Once a sparsely populated trading village in the desert, Dubai has rapidly become one of the world’s foremost urban centres. Today, its reputation stands on the spires of its gleaming skyscrapers, but the city is far more than a jungle of glass and concrete. As the world starts paying more attention to the environmental impact of continued urban development, Dubai has committed to creating environments that are more eco-conscious, setting a new standard for modern sustainable living. Many of the city’s key residential neighbourhoods now engage in eco-friendly practices, from the management of the communities to the design philosophy of the homes. Below, we take a closer look at some of the greenest communities in Dubai.
1. Al Barari
Al Barari offers a lush green retreat from Dubai’s bustling urban centres. Spanning over 15.3 million square feet, this community is renowned for its focus on nature and wellness, with over 60% of the land area devoted to greenery. It was rightly named Dubai’s greenest community and has maintained that status despite building new developments in recent years.
The green spaces of Al Barari are divided between themed gardens, forested areas, walking paths, and beautiful water features. Water management is a priority, and the community has its own water recycling plant to ensure efficient use of resources. Sustainable initiatives are in place for all of the residences as well: all homes have an energy-efficient design and layout that helps with natural heating and cooling throughout the day.
Greenery and sustainability are also key considerations in all of the lifestyle amenities that Al Barari provides for its residents. Signature organic restaurant The Farm uses as much local produce as possible and features a tranquil lakeside setting shaded by copses of trees. The local Heart & Soul Spa also offers nature-inspired treatments that can be experienced alongside relaxing verdant views.
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2. The Sustainable City
Sustainability is built into the very seams of this community, which was designed to create a harmony between contemporary suburban living and the natural beauty of open green spaces. The Sustainable City was completed in 2016, spanning an area of over 4.9 million square feet that includes residential neighbourhoods, parks, a lake, a petting zoo, and urban farms. There are three forms of sustainability that the community aims to tackle: social, environmental, and economic.
Social sustainability is attained by creating a close-knit neighbourhood where families can come together and socialise. Community events are hosted on a regular basis, and there is a great emphasis on individual and communal well-being.
The environmental initiatives are integral to the concept of The Sustainable City. Every building is made with sustainable materials that have undergone an extensive quality check, featuring rooftop solar panels and smart technologies for energy efficiency. Systems are in place to regulate water consumption, and to help maintain good air quality. The Sustainable City has its own farms and biodomes, growing produce that is sold in local farmer’s markets, with a portion distributed to residents for their own use.
By using local resources and enlisting the help of local businesses in developing a greener environment, The Sustainable City has lowered its cost of operations, which has reduced the net economic impact on the emirate. It has created a unique model for eco-conscious living that serves as an example to other neighbourhoods in Dubai.
3. Dubai Hills Estate
The master-planned community of Dubai Hills Estate is one of the most popular residential areas in the city, owing to a prime location that is only 15 minutes from the central business district and 20 minutes from the beachfront areas. What really makes this community a prime choice for residents, however, is the abundance of open green spaces that are spread throughout.
Dubai Hills Estate covers an area of roughly 11 square kilometres and is divided into two parts, each of which is centred on a distinct green expanse. The western half of Dubai Hills is spread around the Dubai Hills Park, a 1.1 square-kilometre space that is the largest community park anywhere in the city, and one of its largest overall. The park is crisscrossed with walking paths and also has outdoor gyms and play areas for children, inviting residents to spend more time outdoors.
The eastern half is made up of villa neighbourhoods that are situated around the fairways of the Dubai Hills Golf Course. The 18-hole championship course offers rolling greens and is surrounded by mature trees to create a lush natural environment. Each villa neighbourhood has its own landscaping as well, adding to the number of green spaces for residents to experience.
Sustainability has been integrated into the design of Dubai Hills Estate, including the use of sustainable materials in its design and the systems put in place to maintain all of its landscaping.
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4. Jumeirah Golf Estates
As its name suggests, Jumeirah Golf Estates (JGE) is primarily focused on golf and features not just one but two championship courses on opposite ends of the community. Named Fire and Earth, the courses form the backdrop for JGE’s various villa and mansion neighbourhoods. The community is spread over an area of roughly 11 square kilometres with expansive stretches of greenery, and landscaped walkways providing access around the courses.
Many of the trees were planted as part of JGE’s commitment to sustainability, helping to reduce its carbon footprint and create a healthier environment. Jumeirah Golf Estates has also been certified by the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO), an international body that aims to enhance the positive impact of golf communities around the world through eco-friendly practices.
Some of the key initiatives within JGE include reduced water consumption, water treatment and recycling for irrigation, conservation of the natural landscapes around the community, creation of habitats for local fauna, and sustainability campaigns that encourage all residents to live a greener life. With more than 4000 trees, 15 lakes, and 340 species of native and migratory birds, JGE is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in Dubai.
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Final Take
Dubai has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, balancing its ambitions for urban growth with a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and the impact that its continuing development has on the world around it. Luxury and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive, and the green communities in Dubai bear testament to that.
