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Al-Futtaim IKEA Concludes Earth Weeks Campaign with Bold Sustainability Commitments

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IKEA

Al-Futtaim IKEA announced its new sustainability initiatives and targets for 2025 during an event at its Yas Mall store in Abu Dhabi, where it also celebrated the success of its recent “Earth Weeks” campaign.

The event, attended by Francois Brice, Fuel & Commercial Executive Director at EWEC, and members of the Department of Community Development, Department of Energy and EWEC. The event featured presentations by Pooja Dhingra, Regional Sustainability Manager of Al-Futtaim IKEA, and Ouateil Sgheir, Market Manager of Abu Dhabi, who discussed both the brand’s global ambitions and local impact.

From Awareness to Action: Earth Weeks Campaign

The event also spotlighted Al-Futtaim IKEA’s successful initiatives and campaigns during “Earth Weeks”—the brand’s six-week, sustainability-focused period from mid-March to the end of April. Engaging customers and colleagues in climate-conscious practices under the theme of “Start at Home,” the campaign promoted practical, everyday actions, like energy saving, reducing food waste, recycling, and reusing, as the building blocks of sustainable living. Reflecting the positive impact of these efforts, sales of sustainable products doubled during this period—demonstrating that sustainability is not only achievable but also accessible and affordable.

One of the campaign’s most creative activations, the “Switch-Off Trade Off”, reimagined Earth Hour by having Al-Futtaim IKEA employees turn off lights in the offices and showrooms on behalf of community members who were tied up with essential tasks. Another highlight, “Wait for the Drop,” introduced a unique online playlist with tracks mimicking the sound of running water, promoting mindful water use in bathrooms.

Additional moments included celebrating Mother’s Day by honouring mothers as the original sustainability heroes, recognising their everyday efforts in nurturing both family and the planet.

Clean Energy Milestones

Al-Futtaim IKEA also announced three stores, located in Fujairah, Al Ain, and Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi, have achieved LEED Gold certification. This recognition highlights the implementation of eco-friendly practices across the locations, including 10% lower energy consumption, 55% water savings, improved indoor air quality, and significant progress in waste reduction and recycling.

 On May 2, 2025, Al-Futtaim IKEA reiterated its long-term sustainability commitment by announcing a strategic partnership with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company. Through the agreement, EWEC will provide IKEA UAE with Clean Energy Certificates (CECs) to cover 100 per cent of the electricity consumed across its four stores in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), CECs are the only accredited instruments in Abu Dhabi that certify electricity consumption is sourced from renewable and clean energy generation. This milestone marks a significant step forward in IKEA UAE’s efforts to reduce scope 2 emissions and operate in a more environmentally responsible manner.

Vinod Jayan, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim IKEA UAE, Egypt, Oman and Qatar, commented: “At Al-Futtaim IKEA, sustainability is central to how we operate, innovate, and serve our communities. We believe that sustainable living should be simple, affordable, and accessible to all. Our Earth Weeks campaign reflects our responsibility to lead by example in the region, protect the planet’s most vital resources, and empower the many people to be part of this journey. Change starts at home—but its impact extends far beyond.”

He continued: “This commitment to long-term change is demonstrated by the actions we’re taking across our operations to reduce environmental impact. Over the past year, our fleet of electric trucks has helped us avoid 29 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to the emissions of seven passenger cars driven for a year. We’re also making significant progress in food waste reduction. By using anaerobic digesters in two of our stores, we divert 160 tonnes of food waste from landfills each year, saving CO₂ emissions equivalent to the energy required to power 98 homes for an entire year. As a business proudly rooted in the UAE’s success, we’re fully aligned with the country’s Environment Vision 2030.”

Empowering Future Sustainability Leaders

On Earth Day, Al-Futtaim IKEA welcomed members of Masdar’s Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) community for the first in a series of collaborative sessions focused on practical sustainability. Hosted in partnership with the Al-Futtaim Youth Council and Sustainability Team, the first session at IKEA Yas Island, Abu Dhabi explored circular economy and sustainable living, featuring an interactive store tour, a waste-sorting workshop, and a blind tasting experience.

These sessions form part of a broader knowledge exchange initiative between Al-Futtaim IKEA and Y4S, designed to empower the next generation of sustainability leaders through real-world insights and collaborative dialogue.

Strengthening Biodiversity and Water Commitments

Al-Futtaim IKEA’s sustainability targets are aligned with Inter IKEA’s global ambitions, focusing on reducing environmental impact across the value chain, strengthening ecosystems, and driving positive societal change in collaboration with customers, partners, and policymakers.

Inter IKEA is also advancing its sustainability agenda with a strong focus on water stewardship, working to reduce freshwater use, improving water quality, and ensuring access to clean water in high-risk areas across its value chain, efforts that will enhance water resilience for both ecosystems and communities.

Looking Ahead

Building on the Earth Weeks campaign, Al-Futtaim IKEA is entering a new chapter of sustainability, rooted in action, accountability, and collaboration. The company remains committed to creating a positive impact not only within its stores and supply chain, but also across the wider community, making sustainable living a reality for the many.

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Bergman Design House Unveils Interiors for Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences by ELEVATE and Ennismore – A New Era of Luxury in Ras Al Khaimah

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Luxurious beachfront Mondrian hotel with modern architecture, surrounded by palm trees and clear blue water where a man is paddleboarding

Award-winning London-based interior designers Bergman Design House have revealed their completed design vision for Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, developed by ELEVATE in partnership with global hospitality leader Ennismore. Announced last quarter, the project is now moving closer to launch with the much-anticipated unveiling of its interiors. Known for exclusive private villa and beach house designs, this marks Bergman’s first branded residence project in the region, setting a new benchmark for luxury residential and hospitality living.

Zeeshaan Shah, Founder of ELEVATE, said:“Our vision with ELEVATE has always been to craft developments that are more than addresses — they are destinations. Partnering with Ennismore and Bergman Design House on Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences allows us to deliver an experience that blends design excellence, curated living, and world-class hospitality in a way the region hasn’t seen before.”

Set against the backdrop of Al Marjan Island where the Arabian Gulf meets Ras Al Khaimah’s future gaming and leisure destination, Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences rises as a modern design icon. Part cultural gallery, part social hub, it is conceived as more than simply a residential address: instead unfolding as a curated lifestyle experience where every space is designed to inspire, connect, and endure.

Marie Soliman, Founder & Creative Director of Bergman Design House, added:
“With Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, we wanted to create a place where every corner tells a story, where residents feel both the comfort of home and the thrill of discovery. It’s a living canvas, inspired by the sea and designed to evolve with its community.”

Drawing inspiration from the rhythms of the ocean and the dynamic energy of Ras Al Khaimah’s evolving luxury scene, Bergman Design House has blended sculptural forms, organic textures, and luminous palettes. Each detail reflects a dialogue between avant-garde artistry and timeless comfort, resulting in spaces that are both emotionally resonant and visually striking.

The development will feature more than 60,000 square feet of resident amenities, designed to position Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences as the pinnacle of experiential living in the Emirate. The lobby itself will go far beyond a point of arrival, serving as an immersive gallery with rotating exhibitions from visionary global and regional artists alongside digital installations.

Suspended high above the ocean, the Sky Lounge will deliver panoramic views, innovative mixology, and interiors crafted for both intimate conversation and grand celebration.

Residents will also enjoy 17,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor wellness space, including championship-level training zones, a yoga and Pilates studio, treatment rooms, a sky padel tennis court, and a recovery suite with sauna and ice bath — embedding wellness into daily life.

Mondrian’s iconic pool scene will also make its mark on Al Marjan Island. Perched over 200 feet above sea level, the adults-only Infinity Sky Pool will redefine Ras Al Khaimah’s skyline, with sleek finishes and uninterrupted Gulf views transforming each sunset into a spectacle.

The beachfront will function as a lifestyle destination of its own, featuring art-adorned pools, private cabanas, immersive installations, and an award-winning beach restaurant soon to be unveiled. Every detail is designed to turn a day by the water into a sequence of unforgettable memories.

The Mondrian  Al Marjan Island Beach Residences will offer a range of residences, with penthouses as the crown jewel, complete with wraparound glass walls, bespoke marble finishes, private terraces, and spa-like bathrooms. Apartments will feature smart layouts, uninterrupted sea views, and coastal-meets-cosmopolitan palettes, enhanced by sculptural lighting that transforms each home into a personal art piece.

Conceptualised for discerning investors, collectors of experiences, and global citizens, Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences represents the convergence of hospitality, artistry, and residential intimacy. It will stand as not just a development, but a cultural landmark for Ras Al Khaimah. It belongs to the Mondrian Hotels & Residences portfolio, part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with culture and community at their heart. With ELEVATE’s vision, Ennismore’s hospitality expertise, and Bergman Design House’s design mastery, the Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences is set to become a cultural stage, a social hub, and a sanctuary of design excellence — framed by the infinite horizon of the Arabian Gulf.

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INTRODUCING DUBAI’S FIRST CORINTHIA RESIDENCES

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Two executives in traditional Emirati dress shaking hands at Driven Properties and Dubai General Properties Corinthia Dubai agreement ceremony with floral arrangements.

Driven | Forbes Global Properties has been appointed as the exclusive sales partner for the residences at Corinthia Dubai, including both branded and non-branded residences. Developed by Dubai General Properties, the twin towers on Sheikh Zayed Road will also feature Dubai’s first Corinthia five-star, ultra-luxury hotel.

“This project stands out for its clarity of vision: an iconic address that pairs a five-star hospitality experience with a versatile residential offering. It’s the kind of development that creates long-term value for residents and investors alike,” said Abdullah Alajaji, Founder and CEO of Driven | Forbes Global Properties. “Our team is honored to be leading sales on such a unique, city-shaping project.”

“By bringing Corinthia Branded Residences together with premium non-branded options in one destination, we’re giving buyers genuine choice without compromising on quality,” said Jassim Al Ali, Managing Director of Dubai General Properties. “Our ambition extends beyond merely constructing skyscrapers; we aim to create developments that capture the global imagination and forge a lasting legacy in urban design,” he added.

“We’re pleased to present this historic project to the world’s most discerning buyers and to continue curating best-in-class residences for our clients,” said Hadi Hamra, Managing Partner at Driven | Forbes Global Properties.

An Architectural Statement

Designed by AtkinsRéalis, the project is set to rank among the tallest buildings in the world, rising over 500 metres with a distinct silhouette of two towers connected by a dramatic, cantilevered sky lobby suspended halfway above ground. Rising with grace above the city’s skyline, the skyscrapers are Art Deco inspired, paying modern homage to timeless elegance. “These towers reflect timeless perfection, standing as an icon on SZR. They epitomize the essence of urban luxury and a modern oasis in the sky. Their crafted geometry scales the sky while gently stepping back, unveiling one-of-a-kind residences with unparalleled vistas of Dubai’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf,” said Timothy Winstanley, AIA, RIBA, Design Director and Lead Architect of the project.

The residences offer generous, open layouts designed to capture uninterrupted sea and skyline views. Selected residences will feature private pools, gyms, and large indoor-outdoor entertainment areas, while residents can enjoy privileged access to Corinthia Wellness and hotel amenities, supported by the brand’s iconic service standards.

The interior concept, “Stillness in the Sky,” draws inspiration from a garden in full bloom: soft, tactile materials, champagne-metal finishes, floral silhouettes, and natural light create serene, sensory spaces that elevate daily rituals into moments of quiet luxury.

A Vision Realised by 2030

Spanning 330,000 square metres and scheduled for completion by 2030, Corinthia Dubai will deliver a multifaceted lifestyle that combines state-of-the-art architecture, exceptional hospitality, and modern comfort. Supported by Driven | Forbes Global Properties, the project will stand as a landmark that sets global benchmarks for luxury living in the heart of Dubai.

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WHY DEVELOPERS SHOULD ADOPT AN INVESTOR MINDSET IN EVOLVING REAL ESTATE MARKET

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Professional portrait of Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty, wearing traditional white kandura and ghutra in formal business setting

By Eng. Amer Khansaheb, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Union Properties PJSC

In today’s buoyant UAE Real Estate landscape, conventional metrics like unit sales volumes are becoming obsolete. Instead, genuine success increasingly lies in value measured through long-term rental income, growth, asset quality, and capital appreciation. Developers who adopt an investor-led mindset, prioritising yield, durability, and premium standards, are effectively shaping the future of the sector in the UAE.

From Selling Today to Earning Tomorrow

To achieve this shift, developers must transcend the traditional focus on one-time sales. Developers must embrace business models that generate sustainable rental income, ensuring a predictable stream of cash flow even during market fluctuations. Future-focused project planning must integrate rental viability, anchoring developments in steady long-term returns rather than immediate, speculative gains. This investor-first approach positions developers for long-term growth.

Rental Market Momentum: Major Growth Engine

The UAE’s residential leases market is projected to reach USD 27.98 billion in 2025 and USD 33.10 billion by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3 per cent. Developers who prioritise rental-ready, high-quality units will be best placed to capture this expanding market, appealing both to residents seeking premium housing and to investors seeking reliable returns. This demonstrates the enormous potential that rental-centric development strategies hold.

Supply Growth and Still Solid Returns

Despite expectations of 180,000 new residential units by 2026, rental yields remain strong at 7.4 per cent. This reveals persistent demand, indicating prime opportunities for value-added investments. Developers can capitalise this by offering thoughtfully designed projects with integrated amenities and sustainability features on strategic locations, elements that elevate rental income and investor appeal.

Attracting Global Capital through Investment-First Mindset

The UAE’s progressive policies such as long-term visas, free zones for Real Estate, and investor-friendly reforms, continue to magnetise international and institutional capital. By adopting an investor-first mindset, developers can meet this evolving demand by offering investment-grade opportunities and high-quality, income-generating assets that appeal to discerning global investors.

Differentiating Through Quality

To differentiate in this present market increasingly defined by long-term value rather than rapid turnover, excellence in design, exceptional finishes and long-term value are keys. Developers who invest in durability, sustainability, and strategic positioning, beyond sheer scale, will attract tenant loyalty and investor confidence. This differentiation fosters both brand equity and financial resilience.

Aligning with Future: Investor Mindset as Strategy

As the UAE Real Estate landscape evolves, we can safely state that those developers that think like investors will certainly emerge as leaders. By aligning projects with long-term income generation, adhering to global investment standards, and offering quality-driven, sustainable developments, they lay the groundwork for enduring success.

This dynamic Real Estate environment is not merely a passing trend but a blueprint for sustainable, value-based growth in the UAE market. Developers who embrace this investor-led vision, integrating rental yield, design excellence, and global standards, will not only thrive but also redefine the future of the sector.

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