE economy through the National In-Country Value (ICV) programme. The mosque is part of Aldar's bigger promise to hit net zero across its operations by 2050. With green construction, clean energy, circular economy practices and now hydrogen steel on the cards, it looks like they're well on their way to reaching real estate nirvana. Salwa Al Maflahi, executive director of sustainability and community outreach at Aldar, said: 'The low emissions hydrogen-based rebar is more than a material innovation – it's a catalyst for reshaping our industry. 'As we transition to low-carbon construction, green steel enables us to reduce embodied carbon at scale, without compromising structural integrity or design ambition. Our partnership with EMSTEEL marks a bold step forward in accelerating the decarbonisation of our supply chain and delivering on our net zero ambitions. This is a game changer for sustainable real estate development.' Michael Rion, chief commercial officer at Emirates Steel, part of EMSTEEL Group, said: 'At EMSTEEL, we are proud to support the region's transition to sustainable construction by supplying low-emissions hydrogen-based rebar for this landmark project. collaboration with Aldar represents a significant advancement in the use of green steel and underscores our commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and the UAE's industrial sustainability agenda. 'Through such partnerships, we aim to decarbonize the value chain of the construction industry and drive long-term impact across the built environment. This project sets a precedent for future developments, with both Aldar and EMSTEEL exploring the broader adoption of green steel across residential, commercial, and public infrastructure projects in the UAE and beyond.' You might also like… The best beaches in Abu Dhabi for a relaxing day in the sun From quiet family-friendly spots to where you'll find the beach club party atmosphere Everything we know so far about Etihad Rail From map routes to timings and more 19 of Abu Dhabi's most Instagrammable spots Do it for the 'gram
