The Rise of Green Building Certifications in Dubai: A Sustainable Future Unfolds

Sunday, 29 June 2025

Dubai is no stranger to ambitious architectural feats, with record-breaking skyscrapers and futuristic developments defining its skyline. But beneath the glass and steel, a new revolution is quietly reshaping the city: the green building movement. With climate change at the forefront of global concern, Dubai has stepped up its game by embracing green building certifications that prioritize sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

Table of Contents

• Why Dubai Is Going Green
• What Are Green Building Certifications?
• Leading Green Building Certification Systems in Dubai
• Certification Systems for Green Building Products and Materials in Dubai
• Key Features of Dubai’s Green Building Regulations
• Understanding the Green Building Certification Journey
• Advantages of Green Building Certification in Dubai
• Frequently asked questions

Why Dubai Is Going Green

Dubai’s journey toward sustainability is rooted in necessity and vision. As a desert city with limited natural resources and extreme weather, the environmental impact of rapid urbanization could be devastating. Recognizing this, Dubai’s leadership has committed to transforming the emirate into a global hub for sustainability and innovation.

The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 aim to significantly reduce carbon emissions and increase the share of clean energy. One of the key areas of focus? Green buildings—where energy use, water conservation, waste management, and indoor air quality are regulated and improved.

What Are Green Building Certifications?

Green building certifications are formal recognitions awarded to buildings that meet specific sustainability standards. These certifications assess how well a building is designed, constructed, and operated to reduce its impact on the environment and enhance the well-being of its occupants.

In Dubai, these certifications have gained momentum as developers, architects, and investors seek to align with international best practices and meet regulatory requirements.

Leading Green Building Certification Systems in Dubai

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Introduced by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is one of the most widely adopted green building certification systems in the UAE. It serves as a benchmark for assessing the environmental efficiency of buildings, evaluating various factors like energy use, resource management, and sustainability performance.

Estidama

Estidama, meaning “sustainability” in Arabic, is a homegrown green rating system primarily implemented in Abu Dhabi. Specifically designed to align with the UAE’s climate and cultural context, Estidama evaluates buildings based on water conservation, energy performance, sustainable materials, and overall environmental responsibility.

Al Sa’fat

Al Sa’fat is Dubai’s own green building rating initiative, developed by Dubai Municipality. This system is particularly focused on enhancing the sustainability of existing buildings. It offers a set of guidelines for retrofitting projects, with an emphasis on improving both energy and water efficiency in the built environment.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)

Originating from the UK, BREEAM assesses sustainability across multiple dimensions, including energy efficiency, innovation, pollution, transportation, health, and material usage. It assigns buildings a performance score ranging from Pass to Outstanding. In Dubai, BREEAM is often favored by developers aiming for international recognition. Interior design firms such as Square Interiors integrate this certification while maintaining design quality and sustainable functionality.

WELL Building Standard

Unlike certifications that focus solely on environmental impact, the WELL Building Standard puts human health and wellness at the center of building design. It evaluates how elements such as air and water quality, lighting, physical activity, nutrition, and mental well-being contribute to a healthy indoor environment. This approach is gaining popularity in Dubai, especially in corporate and residential settings, where employee well-being and productivity are key. Companies like Square Interiors specialize in incorporating WELL principles into their design strategy.

Dubai Green Building Regulations (DGBR)

The Dubai Green Building Regulations are compulsory for all new construction projects in the city. These regulations lay out the minimum required standards for energy conservation, water efficiency, and waste reduction. While not as extensive in scope as LEED or Estidama, DGBR ensures that basic sustainability benchmarks are met, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to greener urban development.

Certification Systems for Green Building Products and Materials in Dubai

Dubai Municipality first introduced the Green Building Regulations and Specifications in 2010, initially applying them as a compulsory requirement for all new government buildings and infrastructure projects. Later, on February 13, 2014, Dubai’s Building Permits Department released Circular No. (198), officially enforcing the application of these regulations across all new buildings and developments in Dubai starting from March 1, 2014.

In 2017, these standards were rebranded as AL SA’FAT – the Green Building Evaluation System, aligning with Dubai’s strategic vision to build a more sustainable urban environment and ensure that the city’s infrastructure is equipped to meet future demands. The AL SA’FAT system was further refined and updated in 2020 and again in 2023 to reflect advancements in sustainable construction practices.

Key Features of Dubai’s Green Building Regulations

The Green Building Regulations and Specifications are built on the goal of enhancing building performance by lowering energy and water usage, minimizing material consumption, and promoting public health, safety, and overall well-being. This is achieved through improvements in building planning, design, construction, and operation, contributing to Dubai’s transformation into a city that balances modern achievement with sustainable luxury living.

As part of this initiative, the Dubai Central Laboratory Department – Conformity and Quality Control Section (DCLD-CQPS) has defined specific criteria for issuing Conformity Mark Certificates. These certificates are granted to building materials and products that meet the established requirements for use in green-certified developments.

Understanding the Green Building Certification Journey

Initial Planning and Feasibility

The certification process kicks off by selecting a suitable green building standard that aligns with the project’s vision and sustainability objectives. Integrating environmental goals early in the design phase not only helps cut down on expenses but also streamlines the overall process. Engaging experts like Square Interiors from the outset allows for a strategic roadmap to be developed, outlining clear, achievable certification milestones.

Design Phase and Sustainable Documentation

As the project transitions into the design stage, the focus shifts to formulating targeted sustainability measures that meet the selected certification criteria. Keeping accurate records of all eco-friendly features is essential, and periodic assessments are conducted to ensure alignment with green standards. Square Interiors seamlessly merges sustainability with design excellence while managing comprehensive documentation to support certification.

Execution and On-Site Compliance

During the build phase, contractors must adhere to precise sustainability protocols to maintain compliance with certification guidelines. Any design revisions must be reviewed to assess their impact on the green rating, and ongoing site inspections are essential. Acting as a supervisory partner, Square Interiors oversees the execution of sustainable elements, ensuring that all green practices are faithfully implemented on-site.

Certification Approval and Long-Term Monitoring

Once construction wraps up, the final set of sustainability documentation is submitted for certification review. But achieving the certification isn’t the end—maintaining it is equally important. Periodic performance assessments are required to verify that the building continues to operate as originally intended. Square Interiors supports clients even after certification, offering services that enhance operational efficiency and maintain compliance over time.

Advantages of Green Building Certification in Dubai

Opting for a certified green building in Dubai comes with a wide range of benefits:

• Reduced Utility Costs: Green-certified buildings can achieve up to 30% savings on electricity and water usage.
• Increased Market Value: Environmentally certified properties are more appealing to buyers and renters, often commanding higher prices and rental rates.
• Regulatory Perks: Some projects may qualify for incentives such as reduced fees, expedited permit processing, or grants.
• Healthier Living Spaces: Enhanced ventilation and the use of non-toxic building materials contribute to superior indoor air quality.
• Sustainability-Ready Investment: With Dubai’s strong push toward eco-conscious development, certified buildings are more likely to retain long-term value and regulatory compliance.

The rise of green building certifications in Dubai signals a powerful shift in how the city builds, lives, and grows. Sustainability is no longer a trend—it’s a necessity. With progressive policies, forward-thinking developers, and global recognition, Dubai is setting a benchmark in the Middle East and beyond.

Whether you’re an investor, homeowner, or business, being part of this green revolution means you’re not just building structures—you’re building the future.