Abu Dhabi is building the world's first net-zero mosque

Abu Dhabi is no stranger to breaking records, but its latest project is innovation in every sense. Aldar is behind what will be the world's first net zero mosque – and it's using hydrogen steel to do it.
Set to rise in Sustainable City Yas Island, this futuristic house of worship will be the first in the Middle East and North Africa to use hydrogen-based steel rebar, supplied by EMSTEEL Group.
That's a big deal because steel is one of construction's biggest carbon offenders – but hydrogen-based steel can slash those emissions by up to 95 percent. That means fewer emissions and more blessings for the planet.
With space for more than 850 worshippers across 1,595 square metres, the mosque is aiming for LEED Zero Carbon certification – another first for the capital.
Everything from the clean energy powering it to the materials used has been chosen with sustainability in mind. From concrete and cooling to prayer carpets and lighting, this is a space where design and devotion meet cutting-edge decarbonisation.
The announcement was made during Make It In The Emirates 2025 – a heavyweight gathering of the UAE's industrial and manufacturing minds – where Aldar and EMSTEEL unveiled their game-changing partnership. It's part of a broader push to green the country's construction sector and recirculate value into the UAE economy through the National In-Country Value (ICV) programme.
The mosque is part of Aldar's bigger promise to hit net zero across its operations by 2050. With green construction, clean energy, circular economy practices and now hydrogen steel on the cards, it looks like they're well on their way to reaching real estate nirvana.
Salwa Al Maflahi, executive director of sustainability and community outreach at Aldar, said: 'The low emissions hydrogen-based rebar is more than a material innovation – it's a catalyst for reshaping our industry.
'As we transition to low-carbon construction, green steel enables us to reduce embodied carbon at scale, without compromising structural integrity or design ambition. Our partnership with EMSTEEL marks a bold step forward in accelerating the decarbonisation of our supply chain and delivering on our net zero ambitions. This is a game changer for sustainable real estate development.'
Michael Rion, chief commercial officer at Emirates Steel, part of EMSTEEL Group, said: 'At EMSTEEL, we are proud to support the region's transition to sustainable construction by supplying low-emissions hydrogen-based rebar for this landmark project. collaboration with Aldar represents a significant advancement in the use of green steel and underscores our commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and the UAE's industrial sustainability agenda.
'Through such partnerships, we aim to decarbonize the value chain of the construction industry and drive long-term impact across the built environment. This project sets a precedent for future developments, with both Aldar and EMSTEEL exploring the broader adoption of green steel across residential, commercial, and public infrastructure projects in the UAE and beyond.'
You might also like…
The best beaches in Abu Dhabi for a relaxing day in the sun
From quiet family-friendly spots to where you'll find the beach club party atmosphere
Everything we know so far about Etihad Rail
From map routes to timings and more
19 of Abu Dhabi's most Instagrammable spots
Do it for the 'gram

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Gulf Today

a day ago

• Gulf Today

Aldar generates more than Dhs3.5 billion in sales at Fahid Island during launch week

Aldar today announced it has generated over Dhs3.5 billion in sales at Fahid Beach Residences and The Beach House, the island's first residential developments released during launch week. The Fahid Island homes attracted a diverse pool of buyers, drawn by the island's position as Abu Dhabi's first coastal wellness destination, the waterfront lifestyle, and proximity to super-premium education at Kings College School Wimbledon which sits within the wider wellness inspired masterplan. Expatriate residents and overseas buyers account for 67% of total sales, with buyers from the UAE, Russia, the UK, and China making up the top nationalities by sales volume. This strong local and international interest underscores Fahid Island's emerging global profile as a premier lifestyle destination where wellness meets culture, nature, and community. 42% of buyers are under the age of 45, signalling growing demand for luxury wellness-focused living among younger demographics. Notably, 67% of buyers are first-time Aldar customers, demonstrating Aldar's expansive reach and the appeal of the Group's thoughtfully curated destinations. Jonathan Emery, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Development, said, 'The highly anticipated launch of Fahid Island has resulted in the first homes released generating more than Dhs3.5 billion - and serves as a powerful validation of our vision to place wellness at the heart of community living. The success reflects Abu Dhabi's position as one of the world's most desirable investment and lifestyle destinations and we are expecting continued interest in Fahid Island as Abu Dhabi's first wellness island builds its profile on the global stage.' In response to the overwhelming demand for Fahid Beach Residences, Aldar accelerated the launch of Fahid Island's second residential offering, The Beach House during launch week and sales progress continues at pace. Comprised of 11 elegantly designed towers offering a collection of studios to 3-bedroom + maid apartments, the new development draws on its coastal surroundings and is thoughtfully crafted to evoke a sense of calm, lightness, and relaxed sophistication. Residents benefit from exquisite interiors and breathtaking views of the sea and Abu Dhabi skyline, as well as a state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, direct shoreline access, and seamless connectivity to Coral Drive, the island's boutique retail boulevard. With further residential launches planned, Aldar will continue to deliver on its vision to transform Fahid Island into a vibrant, wellness-focused destination that redefines coastal living in the region. WAM

Arabian Post

a day ago

• Arabian Post

Aldar Achieves AED 3.5 Billion in First‑Week Fahid Island Sales

Aldar has secured over AED 3.5 billion in sales during the initial launch week of its Fahid Beach Residences and The Beach House on Fahid Island, underscoring strong demand for the developer's new coastal wellness vision. Sales encompass a mix of 1- to 4‑bedroom apartments, townhouses and penthouses, with prices starting from around AED 3 million for residential units, and represent a pivotal milestone for the island's debut as Abu Dhabi's first wellness‑focused coastal destination. The weekend launch saw committed buyers who value coastal living, wellness‑driven design, and access to a super‑premium British curriculum, with Kings College School Wimbledon integrated within the broader masterplan. Expatriate residents and overseas investors accounted for 67 percent of total sales. The top nationalities included people from the UAE, Russia, the UK and China—a testament to Fahid Island's growing international credibility as a lifestyle investment hub. Aldar's CEO, Jonathan Emery, noted that a significant share of buyers are first‑time customers of Aldar, with a marked representation of younger demographics; 42 percent are under the age of 45. ADVERTISEMENT Fahid Island spans a prime location between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, featuring an 11 km coastline set within pristine mangrove forests. The development is backed by a gross development value exceeding AED 40 billion and is being positioned as the world's first 'Fitwel‑certified island'. Designed to prioritise wellness, it includes amenities such as 24‑hour gyms, luxury spas, social kitchens, pet spas, and direct waterfront access. Analysts view the strong launch sales as reflective of Abu Dhabi's upward trend in real estate investment. June is shaping up as one of the capital's most active months, fuelled by Fahid Island's launch and concurrent high‑end projects such as the Bulgari branded residences. The performance on Fahid Island suggests a shift: younger, wellness‑oriented buyers are engaging with luxury markets, a departure from the traditionally older investor base. Closer examination reveals further trends: 67 percent of buyers are new to Aldar's portfolio, indicating the island's appeal to a fresh and diverse audience. The project's proximity—five minutes from Yas Island, 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and Saadiyat—is a key draw, alongside the island's positioning as a lifestyle destination offering a blend of culture, community and environmental immersion. Fahid Island's commitment to sustainability, wellness and education adds to its allure. The British curriculum school, part of Aldar's integrated planning, caters to global families intent on combining luxurious living with holistic wellbeing. Meanwhile, its Fitwel designation reinforces the emphasis on health‑centric built environments. The sales mix at launch highlights both investment and lifestyle motivations. Properties span multiple price bands and formats—apartments, townhomes, penthouses—offering price thresholds from AED 3 million upwards. This diversity widens appeal to both investors and end‑users seeking premium coastal residences. Abu Dhabi's property market is experiencing a resurgence in interest from international investors. Fahid Island's launch dovetails with broader market momentum, positioning the city as a global real estate hotspot. Its emphasis on wellness, youth engagement, and quality education aligns with shifting consumer values across the Gulf region. Moving ahead, Aldar anticipates sustained engagement from both domestic and international buyers. Jonathan Emery commented that ahead of subsequent phases, the developer expects Fahid Island's profile to strengthen on the global stage and continue drawing affluent individuals seeking health‑oriented, culture‑rich coastal communities.

Zawya

2 days ago

• Zawya

Aldar generates more than $953mln in sales at Fahid Island during launch week

Aldar today announced it has generated over AED3.5 billion in sales at Fahid Beach Residences and The Beach House, the island's first residential developments released during launch week. The Fahid Island homes attracted a diverse pool of buyers, drawn by the island's position as Abu Dhabi's first coastal wellness destination, the waterfront lifestyle, and proximity to super-premium education at Kings College School Wimbledon which sits within the wider wellness inspired masterplan. Expatriate residents and overseas buyers account for 67% of total sales, with buyers from the UAE, Russia, the UK, and China making up the top nationalities by sales volume. This strong local and international interest underscores Fahid Island's emerging global profile as a premier lifestyle destination where wellness meets culture, nature, and community. 42% of buyers are under the age of 45, signalling growing demand for luxury wellness-focused living among younger demographics. Notably, 67% of buyers are first-time Aldar customers, demonstrating Aldar's expansive reach and the appeal of the Group's thoughtfully curated destinations. Jonathan Emery, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Development, said, 'The highly anticipated launch of Fahid Island has resulted in the first homes released generating more than AED3.5 billion - and serves as a powerful validation of our vision to place wellness at the heart of community living. The success reflects Abu Dhabi's position as one of the world's most desirable investment and lifestyle destinations and we are expecting continued interest in Fahid Island as Abu Dhabi's first wellness island builds its profile on the global stage.' In response to the overwhelming demand for Fahid Beach Residences, Aldar accelerated the launch of Fahid Island's second residential offering, The Beach House during launch week and sales progress continues at pace. Comprised of 11 elegantly designed towers offering a collection of studios to 3-bedroom + maid apartments, the new development draws on its coastal surroundings and is thoughtfully crafted to evoke a sense of calm, lightness, and relaxed sophistication. Residents benefit from exquisite interiors and breathtaking views of the sea and Abu Dhabi skyline, as well as a state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, direct shoreline access, and seamless connectivity to Coral Drive, the island's boutique retail boulevard. With further residential launches planned, Aldar will continue to deliver on its vision to transform Fahid Island into a vibrant, wellness-focused destination that redefines coastal living in the region.