Aldar Properties has embarked on a pioneering venture, positioning itself as the first developer in the MENA region to integrate hydrogen-based steel rebar into its construction processes. This announcement is part of a collaborative project with EMSTEEL, which aims to facilitate the use of this innovative low-carbon steel for the construction of Abu Dhabi’s inaugural net-zero carbon mosque. Located in Sustainable City on Yas Island, the mosque is projected to significantly curtail emissions by as much as 95% in comparison to conventional construction methodologies.
The mosque itself is set to span an area of 1,595 square metres, accommodating over 850 worshippers. With aspirations for LEED Zero Carbon certification—a prestigious standard that underscores sustainable building practices—the mosque will incorporate a range of environmentally friendly design features. These include low-emission concrete, energy-efficient lighting, advanced cooling systems, and sustainable prayer carpets, all aimed at supporting a vision of ecological preservation intertwined with spiritual practice.
This initiative underscores Aldar’s broader commitment to embedding sustainability at every phase of construction, aligning seamlessly with the UAE’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Such a forward-thinking approach highlights how spaces of worship can lead rather than follow in the adoption of environmentally conscious designs, merging tradition with modernity.
Furthermore, the introduction of hydrogen-based steel signifies a definitive step toward innovative green construction in the region. Aldar’s spokesperson remarked that this mosque embodies a “statement of intent” regarding the company’s dedication to a sustainable future. The integration of cutting-edge technologies in building practices not only reduces environmental impact but sets a precedent for other developers in the MENA region.
Simultaneously, Yas Island is evolving into a hub of sustainable urban development. The Sustainable City, a new community initiated by Aldar in partnership with Diamond Developers, boasts 512 residential units alongside green spaces and communal facilities, all powered by renewable energy. This community aims for net-zero emissions, contributing to the UAE’s goal while providing an exemplary model of integrated sustainable living.
The Sustainable City’s residential homes have already achieved the esteemed Estidama 5 Pearl classification, indicative of excellence in sustainable urban design. With significant energy-saving innovations, including solar power elements, the development supports a lifestyle that prioritises environmental responsibility and community well-being.
Additionally, Aldar’s collaboration with Yellow Door Energy to implement solar power across 45 properties is expected to eliminate over 23,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. This partnership further complements the overarching strategy of promoting clean energy solutions, reinforcing the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and contributing to the vision of a sustainable future.
In contrast, other projects within the region, such as the newly inaugurated net-zero energy mosque in Masdar City, are also showcasing innovative architectural solutions aimed at enhancing energy efficiency. This mosque, accommodating 1,300 worshippers, utilises passive design strategies to reduce energy consumption significantly. By harnessing solar energy through an extensive array of photovoltaic panels and using rammed earth construction for superior insulation, it illustrates the growing trend towards sustainable infrastructure in the UAE.
Ultimately, as UAE entities like Aldar and Masdar City lead the way in sustainable construction, they provide meaningful contributions to the discourse surrounding environmental responsibility. Their commitment to pioneering practices in the construction sector is not merely a reaction to immediate ecological concerns but a strategic foresight into creating resilient communities for future generations.
Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [1], [2]
- Paragraph 2 – [1], [5]
- Paragraph 3 – [3], [4]
- Paragraph 4 – [4]
- Paragraph 5 – [6], [7]
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://magzoid.com/aldar-to-use-hydrogen-based-steel-in-regions-first-net-zero-mosque/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.aldar.com/en/news-and-media/a-new-way-of-living-unveiled-in-abu-dhabi-with-launch-of-the-sustainable-city-yas-island – Aldar Properties, in partnership with Diamond Developers, has launched The Sustainable City – Yas Island, a sustainability-focused community in Abu Dhabi. The development features 512 residential units, green open spaces, and community farming plots. Amenities include an equestrian centre, gym, cycling and jogging tracks, and a green mosque. The community is powered by renewable energy, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions and align with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 vision. Construction commenced in Q2 2023, with handovers expected in Q4 2025.
- https://www.aldar.com/en/news-and-media/aldar-and-diamond-developers-to-launch–the-sustainable-city—yas-island – Aldar Properties and Diamond Developers have announced a joint venture to develop The Sustainable City – Yas Island, a fully sustainable community in Abu Dhabi. The project will include 864 residential units and 3,000 sqm of retail space, powered by renewable energy to achieve net-zero emissions. Construction is set to begin in Q4 2022, with a 30-month completion target. The development aims to provide a sustainable living environment in line with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
- https://www.aldar.com/en/news-and-media/aldar-partners-with-yellow-door-energy-to-provide-34-megawatts-of-solar-power – Aldar Properties has partnered with Yellow Door Energy to provide 34 megawatts of solar power to 45 properties across the UAE. Starting in 2024, the partnership will deliver clean energy for 20 years, supporting Aldar’s Net Zero Plan. The transition to solar power is expected to remove 23,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the first year, with over 560,000 tonnes avoided over the project’s lifetime. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Energy Strategy.
- https://www.aldar.com/en/news-and-media/the-sustainable-city-yas-island-achieves-highest-sustainable-urban-design-rating – The Sustainable City – Yas Island has received the prestigious Estidama 5 Pearl classification for its home designs. This rating signifies excellence in sustainable development, characterized by energy-efficient building designs, water conservation measures, and the integration of green spaces. Homes in the community will be powered by solar energy from panels installed on residential and parking structures, enabling residents to save up to 50% on energy bills. The development promotes energy and water efficiency, with features like a central green spine and biodomes for community farming.
- https://www.masdarcity.ae/news-and-media/news/2024/03/07/abu-dhabi-s-masdar-city-breaks-ground-on-the-region-s-first-net-zero-energy-mosque – Masdar City in Abu Dhabi has broken ground on the region’s first net-zero energy mosque. The 2,349 square-meter mosque will accommodate 1,300 worshippers and is designed to use 35% less energy than international baselines through passive design. It will produce at least 100% of its remaining annual energy needs using 1,590 m² of on-site photovoltaic panels. The mosque will be constructed from rammed earth, providing high-quality insulation, and features a tiered window system on the roof to illuminate the space and create cross-breezes.
- https://www.masdarcity.ae/news-and-media/news/2023/12/12/abu-dhabi-s-masdar-city-announces-region-s-first-net-zero-energy-mosque – Masdar City in Abu Dhabi has announced the region’s first net-zero energy mosque. The 2,349 square-meter structure, with capacity for 1,300 worshippers, will produce at least 100% of the energy it needs over the course of a year using 1,590 m² of on-site photovoltaic panels. The mosque’s total energy requirements were reduced by 35% compared to international baselines using passive design. The main structure will be made primarily of rammed earth, and a series of tiered windows on the roof will allow the space to be illuminated with cascading natural light patterns.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative introduces Aldar Properties’ initiative to integrate hydrogen-based steel rebar into the construction of Abu Dhabi’s first net-zero carbon mosque. While Aldar has previously announced a Net Zero Plan in January 2023 ([aldar.com](https://www.aldar.com/en/news-and-media/aldar-takes-leading-position-on-net-zero?utm_source=openai)), this specific application of hydrogen-based steel in mosque construction appears to be a new development. However, similar projects, such as Masdar City’s net-zero energy mosque announced in December 2023 ([masdarcity.ae](https://www.masdarcity.ae/news-and-media/news/2023/12/12/abu-dhabi-s-masdar-city-announces-region-s-first-net-zero-energy-mosque?utm_source=openai)), have been reported earlier, indicating that the concept of net-zero mosques is not entirely novel. The report’s freshness is moderate due to the introduction of new materials but within a known project context. Additionally, the report includes a reference map linking to Aldar’s official announcements, suggesting a direct source. The presence of a press release typically warrants a high freshness score, but the overlap with existing projects slightly diminishes this. No significant discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The narrative does not appear to be recycled content. The update on Aldar’s initiative justifies a higher freshness score but should still be flagged for its similarity to prior reports.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The report includes a quote from Aldar’s spokesperson describing the mosque as a “statement of intent” regarding the company’s dedication to a sustainable future. A search for this exact quote did not yield earlier instances, suggesting it may be original or exclusive content. The absence of identical quotes in earlier material supports the originality of this statement.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from Magzoid, a platform that aggregates news and press releases. While it provides references to Aldar’s official announcements, the platform itself is not a primary news source. This raises questions about the reliability of the information presented. The reliance on a secondary source diminishes the overall reliability score.
Plausability check
Score:
7
Notes:
The report’s claims about Aldar Properties integrating hydrogen-based steel into the construction of a net-zero mosque in Abu Dhabi are plausible, given the company’s prior commitment to sustainability and net-zero goals. However, the use of hydrogen-based steel in mosque construction is a novel application, and no other reputable outlets have covered this specific development, which raises questions about its authenticity. The lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets and the novelty of the claim suggest a need for further verification. The language and tone are consistent with corporate communications, and the structure does not include excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is formal and aligns with typical corporate language.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative introduces Aldar Properties’ initiative to use hydrogen-based steel in constructing Abu Dhabi’s first net-zero mosque. While the concept aligns with Aldar’s sustainability goals, the reliance on a secondary source and the novelty of the claim without corroboration from other reputable outlets raise questions about its authenticity. The originality of the quote and the plausibility of the claim support the narrative, but the overall assessment remains open due to the need for further verification.
