UDC Receives ‘Best CSR in Qatar’ Award For Its Outstanding Sustainability & Social Responsibility Initiatives at The Pearl Island

During 'Qatar CSR Summit 2023' Award Closing Ceremony

Doha - Qatar, 31 May 2023: United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl and Gewan Islands, has been honored with the prestigious "Best in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)" award at Qatar CSR Summit 2023. The announcement was made during the official gala dinner and awards ceremony held at the Sheraton Resort & Convention Center, organized by Qatar University.

This recognition highlights UDC's dedication to implementing the best sustainability initiatives and practices. It reflects the Company's commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and its alignment with its CSR obligations and business model. UDC's efforts in areas such as community development across The Pearl Island, energy efficiency strategies, resource optimization, and greenhouse gas mitigation demonstrate its commitment to the well-being of the community and the environment, as well as raising awareness about climate change.

As the first real estate company to receive this prestigious award, UDC's initiatives and sustainability practices have been recognized for their positive impact on The Pearl Island community. These practices are in line with the company's CSR strategy, which focuses on its responsibility towards employees, the community, and the environment. UDC's Environmental and Sustainability Strategy 2026 further emphasizes its commitment to integrating environmental and sustainability practices across its social, governance, and cooperative initiatives.

UDC was selected out of a pool of 100 nominees this year and got selected as the winner of the award amongst 20 winners from different sectors. The selection process involved a meticulous evaluation and recommendation by a panel of experts and faculty members from Qatar University's College of Business and Economics.

Engineer Abdullatif Ali Al-Yafei, UDC's Executive Director of Public Services, accepted the award on behalf of the Company during the award ceremony, which was attended by more than 200 individuals, further highlighting the significance of this recognition.

UDC's victory can be attributed to several key initiatives, including:

Seabin Project

UDC introduced the Seabin Project on World Environment Day in 2021 with the objective of preserving clean waters and safeguarding marine life at The Pearl Island. This pioneering initiative, which plans to install an additional ten seabins in various locations, has no equivalent in the region.

Since its launch, a substantial amount of 1,304.98 cbm of waste has been collected, signifying a significant environmental impact. Furthermore, UDC's waste management and recycling initiative has played a role in reducing air pollution by an estimated 86,966 lbs. annually.

In line with its commitment to environmental stewardship, UDC aims to expand the deployment of seabins and cleaners in Porto Arabia Marina. This proactive approach ensures effective pollution control measures and the continuous maintenance of the highest water quality, while effectively eliminating potential contaminants.

Sustainability Leader Award

UDC's success in employee engagement played a significant role in winning the award, showcasing the astute leadership, commitment, and guidance of UDC's management.

Mr. Ibrahim Jassim Al-Othman, UDC President, CEO, and Member of The Board, was personally selected as one of the nine distinguished executives to receive the esteemed Sustainability Leader Award. This prestigious recognition was based on his exceptional ability to achieve ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, demonstrate exemplary leadership skills, and effectively attract and retain top talent.

The SEAL Award acknowledges organizations across four award categories: environmental initiatives, sustainable innovation, sustainable products, and sustainable services. UDC's remarkable achievements aligning with these core principles and their recognition in the Sustainability Leader Award category reflect the Company's commitment to sustainability and its continuous efforts to make a positive impact in these areas.

Employee Tree Planting Initiative

UDC introduced a unique initiative last year to actively contribute to carbon emissions reduction. As part of this initiative, a tree planting is held for every new employee joining the Company, with each tree symbolizing their commitment to environmental sustainability. Furthermore, for every five years spent at UDC, additional trees are planted to commemorate their ongoing dedication.
Trees play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, effectively reducing the impact of greenhouse gases and preserving natural resources. The presence of green spaces and the planting of trees also create a natural barrier against noise pollution, promoting the health and well-being of residents on The Pearl Island.
Currently, The Pearl Island boasts approximately 7,700 trees, collectively offsetting around 197 tons of carbon dioxide. UDC's overarching objective is to further decrease its carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 65%. To achieve this, UDC is actively transitioning 50% of its transportation fleet from petrol-powered vehicles to electric ones, while also promoting the establishment of community gardens.
Through these efforts, UDC is demonstrating its commitment to sustainable practices and making significant strides towards creating a greener and more environmentally conscious community on The Pearl Island.

National Climate Action Plan

With a strong focus on sustainability, UDC strives to be a leading force in addressing environmental and waste management challenges, setting a positive example for both community members and organizations alike.

In alignment with the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), which seeks to position Qatar as a frontrunner in climate change initiatives, UDC actively participates and contributes to the development of the national action plan. Recognizing the importance of addressing climate change, UDC is committed to introducing innovative technologies that will have a substantial impact on reducing carbon emissions and advancing the nation's sustainability goals.

Qatar Sustainability Week 2022

In an effort to promote biodiversity, sustainability, and the importance of green spaces, UDC proudly unveiled The Pearl Island's inaugural community garden. This initiative serves as a platform to raise awareness among community members about the significance of preserving biodiversity and embracing sustainable practices. By creating more green spaces within Qatar, UDC aims to enhance the natural environment and improve the overall quality of life for residents.

Furthermore, UDC has forged a valuable partnership with the United Nations and collaborated with the Green Organization to actively participate in a global campaign aiming to plant one trillion trees. As part of this remarkable endeavor, UDC successfully planted 160 trees, contributing to the collective effort of combating climate change and safeguarding the planet's natural resources.

Through these initiatives, UDC demonstrates its unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, making a positive impact locally and globally.

Water Management

Through its comprehensive waste management practices and innovative technologies, UDC has successfully implemented measures to conserve and preserve freshwater usage across The Pearl Island. These efforts have resulted in an impressive saving of over 2,716,290 gallons of freshwater. By prioritizing waste reduction, promoting responsible water usage, and implementing sustainable practices throughout its business operations, UDC has achieved significant water conservation.

Furthermore, UDC has introduced smart and automated water features that consume at least 25% less water compared to conventional systems. This intelligent approach to water management has contributed to the overall water-saving efforts on The Pearl Island. Additionally, the waste management and recycling initiatives implemented by UDC have played a crucial role in preserving an additional 438,270 gallons of water.

A Long-Lasting Commitment

Throughout 2022 and early 2023, UDC has achieved remarkable milestones in the realm of environmental conservation. These accomplishments include obtaining international accreditation certificates and receiving prestigious awards, which underscore UDC's unwavering dedication to embracing cutting-edge sustainable practices.

By prioritizing the preservation of the ecosystem and promoting the well-being of the community residing in The Pearl Island, UDC has demonstrated its enduring commitment to fostering a sustainable and environmentally friendly environment which sets a benchmark for other organizations. These outstanding environmental achievements therefore serve as a testament to UDC's longstanding efforts and continuous pursuit of excellence in sustainable development.