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The UAE's Sustainable Real Estate Sector Is Poised For Continued Growth And Innovation With over 80% of investors now prioritizing sustainability, significant progress being made in the development of energy-efficient buildings, sustainable urban planning, and renewable energy projects, investors can profit from these investments over the long term.

By Dr. Lal Bhatia

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The real estate sector in the UAE is a major contributor to the country's economy, and the government has long focused on attracting foreign investment to the sector. However, in recent years, foreign investors have been increasingly interested in sustainability, and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 initiative is creating a wave of sustainable investment in the sector.

According to a report by property consultancy firm Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), sustainability is becoming a key driver of investment in the UAE's real estate sector. The report found that over 80% of investors in the UAE's real estate sector are now prioritizing sustainability, and this is having a significant impact on the industry.

In terms of energy-efficient buildings, around 60% of the total office space in the UAE is now considered energy-efficient, according to the same JLL report. This demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability as well as a willingness to invest in new technologies and infrastructure. Moreover, energy-efficient buildings can lead to lower operational costs and higher profits for investors over the long term.

Moreover, the report found that sustainable urban planning is also a priority for foreign investors, with 70% of respondents stating that they would be willing to pay a premium for sustainable properties. Sustainable urban planning initiatives, such as the development of mixed-use communities and pedestrian-friendly streets, can lead to higher rental yields and property values.

The UAE's Net Zero goal has also spurred the growth of the renewable energy sector in the country, with solar and wind power projects becoming increasingly prevalent. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, the UAE is now the largest producer of solar energy in the Middle East, and foreign investors are looking to invest in sustainable energy projects in the country. Renewable energy projects can provide a stable and long-term return on investment for investors, while also contributing to the country's net-zero emissions goal.

The statistics show that the UAE's Net Zero initiative is driving a wave of sustainable foreign investment in the real estate sector. With over 80% of investors now prioritizing sustainability, significant progress being made in the development of energy-efficient buildings, sustainable urban planning, and renewable energy projects, investors can profit from these investments over the long term. By attracting even more foreign investment, the country can -and will- continue to drive growth and innovation in this important sector, while also helping to protect the planet for future generations.

Related: Eyes On The Prize: Lal Bhatia, Chairman, Hilshaw Group

Dr. Lal Bhatia

Chairman, Hilshaw Group

A global thought leader, disruptor and innovator with an entrepreneurial flair, Dr. Lal Bhatia has conceptualized and developed new business models in the most challenging environments.

Bhatia’s has invested 33 years kick starting new ventures, building teams, managing change, developing brands and businesses, and strategizing digital transformation. Dr. Bhatia has a vast network of clients and professionals in every corner of the globe, which he believes in cross leveraging for the task at hand.

Dr. Bhatia chairs the Hilshaw Group's US$40 billion smart city projects alongside leading the UAE STRAT: 2071 think tank to promote the country's humanitarian and environmental efforts.

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