Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Masdar City has set a new national benchmark for green commercial development, with its M19 headquarters becoming the first commercial building in the UAE to achieve a 5 Pearl rating - the highest level of Estidama sustainability certification - an executive told Aletihad exclusively on Wednesday.
Estidama is Abu Dhabi’s mandatory sustainability framework and green building certification, developed by the Department of Municipalities and Transport. It uses the Pearl Rating System to assess projects across environmental, economic, social and cultural pillars, with a minimum 1-Pearl rating required for all new buildings.
"This recognition confirms Masdar City’s commitment to the highest standards of sustainability when it comes to design, construction and operation," Dr Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director of Sustainable Development at Masdar City, said in an interview on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS).
The 5 Pearl certification recognises the M19 building’s performance in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, insulation and on-site renewable energy generation.
According to Dr Al Breiki, the building is capable of generating all of its operational power on site. "It really shows what can be achieved when extensive sustainability is prioritised," he said. "The M19 headquarters will now serve as a new benchmark for future developments in the region."
Dr Al Breiki added that demand for sustainable living and working environments is growing, with Masdar City’s commercial districts now recording near-full occupancy of 99.6% and hosting more than 2,000 organisations.
The cluster also features over 206,000 square metres of managed open space, along with shaded walkways, biophilic design and active mobility corridors built into daily life.
"Mindset has definitely shifted. Communities today expect access to nature, light, and better indoor quality," he said, pointing out that wellness has become a baseline expectation in real estate, not a luxury.
Technology plays a major role in how the city's day-to-day operations are managed. Real-time monitoring systems track energy use, water consumption and waste generation across assets, allowing teams to respond early and improve building performance.
"These systems significantly enhance the urban living condition and improve the quality of spaces in Masdar City and promote a healthier lifestyle," Dr Al Breiki said.
Masdar City is now moving into a new phase of expansion with the rollout of Phase 5, which focuses on delivering human-centric, sustainable residential offerings.
According to Dr Al Breiki, the expansion will initially introduce 130 villas and townhouses, ranging from four to six bedrooms, as part of a wider 1,500-home development across multiple stages.
It will also integrate open green spaces, cycling tracks, walking routes and wellness-focused infrastructure into daily residential life.
