

We take a look at 10 of the finest sustainable buildings in the GCC.
Because of the enormous opportunities in the region for suppliers of energy saving and green products, including lighting, kitchen and bathroom fittings and natural stone fittings, GCC governments have greatly intensified their support towards greener construction.
A 2014 report by Ventures Middle East commissioned by The Big 5 construction exhibition in Dubai said that "Green buildings witnessed a slow take off in the GCC," but governments have acted swiftly in the past three years to embrace sustainability through education and legislation. Developers have also recognised that buildings have to demonstrate sustainability to be marketable.
In the UAE, through organisations such as Estidama in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Electricity &Water Authority (Dewa) in Dubai, the country has rolled out the agenda to improve energy efficiency in the construction sector.
Green ratings systems have also been introduced in all GCC countries from the American LEED system to the UK's BREEAM which are now used by many developers and each country is adopting its own standards.
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