Abu Dhabi, 4th July 2011 - Aldar has become the first developer to receive Estidama Pearl Design Rating approval from the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) for three major schemes in the Emirate, demonstrating its commitment to meeting sustainable requirements and leading the way in translating the forward thinking and insightful vision of Abu Dhabi's leadership into reality. The three projects are:

  • Al Bateen (Mixed Use Development)

  • Yas Island Water Park (Entertainment Development)

  • Yas Mall (Retail Development)

Yas Mall has received a Two Pearl Estidama Rating while Al Bateen and Yas Water Park have each been awarded a One Pearl Estidama Rating for their design, demonstrating Aldar's determination to design developments to the highest sustainable standards in line with the long term ambitions of Vision 2030.

The Estidama Pearl Ratings System was originally established by the UPC in 2009 to assess the sustainability performance of buildings, communities and villas and is a symbol of an inspired vision for governance and community development in a sustainable framework. It reviews developments and initiatives through four pre-defined areas - environmental; economic; social and cultural - ahead of making decisions about the long term sustainability of an initiative.

In successfully meeting the Estidama criteria, each of these projects has demonstrated that it has met the intent and the requirements of Abu Dhabi's Vision 2030 to create a cohesive, contemporary and sustainable urban fabric for Abu Dhabi to enable it to prosper as an attractive, liveable city that preserves the Emirate's unique culture and environment.

Al Bateen Park: Al Bateen Park is a mixed use project in Downtown Abu Dhabi incorporating villas, buildings and a small number of retail outlets. Aldar was able to blend these categories to achieve an Estidama certification as a single project rather than individual certifications for the three individual elements - sustainable community, sustainable buildings and sustainable villas. It is emblematic of the success of Al Bateen Park that the development as a whole has successfully achieved recognition.

Yas Water Park:  Given the scarcity of water in the region, it is extremely challenging, in a water park project, to promote the key elements of the Estidama criteria for its pillar of Precious Water: reduced demand, efficient distribution and alternative resources. Therefore it is an exceptional achievement for Aldar and the consultants behind the Yas Water Park project to have originated a sustainable water park. The project's consultants assisted in identifying how and where reductions in the use of drinkable water were possible. The innovative solutions to these challenges are likely to be the subject of study all over the world as an example of international best practice.

Yas Mall: Yas Mall has put in particular effort to creating a rigorous set of tenant guidelines designed to protect visitors and to provide sustainable levels of comfort and building efficiency on an ongoing basis. This is the only shopping destination throughout the region to achieve this level of sustainable design.

His Excellency Falah Mohamed Al Ahbabi, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council:

"Creating developments in a sustainable way is fundamental to Vision 2030. Day after day, Estidama is gaining strong momentum with more developers committing to its interdisciplinary approach and sustainability guidelines. It is encouraging to see the progress being made and these three developments show the importance of bringing a sustainable approach to bear at the early design phase as the basis of a sound approach. I would like to congratulate Aldar for demonstrating such a commitment to sustainable development that asserts its strategic position as an active proponent of our initiative and a true partner in progress."

Sami Asad, Chief Executive of Aldar Properties:

 "We are proud of this recognition. It shows how important design is to creating the right environment that works to the long term ambitions of Vision 2030. Under UPC guidance and support, Aldar is progressing the principles and imperatives for sustainable development and we look forward to pursuing the same direction for all of our upcoming projects."

For more information, please visit: www.upc.gov.ae

-Ends-

About the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council:
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council was created by Emiri Decree number 23 of the year 2007 and is the agency responsible for the future of Abu Dhabi's urban environments, and the expert authority behind the visionary Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan published September 2007.  Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council defines the shape of the Emirate, ensuring factors such as sustainability, infrastructure capacity, community planning and quality of life, by overseeing development across the city and the Emirate as a whole.  The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council ensures best practice in planning for both new and existing urban areas.

The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council's primary purpose is to deliver upon the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Ruler of Abu Dhabi for the continued fulfilment of the grand design envisaged by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the ongoing evolution of Abu Dhabi as a global capital city.  By drawing on urban planning expertise locally, throughout the GCC and around the world, the UPC strives to be a global authority on the future of urban planning and design.

About Estidama

Estidama, which means sustainability in Arabic, is an initiative developed by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) conceived to imbue a new mindset that promotes the concept of living in harmony with our culture and environment while conserving our way of life so that future generations can benefit from our wise choices. 

Built on the four pillars of environment, economy, society and culture, Estidama supports sustainable living and resources by working closely with communities, organisations, businesses and policy-makers to further encourage responsible decision making that moves Abu Dhabi and our region towards global sustainability leadership.

For more information please contact:
Jean-Philippe Coulaud
Corporate Communications Director
Direct: +971 2 409 6095
Email: Jphilippe.coulaud@upc.gov.ae
Web: www.upc.gov.ae

Fouad Kassem
Public Affairs and Media Relations Manager
Direct:   +971 2 409 6059
Mobile:  +971 50 632 4150
Email: Fouad.Kassem@upc.gov.ae

Mona Zayati
Aldar
Tel: +971 2 696 4729
Mob: 050-4108400
Email: mzayati@aldar.com

© Press Release 2011