The Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) and United Development Company (UDC), master developer of The Pearl and Gewan Islands, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at UDC pavilion within Cityscape Qatar exhibition, bringing together prominent figures, stakeholders and industry experts.

The MoU outlines a collaboration focusing on several key areas including the implementation of the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) on UDC projects, among which will be the facilities within Gewan Island – UDC’s latest mixed-use development featuring residential, commercial and entertainment projects spanning 400,000 sqm. As part of a joint capacity building program, GORD and UDC will work to educate professionals on sustainable practices, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to contribute to a sustainable built environment. Other areas of collaboration covered in the MoU include research and development (R&D) to support sustainable innovations, development of sustainable cities and communities, and initiatives aimed at achieving carbon mitigation.

The MoU was signed by GORD’s Founding Chairman, Dr. Yousef Alhorr and UDC’s Executive Director of Public Services, Mr. Abdullatif Al-Yafei.

On this occasion, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, stated: “Steadfast in our commitment to put sustainability into practice, we are thrilled to collaborate with United Development Company. The MoU we signed today perfectly aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030's objectives for environmental development. We eagerly anticipate harnessing our collective expertise to catalyze the evolution of Qatar’s urban landscapes that meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of future generations."

Also commenting on the agreement, Mr. Ibrahim Jassim Al-Othman, UDC President, CEO and Member of The Board said: “As we embrace a future of sustainability and environmental responsibility in our development of Gewan Island, our collaboration with GORD stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to raising the bar in the real estate industry. As a premium developer, UDC is committed to providing our shareholders and investors with long-lasting value in their investments. To this end, we remain dedicated to ensuring that our projects and developments adhere to the highest international sustainability standards, both in their design and ongoing operations, fulfilling Qatar National Vision's objectives of fostering sustainable cities and communities.”

The signing of this MoU between GORD and UDC is a natural progression of organizations’ previous collaborative initiatives. Notably, UDC implemented GSAS operations for UDC Tower in The Pearl Island, demonstrating a tangible commitment to sustainability. Covering a built-up area of 114,740 sqm, UDC Tower marks the first project in The Pearl Island to receive GSAS Operations certificate. At the same time, it is the first GSAS-certified project to demonstrate full indoor air quality compliance which qualifies it as a healthy building.

The recent MoU holds the potential to significantly advance sustainability in Qatar, with GORD's leading role in spearheading sustainability and UDC's position among the top developers in the region. By joining forces, the two entities will infuse sustainable practices into UDC's prominent developments, setting an example for the entire nation and beyond. This aligns perfectly with Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes sustainable development as a core pillar to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for Qatar.