Majid Al Futtaim has become the first and only conglomerate in the world to be awarded the prestigious LEED Platinum certification for its entire portfolio of hotels.

The certification awarded by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) bolsters the UAE hospitality industry’s reputation for sustainable development and follows Dubai receiving the platinum rating in LEED for cities in 2019 — making it the first city in the Arab world to garner such a distinction.

“The GBCI’s award of the LEED Platinum certification is proof positive of our impact on the industry and region. Not only does it vindicate our work so far, but it also lays the groundwork for even more innovative thinking, planning and delivery; inspiring leading-edge approaches to hospitality that will help us and our guests create a cleaner, safer and healthier world,” said Khalifa Bin Braik, Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim hotels, Majid Al Futtaim properties.

“The award of the LEED Platinum certifications is a testament to our best-in-class building principles, unwavering commitment to sustainability and determination to overcome the most pressing and persistent of environmental challenges even in the wake of Covid-19,” said Ibrahim al Zubi, Chief Sustainability Officer at Majid Al Futtaim. “Ultimately, this represents a major show of confidence in our work and sustainability efforts. We are determined to accomplish even more in the future and set new benchmarks for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), as well as eco-conscious business for the region and the world.”

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is widely respected as the pre-eminent green building rating system; with the award certification being viewed globally as a marker of sustainability excellence. The LEED rating system appraises the design, structure and overall operations of a building, assessing how these factors work together to promote efficiency, improve performance and optimise sustainability practices.

Evaluated projects are awarded points across a range of categories, with all accrued points being tallied to determine the LEED rating level of reviewed buildings. Projects are awarded one of four certifications: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum. Each of Majid Al Futtaim’s 13 hotels was certified Platinum; with two hotel brands – IBIS Novotel Deira and IBIS Novotel, Mall of the Emirates – garnering a maximum of 88 points on the LEED rating system.