Sustainable Housing as a concept has made its way into society, taking up prominence in the UAE. As a result of urbanization impacting the ecosystem, the UAE, recognizing this threat has shifted towards sustainable and eco-friendlier real estate projects.
Unlike traditional construction methods, eco-friendly projects use innovative designs, technologies, and practical ideas to create sustainable environments. These projects aim to save energy and water, manage waste and create green spaces.
So, where can you find eco-friendly properties in the UAE, and what can you expect in these developments?
1. Sustainable City
The project was established in 2015 and is being developed by Diamond Developers. It is one of the most popular environment-friendly and self-sustaining communities. It is also the first zero-energy development in the UAE. The community has 500 villas featuring solar panels and energy-efficient appliances designed to reduce electricity and water bills by 50%. Along with this, these homes include systems for recycling water and waste. Each villa has two parking spaces with built-in solar panels that provide electricity for street lighting and car charging.
2. The Sanctuary
Brainchild of Ellington Properties located in Mohammed Bin Rashid City it consists of high-end villas. Expected to be completed by the end of 2025 it will feature four—to six-bedroom villas equipped with low-noise cooling systems, water-saving plumbing fixtures, and energy-efficient lighting. The community will also have a hypermarket, Meydan One Mall, 550 retail outlets, and 180 restaurants.
3. Kensington Waters
A project by Ellington Properties in Sobha Hartland, Mohammed Bin Rashid City it consists of 12-storey multi-building complex that blends luxury living with environmental responsibility. The two residential towers, Tower A and Tower B incorporate energy-efficient design, low-flow sanitary ware, and LED lighting to minimise energy consumption. The buildings used sustainable materials and local sourcing to reduce the carbon footprint associated with construction. The development has sustainable amenities such as electric vehicle charging stations and dedicated bike parking.
4. Al Barari
It is a gated community located in Dubailand renowned for its commitment to sustainability and the preservation of nature. Developed by Al Barari Developers, this ecofriendly project offers two phases of luxury villas and apartments.
Al Barari incorporates energy-efficient features, water-saving fixtures, and sustainable materials throughout its properties. The development’s botanical gardens, including the region’s largest privately-owned plant nursery, contribute to biodiversity conservation and provide residents with a serene and sustainable living environment.
5. Jumeirah Golf Estates
Jumeirah Golf Estates is a residential community combining eco-friendly living with world-class golf courses. The community offers a mix of villas, townhouses and apartments featuring sustainable design elements, energy-efficient systems, and green spaces. It also has cycling paths, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and easy access to mass transit options. The recent extension of the Dubai Metro route on the Red Line has made it a prime residential location.
6. Sharjah Sustainable City
It is the first sustainably built city in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It currently spans 7.2 million square feet in Sharjah’s Al Rahmaniya Area. The city was developed by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority in partnership with Diamond Developers.
In the words of Yousif Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Sustainable City, “As countries in the region pursue their Net Zero goals, it is crucial to advance efforts in developing future-proof housing solutions. While constructing eco-friendly homes is a vital first step, nurturing the communities living in these environments is equally essential—this is exactly what we are doing at Sharjah Sustainable City, a community developed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in partnership with Diamond Developers. As the first master-planned, sustainable residential community in the Emirate of Sharjah, we are committed to creating an eco-conscious community that values eco-friendliness and sustainable living. As part of these efforts, we place high importance on sharing knowledge and educating and engaging our residents, including women and children, on topics related to sustainability. We regularly run programs, including hands-on training, focused on the sustainable use of resources such as food, water, and energy. We are committed to fostering a chain reaction of positive change that never stops, making our residents ambassadors of sustainable living.”
The real estate sector across the UAE is witnessing Eco-friendly projects using the techniques and the material which are not only eco-friendly but also sustainable. One of the pioneer initiatives in this field is by Merlin Magic Homes which was located in Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) and now being relocated to Dubai Maritime City. Headquartered at Sheikh Zyed Road they have been instrumental in catering to the cause of Eco friendly homes not only in the Middle East but also in India and Saudi.
Explaining this concept further was Sharad Bachani, Co-founder and CEO of Merlin Green Magic Homes who enthused, “Merlin Green Magic Homes uses a green living technology that integrates residents with the surroundings, fostering environmental awareness and appreciation of nature with unparalleled unique living experience.”
