New directive on eco rules will come into force in January next year

The ruler of Dubai has ordered builders and developers to comply with green building standards to boost the country鈥檚 eco-credentials.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also vice president and prime minister of the UAE, issued the directive today in a bid to demonstrate Dubai鈥檚 commitment to tackling climate change.

The eco-friendly decree, which is the first of its kind in the region, will come into effect in January next year.

Chairman of the Dubai Executive Office Mohammed Al Gergawi said the decision reflected the Sheikh鈥檚 focus on 鈥渞esponsible, sustainable development鈥�.

Speaking at the opening of Pacific Control Systems鈥� headquarters, the first platinum rated green building in the Middle East, Al Gergawi said: 鈥淒ubai is committed to supporting the international community in addressing the global environmental challenge

鈥淒ubai is the first city in the Middle East 鈥� and, in fact, one of the few cities in the world 鈥� to adopt green building standards, setting a benchmark for other global cities.鈥�

Secretary general of the Dubai Executive Council Ahmad Bin Byat said the council would immediately take measures to ensure the directive could be implemented.

He emphasised the financial advantages of going green, including lower construction costs and reduced utility bills for residents.

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