New community development in Dubai receives highest global sustainability standard
Press Release
- The rating reflects Athlon’s sustainability focus, supporting net zero goals and inspiring a healthy active living community
- This unique certification adds to Aldar’s five existing LEED platinum certified assets for Operations and Maintenance (O+M) in the UAE
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Aldar Properties (‘Aldar’) has received the United Arab Emirates’ first LEED platinum certification for community planning and design at Athlon, the company’s active living residential project in Dubai. With sustainability positioned as a priority for the new community, this achievement places Athlon at the forefront of sustainable real estate in the UAE.
The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a rigorous data-driven rating framework to pursue global sustainable development and resilient buildings. Athlon has been recognised by LEED for its human-centric focus, purposefully engineered to enhance social cohesion and promote sustainable living practices.
Faisal Falaknaz, Group Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer, said: “We are proud that Athlon is the first community in the UAE to receive this recognition, raising the bar for the sustainable design of real estate in the region. LEED is a prestigious global standard, and we are committed to ensuring our real estate projects align with leading global practices. Driving these standards is not only a crucial component of our net zero plan, but it is also something expected by our customers and investors.”
To promote sustainable behaviour, the community is designed with energy and water saving fixtures, smart waste disposal systems, electric vehicle charging points, and a network of shaded walkways and bicycle routes to encourage sustainable transportation. It will be built using low-carbon and locally sourced materials, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 ambition and supporting Aldar’s Net Zero goals.
Promoting wellbeing and inspiring a healthy living environment, Athlon will feature activities that connect people with green spaces and parks within a half-mile radius from each villa, along with dedicated zones for sports and fitness. Athlon has also received a 2-star rating from Fitwel for Communities, the world’s leading certification system committed to building health for all.
Since 2023, Aldar has embarked on a journey to increase its LEED certifications across its portfolio and has five existing buildings which are LEED platinum certified for Operations and Maintenance (O+M), with several assets currently being assessed for LEED accreditation.
Developed in partnership with Dubai Holding, a diversified global investment company with investments in 31 countries, Athlon represents the joint venture’s second groundbreaking residential project in Dubai. In May 2024, more than 1,000 villas and townhouses were sold within 48 hours of the launch of Athlon, generating AED 4.1 billion in sales.
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About Aldar
Aldar is the leading real estate developer, manager, and investor in Abu Dhabi, with a growing presence across the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East and North Africa, and Europe. The company has two core business segments, Aldar Development and Aldar Investment.
Aldar Development is a master developer of a 69 million sqm strategic landbank, creating integrated and thriving communities across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah’s most desirable destinations. The delivery of Aldar’s developments is managed by Aldar Projects, which is also a key partner of the Abu Dhabi government in delivering housing and infrastructure projects across the UAE’s capital. Internationally, Aldar Development wholly owns UK real estate developer London Square, as well as a majority stake in leading Egyptian real estate development company, SODIC.
Aldar Investment houses a core asset management business comprising a portfolio of more than AED 37 billion worth of investment grade and income-generating real estate assets diversified across retail, residential, commercial, logistics, and hospitality segments. It manages four core platforms: Aldar Investment Properties, Aldar Hospitality, Aldar Education, and Aldar Estates.
For more information on Aldar please visit www.aldar.com
ABOUT DUBAI HOLDING
Dubai Holding is a diversified global investment company with investments in more than 30 countries and a combined workforce of more than 40,000 people.
Established in 2004, Dubai Holding touches the lives of millions of Dubai residents and visitors through its extensive portfolio of over AED 265 billion worth of assets that support the diversification and sustainable growth of Dubai’s economy across 10 key sectors: real estate, hospitality, leisure & entertainment, media, ICT, design, education, retail, manufacturing & logistics and science. In March 2024, under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Nakheel and Meydan were integrated into Dubai Holding to form a global economic entity with a diverse portfolio.
Our portfolio includes: Dubai Holding Real Estate, one of the largest landowners and integrated master developers in Dubai; Dubai Holding Asset Management offers a world-class portfolio of 25 residential communities, 15 lifestyle destinations, 10 malls and 22 pavilions in addition to being the majority strategic shareholder in TECOM Group PJSC, which consists of 10 business destinations catering to six vital knowledge-based economic sectors;
Dubai Holding Hospitality, which manages leading hospitality assets and a diverse collection of unique F&B concepts as well as top-notch hotel brands, including Jumeirah, Dubai Holding’s flagship hospitality brand and global luxury hotel company;
Dubai Holding Entertainment, the largest and most diversified media, leisure and entertainment company in the region, which comprises leading leisure venues such as Ain Dubai, Global Village, Dubai Parks and Resorts, ARN, Roxy Cinemas and The View Palm Jumeirah, amongst others; Dubai Holding Investments, a dedicated investment arm responsible for the Group’s investment strategy and managing a diverse portfolio of strategic and financial investments across public and private markets in the UAE and internationally to drive diversification for the Group and seek attractive risk-adjusted returns. It has investments in Emirates NBD, Warsan Waste Management Centre, Du and Azadea, as well as joint ventures and partnerships with Brookfield, Emaar, Aldar and others.
www.dubaiholding.com
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