< Previous| ADVERTORIAL | 168 JUNE 2024 KABBANI CONSTRUCTION GROUP AND NATURASEAL INTERNATIONAL FORGE NEW SALES PARTNERSHIP FOR SAUDI ARABIAN MARKET The agreement combines KCG’s market presence with NaturaSeal’s sustainable technologies to promote greener construction practices in the kingdom Kabbani Construction Group (KCG) and NaturaSeal International have entered a strategic partnership agreement. This agreement grants KCG the sales, marketing, and distribution rights for NaturaSeal’s full range of eco-friendly, post-blending, instant-setting, fl uid-applied waterproofi ng, and smart coating solutions. The partnership will cover all market sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. NaturaSeal is an international manufacturer founded in Canada in 1999 as an independent private group leading a revolutionary concept committed to ecological innovation. The company specialises in producing environmentally Raymond George, CEO of NaturaSeal International Hatem Salaheldin, CEO of Kabbani Construction Group for many years to come.” Meanwhile, Raymond George, CEO of NaturaSeal International, added: “We are delighted to be working with KCG, one of the largest and oldest business institutions that have evolved and expanded over the years to become a leader and innovator in the Saudi construction market. “Moreover, we are intrigued by the immense opportunities for NaturaSeal’s innovative and sustainable PMAE technology to contribute to achieving net-zero transition, adhering to passive building principles, and minimising the environmental impact of structures over their expected service life in Saudi Arabia. This agreement is an exciting footprint expansion for NaturaSeal, a token of a long-term business partnership, and a solid strategic alliance with the KCG.” sustainable building envelope solutions that are 100% free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odourless and water-based. Its applications include but are not limited to waterproofi ng, air barrier, roofi ng, corrosion control, gas barrier and soundproofi ng. NaturaSeal has manufactured and supplied millions of square meters of products to customers and projects across the globe, with research and development initiatives focused on creating the most eff ective, green products to add value in preserving the environment and represent the paradigm shift towards more sustainable urbanisation. KCG, a prominent player in the Saudi construction sector since 1983, has a stellar reputation with over four decades of experience and numerous successfully delivered projects in the kingdom and the wider MENA region. Their commitment to innovation and quality has made them a trusted name in the industry. With a shared vision of pioneering the future today, both companies’ initiatives are focused on building a bold and solid green standard in the marketplace by supplying and installing the most eff ective products to add value to preserving the environment and representing the paradigm shift of more sustainable urbanisation. Commenting on the agreement, Hatem Salaheldin, CEO of Kabbani Construction Group, said: “Our mission is to continue providing the Saudi market with innovative solutions; hence, we are thrilled to be working with NaturaSeal, a company recognised for its environmental sustainability, brand commitment, durability, reliability, and serviceability. This agreement is a natural partnership between IKK, with its widespread market coverage, and NaturaSeal’s innovative and proprietary PMAE technology. We look forward to continuing to grow our businesses together 170 JUNE 2024 | THE LAST WORD | THE AFTER EFFECTS OF COP28 L ike New Year’s resolutions that begin with a bang on 1 January and disappear faster than snow in July, COP28 has come and gone in a fl ash. The question is—after more than 84,000 people attended the international gathering in Dubai late last year – has it left a lasting impact? Throughout 2023, headlines about the importance of COP28 were a mainstay in the media. The ensuing result would see hundreds of millions of dollars pledged towards a more sustainable future—and the UAE, as the hosting country, played a key role by launching ALTÉRRA; a $30 billion catalytic private fi nance vehicle that aims to mobilise a total of $250 billion for global climate action. While this forward-thinking initiative will benefi t various sectors, its importance in global real estate cannot be overstated as the sector is notoriously known for generating 40% of the world’s carbon emissions. Depending on how the UAE’s leadership plans to leverage ALTÉRRA, it yields the potential to spur positive environmental impact for the emirate for years to come. RENEWING THE YEAR OF SUSTAINABILITY Last year marked the halfway point to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), a mandate that was established in 2015. However, on a global scale, the results thus far have been a far cry from what the world had ambitiously set out to realise in 2015. With only 15% of the SDGs on track, 48% moderately or severely off track, and 37% in stagnation or regression, the 198 countries that have ratifi ed the Paris Agreement to date still have great strides to make if 2030 objectives are to be met. Yet, as always, the UAE leads the way with its pioneering vision. In line with the UNSDGs, the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030 has goals that will enable the country to be a key contributor to global objectives. This includes increasing its GDP by between 4% to 5% and reducing its emissions to less than 100 kilowatt-hours. The former could be leveraged to fund greater environmental impact while the latter will undeniably lessen negative environmental contributions. All in all, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s decision to extend the Year of Sustainability into 2024 is one of great importance. It creates a sense of urgency and encourages residents to ensure their environmental eff orts weren’t a one-off with COP28— but rather a way of life that can nurture sustainability for the benefi t of future residents for years to come. SO, WHERE DOES REAL ESTATE COME INTO PLAY? Given recent fi ndings—over 80% of UAE residents believe it is time to focus on “preventing further damage” rather than “reversing damage already done”—time is running out, like sand through an hourglass, for a more sustainable future to be created. As a whole, Dubai’s real estate sector is thriving. Analysis indicate that property values within the emirate could climb by between 7% to 12% this year. This is only one of many optimistic outlooks for UAE real estate and developers. Understanding the economic value of these projections have been crucial, and developers have began launching projects at an unprecedented rate to capitalise on the market. While money makes the world go round, profi ts cannot take precedence over prosperity. Especially if the realisation of a more sustainable country is the endgame. Data shows that residents are conscious of climate change and the onus is therefore on developers to cater to market demand. Since COP28 concluded, only a short window of time has passed, but the progress made has been inevitable. Even so, it’s evident that a long journey lies ahead. Developments that prioritise energy effi ciency, water conservation, and waste management while still delivering on quality and design will contribute to the creation of a green economy—as Sheikh Mohammed has boldly envisioned—and real estate will be a key catalyst in driving this movement forward. Madhav Dhar is the COO and founding member of Z ZEN PropertiesDAMACPROPERTIES.COM | 0097145205360 P ermit No: 567552 Discover UAE’s rst pre-certi ed LEED Platinum community development, with Mediterranean-inspired world-class amenities, surrounded by azure blue lagoons and white sandy beaches. URBAN WATERFRONT LIVING REDEFINED HUMAN-CENTRIC, ENVIRONMENT-FIRST DESIGN Next >