In a decisive move to combat the climate crisis, the Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) convened its 14th Annual Congress across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, rallying stakeholders under the theme ‘Mission to 1.5C: Be Bold on Buildings’. The event underscored the built environment’s pivotal role in meeting the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy, spotlighting the urgency of aligning national policies and market practices with global climate goals.
The two-day congress brought together regulators, industry leaders, academia, and civil society, setting ambitious yet achievable short-, medium-, and long-term goals rooted in the UAE’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Key focus areas included energy efficiency, renewable integration, emissions reductions, and resilience in the face of climate change.
Khaled Bushnaq, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, opened the congress with a powerful message:
“This Congress is not just another event on the calendar, it is the flagship platform where we pause, reflect, and challenge ourselves to go further.”
Discussions were centered around four transformative themes:
- The UAE Commitment – Enhancing Ambitions through NDCs
- Climate Finance as Enabler
- Efficiency, Resilience, and Adaptation
- The Building Breakthrough
Through case studies, data insights, and cutting-edge innovations, speakers advocated for practical steps, including AI-optimized building performance, piloting net-zero programs, and rethinking building finance to align with carbon goals. One of the boldest targets discussed was an emissions cut of nearly 80% by 2035.
The congress also introduced the EmiratesGBC Market Brief 2024, offering a comprehensive overview of green building trends and progress in the UAE. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure’s 3D Digital Twin platform and Dubai Land Department’s Smart Residential Rent Index demonstrated how technology is transforming urban sustainability and livability.
With 250+ attendees and 50+ speakers, the event offered a platform for collaboration, with an exhibition space for stakeholders and student projects, and opened applications for the MENA Green Building Awards and EmiratesGBC Membership Forum.
As the global community looks toward COP29, EmiratesGBC’s Congress 2025 has sent a clear message: transforming the building sector is not optional—it’s essential for a climate-resilient future.
