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Mid East Info
13 hours ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
BEEAH Unveils Khalid Bin Sultan City, the group's first real estate development: A Landmark in Smart Sustainable Living
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, BEEAH has unveiled Khalid Bin Sultan City at its iconic headquarters. The launch took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, underscoring the importance of this landmark development in the emirate. Khalid Bin Sultan City, a groundbreaking masterplan designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, exemplifies BEEAH's diversification into real estate as a new line of business – building on its legacy as a world-class leader in sustainability and innovation. Sharjah, UAE, June 2025 – BEEAH, a sustainability pioneer driven by its expertise across environment, energy, technology, real estate, and healthcare, has announced the launch of Khalid Bin Sultan City, its first real estate development – a groundbreaking urban project that redefines sustainable living in the region. Officially unveiled at an event held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the city stands as a tribute to BEEAH's commitment to sustainable, smart, and community-centric urban development. This project is inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, one of the pioneers in the field of design and urban planning, who had a clear impact on the architectural identity of Sharjah. Designed by the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, Khalid Bin Sultan City is a master-planned, mixed-use development that integrates residential, commercial, cultural, and recreational spaces. Spanning a 1.5-kilometre-long plot and encompassing BEEAH's iconic LEED Platinum-certified headquarters in Sharjah, the city offers 1,500 freehold residential units. More than just a development, Khalid Bin Sultan City is a chance to be part of something truly meaningful – a community envisioned for those who seek more than just a place to live. It is an invitation to belong to a city that celebrates human connection, purpose-driven design, and a deeper harmony with the environment. Spanning seven distinct residential neighbourhoods, Khalid Bin Sultan City is master planned to foster a cohesive, people-first community. Each neighbourhood is structured around a central plaza – a vibrant public space within a five-minute walking distance – designed to serve as a social and wellbeing anchor. From children's hubs and wellness clinics to sports facilities and outdoor cafés, every amenity is thoughtfully placed to support daily life and human connection. Redefining Urban Living Through Sustainability: Following the directive of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council of Family Affairs and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of BEEAH, Khalid Bin Sultan City was designed with sustainability embedded in every aspect of design and operation, making it a climate-smart, zero-waste city. Built on four core pillars – sustainability, technology, culture, and people – the city integrates net-zero ready smart infrastructure, renewable energy systems, recycled water infrastructure, and sustainable mobility solutions. Smart technology powers AI-driven infrastructure, digital services, and decentralized digital identities, ensuring seamless urban living. Cultural and design elements celebrate heritage, featuring public art spaces, a cultural center, and architecture that reflects local identity. Prioritizing people, the city offers walkable neighborhoods, health-focused amenities, and a vibrant community atmosphere that fosters connection and well-being. At the heart of the development lies a two-kilometre shaded linear oasis, which is a continuous central park that winds through the city. Designed to encourage curiosity and exploration, the oasis features running and cycling tracks, sculpture gardens, wellness areas, and shaded courtyards that offer both serenity and social interaction. Informed by Sharjah's desert climate and natural landscape, the city's pedestrian pathways are shaded by native trees, colonnades, and recessed façades. This design approach has been engineered to reduce ground temperatures, ensuring thermal comfort throughout the year while promoting walkability and environmental cohesion. Commenting on the launch, HE Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman of BEEAH, stated: 'BEEAH's journey in real estate marks a transformative milestone with Khalid Bin Sultan City, a flagship real estate project that brings our principles of sustainability, technology, culture, and community to an urban scale. The city builds directly upon lessons learned from creating one of the world's most advanced office buildings – demonstrating how technology can scale sustainable impact across entire communities rather than just individual structures. Our experience as a world-class visionary developer of landmark projects has led to today's announcement of Khalid Bin Sultan City, and the formalization of BEEAH's wider expansion into real estate. This is a natural progression of our determination to build tomorrow's smart and sustainable cities. Inspired by our earlier achievements, we are now applying these same principles on an urban scale – demonstrating how technology can scale sustainable impact across entire communities rather than just individual structures. This city is a testament to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, whose unwavering commitment to sustainable development has guided BEEAH's journey.' The city will provide a design and business district which will serve as a vital new urban hub for Sharjah. This area will include incubator spaces for the UAE's growing creative economy, along with cultural venues that foster entrepreneurship and circular design. Seamlessly linked to residential, retail, and entertainment zones, this district underscores the city's role as a driver for innovation and economic development within Sharjah. BEEAH's diversification into real estate is a natural extension of its broader commitment to sustainable innovation across its five strategic verticals: Environment, Energy, Technology, Healthcare, and now Real Estate. This new line of business builds on BEEAH's proven track record in creating future-ready, impactful developments. For years, BEEAH has developed large-scale infrastructure projects that support sustainable development, including advanced recycling facilities, environmental complexes, and next-generation utilities. These projects laid the foundation for BEEAH's entry into real estate. The journey in this new vertical began with its iconic LEED Platinum-certified headquarters in Sharjah, a model of sustainable design by Zaha Hadid Architects, followed by Jawaher Boston Medical District (JBMD), a world-class healthcare development integrating medical expertise with urban planning. The project, designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, marks the renowned architect's first project in the Middle East, further elevating its architectural and cultural significance. Another flagship project is Sharjah Creative Quarter, a project entrusted to BEEAH by the Government of Sharjah, designed by award-winning architectural firm Taller de Arquitectura – Mauricio Rocha in collaboration with Daniel Rosselló, and envisioned as an innovative cultural hub fostering creativity and innovation. Khalid Bin Sultan City now marks the next chapter, bringing BEEAH's principles of sustainability, technology, culture, and community to an urban scale. Nada Taryam, CEO of Real Estate at BEEAH, added: 'We have designed Khalid Bin Sultan City as a dynamic ecosystem where diverse perspectives and talents converge, sparking new ideas and solutions for a sustainable future. We believe that building a better future starts with how we live today. This is why the city's design goes beyond utility – celebrating heritage, art, and identity through vibrant public spaces and cultural landmarks. The master plan and signature architecture by Zaha Hadid Architects bring this vision to life, blending innovation and beauty to create an environment that inspires, invites, and endures. It is a city where people can thrive, connect, and experience the best of sustainable living – all within a walkable, vibrant, and culturally rich environment.' Residential units, including villas, townhouses, and apartments, will be introduced in phases, offering a range of thoughtfully designed living spaces that prioritize sustainability, comfort, and modern amenities. As a freehold development, Khalid Bin Sultan City is open to buyers of all nationalities and further details on the available units and services for residents will be shared in upcoming announcements. A Real Estate Opportunity Amid Sharjah's Market Boom: Sharjah's real estate sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, with transactions surging to AED 13.2 billion in the first quarter of 2025 alone – a 31.9% increase year-on-year, according to the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department. This surge reflects growing investor confidence, robust infrastructure development, and strategic support from the Government of Sharjah. In this dynamic environment, Khalid Bin Sultan City stands out as a unique opportunity, aligned with the emirate's vision for sustainable and smart urban expansion.


Al Etihad
15 hours ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
BEEAH launches multi-billion-dirham sustainable city in group's first real estate venture
20 June 2025 02:30 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Sharjah-based sustainability leader BEEAH Group officially entered the real estate sector with the launch of Khalid bin Sultan City, a multi-billion-dirham freehold development that promises to set new benchmarks for smart, sustainable urban located between Dhaid Road and Khorfakkan Road, this project is inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, a pioneer in the field of design and urban planning, who influenced the architectural identity of announcement took place on Wednesday at an event held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of city was designed by the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects as a master-planned, mixed-use development that integrates residential, commercial, cultural, and recreational spaces. It spans a 1.5-kilometre-long plot, offering 1,500 freehold residential in 2007 with a mission to drive sustainable transformation, BEEAH began by tackling landfill waste in Sharjah. Today, it boasts an over 90% landfill diversion rate, one of the highest globally. "This achievement laid the groundwork for expanding into sectors where innovation is essential for the future: environment, energy, technology, healthcare, and now real estate," Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman of BEEAH, told Aletihad . "We have created an ecosystem that is interconnected and aligned with our goals of making zero-waste to landfill a reality, achieving net-zero targets, disrupting industries to be more sustainable, and fostering people's wellbeing and quality of life in tomorrow's cities. By entering real estate, we can leverage this ecosystem to create resilient and sustainable urban environments, which is unlike any other." Khalid bin Sultan City will reflect BEEAH's commitment to sustainability and innovation, he said. The development is set to include smart infrastructure, emission-reducing systems, and green design principles that promote harmony with nature and enhance residents' quality of life."It's a living, breathing model for cities of the future," Al Huraimel said. "This project will represent the full integration of BEEAH's capabilities – from circularity solutions and clean energy to technology, mobility and even healthcare – creating an urban environment that is regenerative, restorative and resilient for people and nature." Green Infrastructure BEEAH's LEED Platinum-certified headquarters embodies its vision for sustainability and innovation."As an office of the future, our headquarters uses on-site solar and water recycling plants, complemented by AI-powered systems for resource efficiency, significantly cutting emissions and operational costs," Al Huraimel has influenced other BEEAH-led projects, including the Sharjah Creative Quarter and the forthcoming Jawaher Boston Medical District, being developed with world-renowned architects and healthcare leaders."These projects echo our philosophy as we formally enter the real estate sector – to build developments rooted in design excellence, integrated with technology for future-ready infrastructure, committed to sustainability from the ground up, and, ultimately, fostering the well-being of people at every level," Al Huraimel expansion into real estate is tightly aligned with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 initiative and UAE Vision 2031, particularly the aim to make Emirati cities among the world's top 10 for quality of already pledged to achieve net-zero emissions across UAE operations by 2040, a decade ahead of national targets, BEEAH's new developments are expected to be benchmarks in energy-efficient construction and carbon-conscious urban planning."Our real estate developments will directly support this ambition, incorporating energy-efficient design, circular infrastructure, and low-impact construction materials. Just as importantly, they are designed to create lasting value for communities," said Al real estate sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, with transactions surging to Dh13.2 billion in the first quarter of 2025 alone – a 31.9% increase year-on-year, according to the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Huraimel noted that what sets BEEAH's real estate strategy apart is the full integration of its broader innovation advanced recycling facilities in Sharjah to the region's first Waste-to-Energy and Hydrogen-from-Waste plants, BEEAH is applying its cross-sector expertise to urban digital ventures, including EVOTEQ, ION, and provide smart mobility, logistics, and supply chain solutions embedded in these new communities. In healthcare, BEEAH's vision for the Jawaher Boston Medical District, with green spaces, energy-producing canopies, and net-zero design, exemplifies how the built environment can enhance wellness.


India Gazette
04-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
ITC Hotels sets new benchmarks in sustainability with LEED Zero water certification and eco-friendly initiatives
New Delhi [India], June 4 (ANI): ITC Hotels continues to redefine the hospitality industry's approach to sustainability. With a strong commitment to 'Responsible Luxury,' ITC Hotels has implemented numerous initiatives across its properties to minimise its environmental footprint. Notably, ITC Mughal in Agra and ITC Rajputana in Jaipur have achieved the prestigious LEED Zero Water certification, showcasing the brand's dedication to water conservation and sustainable practices, said Mr. Amaan R Kidwai, Area Manager Luxury Hotels (North) and General Manager. LEED Zero Water certification, offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), recognises buildings that achieve a net zero potable water use balance over 12 months. This means the building's total water consumption is balanced by water recycling and reuse, effectively offsetting potable water usage. ITC Hotels' innovative approach to sustainability includes rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment, and the use of eco-friendly alternatives to Single-Use Plastic (SUP) items. The brand's SunyaAqua initiative processes and bottles international-quality drinking water at its hotels, reducing carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices. As part of its sustainability journey, ITC Hotels has also adopted a stage-by-stage approach to make sustainable living accessible and the norm for its guests. With LEED Platinum-certified buildings and a focus on eco-friendly design and operations, ITC Hotels is setting new benchmarks in sustainable luxury. According to Amaan R Kidwai, Area Manager Luxury Hotels (North) & General Manager ITC Maurya, 'Our efforts towards sustainability are driven by our commitment to responsible luxury and a greener future.' According to the company, ITC Hotels pioneered the concept of 'Responsible Luxury' in the hospitality industry, drawing on the strengths of ITC Groups' sustainability practices. Responsible Luxury personifies an ethos that integrates world-class green practices with contemporary design elements to deliver the best of luxury in the greenest possible manner. The Responsible Luxury commitment of ITC Hotels blends elements of nature to deliver a unique value proposition to guests, conscious of their responsibility to be planet positive. (ANI)


Biz Bahrain
29-05-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
NBB Named Best Bank in Bahrain at Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025
The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has been named Best Bank in Bahrain at the 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence for its standout financial performance, digital transformation initiatives and customer centric approach throughout the past year. The Bank was also honoured as Best Bank for ESG and Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility, reaffirming its role as a national leader in responsible banking and meaningful community investments. Commenting on the occasion, Usman Ahmed, Group Chief Executive Officer of NBB stated, 'The recognition as Bahrain's Best Bank is the result of a focused strategy, with execution rooted in robust governance, innovation-led banking, and a pledge to contribute to national development. We continue to build on our legacy by enhancing client offerings through digitalisation, integrating sustainability into our business at every level and expanding regionally. These awards reflect the collective efforts of our team, who remain passionate about pursuing excellence across all aspects of the NBB Group's operations.' For his part, Ben Naylor, Global Head of Research at Euromoney, remarked, 'NBB achieved strong growth with a 7% rise in assets and 11% increase in profits. The Bank advanced its digital transformation agenda, expanded sustainably, and launched Bahrain's first Bitcoin-linked investment product. Strategic execution boosted lending by 16%, while its continued emphasis on sustainability and innovation is helping reshape Bahrain's banking sector. NBB's diverse initiatives encompass CSR, employee engagement, and community support. In 2024, the Bank backed vulnerable groups, supported youth sports and education, launched a donations fund for urgent needs, and led notable environmental efforts. They also inaugurated a LEED Platinum-certified branch, launched a new Sustainable Management Committee, and recorded major energy and emissions reductions, demonstrating a firm commitment to ESG principles. These efforts were complemented with the financing of key social infrastructure, leading Bahrain's first sustainability-linked interest rate swap, advancing sustainable finance and governance standards.' The Bank's innovation-driven ethos remained a defining strength throughout the year, with an 84% increase in newly onboarded retail customers via digital channels and a 23% increase in digitally registered users. NBB launched a host of solutions that serve the dynamic needs of its business as well as consumer banking segments. Further expanding its consumer banking proposition to cater to younger customer demographics, the Bank introduced the Yalla Family Account. The product is offered as part of the NBB Digital Banking app to instil responsible spending habits among the youth, while allowing parents to onboard their children and manage their accounts directly through the digital experience. Staying ahead of the trends shaping global financial markets, NBB also introduced the GCC's first Bitcoin-linked structured investment product. The offering is designed for accredited investors and provides them with capital-protected exposure to Bitcoin's performance, thereby marking a pioneering investment solution that combines innovation with risk management. For its business clientele, the Bank delivered DigiCorp, a revamped corporate banking platform that offers secure and efficient financial management. Complementing DigiCorp were DigiConnect, a new host-to-host integration solution designed to streamline payment and reconciliation processes for large corporates, and the Enterprise Liquidity Management Solution (eLMS), which helps clients optimise balances, pool funds from different accounts, and manage daily liquidity. Additionally, NBB Go, Bahrain's first SoftPOS (Software Point-of-Sale) solution, enabled small merchants to use their NFC-enabled Android smartphones to securely accept payments. Together, these three Euromoney Awards for Excellence further reinforce NBB's purpose-driven vision that is redefining modern banking and reinforce its position as Bahrain's leading financial institution.


Daily Tribune
29-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
NBB Named Best Bank in Bahrain at Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025
And Additionally Recognised for Outstanding Leadership in ESG and Corporate Responsibility The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has been named Best Bank in Bahrain at the 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence for its standout financial performance, digital transformation initiatives and customer centric approach throughout the past year. The Bank was also honoured as Best Bank for ESG and Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility, reaffirming its role as a national leader in responsible banking and meaningful community investments. Commenting on the occasion, Usman Ahmed, Group Chief Executive Officer of NBB stated, 'The recognition as Bahrain's Best Bank is the result of a focused strategy, with execution rooted in robust governance, innovation-led banking, and a pledge to contribute to national development. We continue to build on our legacy by enhancing client offerings through digitalisation, integrating sustainability into our business at every level and expanding regionally. These awards reflect the collective efforts of our team, who remain passionate about pursuing excellence across all aspects of the NBB Group's operations." For his part, Ben Naylor, Global Head of Research at Euromoney, remarked, 'NBB achieved strong growth with a 7% rise in assets and 11% increase in profits. The Bank advanced its digital transformation agenda, expanded sustainably, and launched Bahrain's first Bitcoin-linked investment product. Strategic execution boosted lending by 16%, while its continued emphasis on sustainability and innovation is helping reshape Bahrain's banking sector. NBB's diverse initiatives encompass CSR, employee engagement, and community support. In 2024, the Bank backed vulnerable groups, supported youth sports and education, launched a donations fund for urgent needs, and led notable environmental efforts. They also inaugurated a LEED Platinum-certified branch, launched a new Sustainable Management Committee, and recorded major energy and emissions reductions, demonstrating a firm commitment to ESG principles. These efforts were complemented with the financing of key social infrastructure, leading Bahrain's first sustainability-linked interest rate swap, advancing sustainable finance and governance standards.' The Bank's innovation-driven ethos remained a defining strength throughout the year, with an 84% increase in newly onboarded retail customers via digital channels and a 23% increase in digitally registered users. NBB launched a host of solutions that serve the dynamic needs of its business as well as consumer banking segments. Further expanding its consumer banking proposition to cater to younger customer demographics, the Bank introduced the Yalla Family Account. The product is offered as part of the NBB Digital Banking app to instil responsible spending habits among the youth, while allowing parents to onboard their children and manage their accounts directly through the digital experience. Staying ahead of the trends shaping global financial markets, NBB also introduced the GCC's first Bitcoin-linked structured investment product. The offering is designed for accredited investors and provides them with capital-protected exposure to Bitcoin's performance, thereby marking a pioneering investment solution that combines innovation with risk management. For its business clientele, the Bank delivered DigiCorp, a revamped corporate banking platform that offers secure and efficient financial management. Complementing DigiCorp were DigiConnect, a new host-to-host integration solution designed to streamline payment and reconciliation processes for large corporates, and the Enterprise Liquidity Management Solution (eLMS), which helps clients optimise balances, pool funds from different accounts, and manage daily liquidity. Additionally, NBB Go, Bahrain's first SoftPOS (Software Point-of-Sale) solution, enabled small merchants to use their NFC-enabled Android smartphones to securely accept payments. Together, these three Euromoney Awards for Excellence further reinforce NBB's purpose-driven vision that is redefining modern banking and reinforce its position as Bahrain's leading financial institution.