Environmental communication, a lever for action, is necessary in all countries in the MENA region.
By Karim Ouamane
15 May 2024
In a world facing unprecedented challenges such as the climate crisis, alarming loss of biodiversity, and chemical and waste pollution, impactful and effective environmental communication is more pressing than ever. World Press Freedom Day is proving to be a pivotal moment, highlighting the indispensable role of the media in awakening a collective conscience. It underlines their responsibility to create an informed, committed society ready to mobilise vigorously to protect our ecological heritage.
The role of the media in all environment-related communication
Thanks to their immense reach, the media uniquely can make complex information accessible to everyone. They are crucial in raising public awareness of environmental challenges and issues by disseminating the latest scientific findings and expert analysis. For instance, the media’s coverage of the Great Barrier Reef bleaching event in 2016, which was caused by climate change, brought global attention to the issue. The clear presentation of facts, supported by solid evidence, demystifies ecological issues and promotes a deeper understanding of their economic and social impacts.
Investigative journalism bridges the gap between science and public awareness by revealing practices harmful to the environment. Documentaries promote the beauty of our natural heritage while alerting us to its fragility.
The first highlights actions that harm our planet, pushing for regulatory changes and encouraging more environmentally friendly behaviour. Documentaries play a complementary role in capturing the splendour of nature and highlighting its vulnerability to human activities. They also provide a stage to highlight successes in environmental protection.
Ultimately, the media, in all its forms, is more than just a conduit for sharing scientific knowledge with the general public. It is a significant tool that can inspire action, provide accurate information, inform debates, and stimulate active participation in favour of the environment. This potential for inspiration and empowerment is critical to the media’s role in environmental communication.
As agents of change and mobilisation, journalists have a unique and crucial role in shaping public opinion and encouraging collective action. Their work is about reporting facts and influencing perceptions and attitudes. Therefore, it is necessary to support and strengthen their capacities to continue to exercise their total influence responsibly and honestly, thus guiding society towards more vital environmental awareness and action.
The importance of specialised training for journalists on environmental matters
Faced with the complexity of today’s environmental challenges, where science, politics and economics intersect, the demands on journalism go far beyond the simple production of superficial articles. These issues require careful analysis and reporting based on reliable data and extensive research.
For that, it is imperative to integrate modules dedicated to environmental sciences into journalistic training programs. Such content would enable journalists to grasp essential ecological principles and understand the socio-economic repercussions of environmental crises.
It would also give them the skills to evaluate sources, distinguish fact from opinion, and disentangle scientific discourse from politicised rhetoric. Journalistic ethics are a crucial foundation in environmental reporting. Journalists must be prepared to address the nuances of ecological facts with integrity, avoiding sensationalism and catastrophism while emphasising the urgency and relevance of the topic. They must offer balanced narratives that consider the diverse perspectives and interests involved.
We now live in a world transformed into a global village thanks to modern communication tools. The speed with which information travels allows us to be instantly aware of events occurring in the most remote corners of the planet.
Environmental issues, which have become global importance, are sometimes exploited by malicious actors to criticise nations or organisations. Therefore, journalists and the media must also be trained to highlight the efforts and measures adopted by our country to preserve our environmental heritage, both national and universal.
This training should equip professionals to analyse information acutely, highlighting positive initiatives while remaining aware of the challenges to be overcome. It should guide them in creating narratives that, beyond informing, aim to inspire and stimulate commitment to environmental protection.
By highlighting concrete actions and progress made, journalists have a decisive role in disseminating a balanced vision that encourages national environmental commitment.
Investing in specialised training for journalists focused on the environment has become necessary to ensure the dissemination of high-quality information that can raise awareness in the community and motivate action. Promoting a thematic specialisation dedicated to environmental issues and sustainable development is essential, marking a decisive turning point in how we understand and communicate on these vital issues.
Training environmental officials and elected representatives of the people in environmental communication
The dissemination of relevant and effective environmental communication depends not only on journalists but also on the involvement of environmental managers in ministries and their branches and elected officials at all levels. Government officials with scientific knowledge and technical expertise are essential in developing, implementing and promoting national environmental policies.
Their ability to simplify complex concepts into accessible messages is critical to raising awareness and engaging a broad audience. Elected officials, serving as a bridge between society and government, play a key role in promoting environmental initiatives to citizens. For instance, they can use their platforms to explain the importance of environmental policies and encourage citizens to adopt more sustainable practices. On the other hand, ecological officials are responsible for implementing these policies and can communicate their progress and challenges to the public.
Given the complexity of environmental issues, it is vital to provide managers and elected officials with specialised continuous communication training. This equips them to create impactful messages adapted to various media and to interact effectively with the press, ensuring a precise and convincing transmission of environmental issues.
Elected officials, as representatives of the people, play a decisive role in awakening and mobilising the collective conscience through their active participation in environmental dialogue and ability to inform about environmental policies. Their role is not just about making decisions but about shaping public discourse and driving change. This underscores the significance of their involvement in environmental communication.
In short, a synergy between environmental managers, elected officials, and the media, reinforced by adequate communication training, is essential for effective environmental communication. This strategic approach will promote ecological policies and encourage collective action to preserve our environmental heritage.
Success Stories and Impact
In our digital age, cases like the documentary “An Inconvenient Truth,” the Flint water crisis, and the #SaveTheBees campaign demonstrate the power of the media in engaging the public on environmental issues. “An Inconvenient Truth,” released in 2006, changed the public perception of climate change, illustrating the impact of relevant media content.
In 2014, investigative journalism in Flint, Michigan, revealed the lead contamination of drinking water, underscoring the press’s vital role for public health and the environment. In addition, #SaveTheBees https://savethebees.com/ has used social networks to warn about the decline of bees, leading to awareness and protective actions.
These examples underline the importance of modern, impactful and effective communication to raise awareness and mobilise around environmental challenges. Whether through documentaries, investigative reporting or viral campaigns, all media have a pivotal role in promoting ecological action.
Call to action
To amplify environmental communication’s impact, developing specialised training programs for journalists focused on the critical environmental challenges of our time is highly beneficial. Actively encouraging the integration of modules on environmental communication into the curricula of journalism and communication schools is essential. It is time to set up a real “environmental sector” that would meet the requirements of our time.
Fostering and cementing sustainable partnerships between the media, public institutions, and elected bodies is equally important. These collaborations will make it possible to build a solid network for more coherent and impactful environmental communication. In addition, recognising and valuing outstanding journalistic work in the field of the environment is fundamental to encouraging excellence and commitment in this sector.
The proposal for further training in environmental communication for environmental policymakers and elected officials is another cornerstone.
This initiative will contribute to better dissemination of environmental information, which is necessary for maintaining the collective conscience. Maximising the potential of digital technologies and social media platforms is also essential to reaching a wider audience and stimulating their active participation in this societal debate.
A journalist’s job is dedicated to the environment, which is both technical and sensitive, requiring specific expertise and approach. With this in mind, it is strongly recommended that the Ministries of Higher Education and Communication actively support creating a professional Master’s program specifically designed for environmental communication.
This program would represent a decisive step towards training a new generation of journalists perfectly equipped to meet the challenges of modern environmental communication.
As reported by Middle East Economy, The latest report from Oliver Wyman, ‘ The New Silk Road—Growth, Connection, Opportunity,’ predicts that the share of new Silk Road economies in global GDP will rise to 48% by 2040. Would this mean a rebirth of the medieval merchant economies of the Middle East? Or shall we prepare for a new economic order by 2030 / 2050?
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New Silk Road economies’ share of global GDP to rise to 48 percent by 2040: Report
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Increasingly assertive role of GCC countries reshapes economies of the New Silk Road
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Almost 60 percent of total trade activity in the region is currently taking place with other modern Silk Road economies
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The New Silk Road, currently home to eight of the world’s top 20 economies, will see its share of global gross domestic product (GDP) rise to 48 percent by 2040, according to the latest report from Oliver Wyman titled ‘The New Silk Road – Growth, Connection, Opportunity’. The report identifies multiple priority economic opportunities in the New Silk Road region that stretches across Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Oliver Wyman identifies six key areas that have emerged in the increasingly interwoven economies of Asia and the MENA region. Moreover, it believes that a new phase has begun in the relationship between the countries due to intraregional flows of capital, talent and technology. In addition, business activity is expanding beyond trade and construction into a range of new sectors, including automotive, clean technology and artificial intelligence.
Assertive role of GCC countries
Oliver Wyman states in their report that one of the major factors reshaping the economies of the New Silk Road is the increasingly assertive role of GCC countries. Hence, Gulf countries are leveraging high energy prices to diversify their economies and secure their post-oil futures through investment in multiple non-oil sectors.
“The countries that are part of the New Silk Road region are powering ahead with economic opportunity being driven by three major triggers: energy transition, global supply chain disruption, and geopolitical tensions and regionalization,” stated Adel Alfalasi, Head of the UAE at Oliver Wyman, a partner in the Government and Public Institutions Practice and a co-author of the report.
Adel Alfalasi, Head of the UAE at Oliver Wyman, partner in the Government and Public Institutions Practice and a co-author of the report
Supply chains and trade
The New Silk Road is an essential component of global supply chains. Thus, it holds 86 percent global export share for semiconductors, 65 percent for clothing, and 40 percent for oil. In addition, it features some of the world’s largest export manufacturers, including China and Japan, and emerging contenders such as India and Indonesia. Moreover, almost 60 percent of total trade activity in the region is currently taking place with other modern Silk Road economies.
Notably, two of the world’s three largest regional free-trade agreements now focus on the New Silk Road region:
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
Moreover, the number of bilateral agreements between Asia and the Middle East is rising.
Ben Simpfendorfer, Asia Pacific Lead of Oliver Wyman Forum, a Partner at Oliver Wyman, and a co-author of the report.
Future outlook
If the New Silk Road region manages to navigate critical geopolitical and environmental issues, it will see greater collaboration, connectivity, and capital growth.
“We envisage a region where energy ties will grow tighter, clean technology will play a greater role, and where manufacturing supply chains will spread out across a wider set of countries as companies build resilience,” says Ben Simpfendorfer, Asia Pacific Lead of Oliver Wyman Forum, a Partner at Oliver Wyman, and a co-author of the report.
The report also states that the flow of private wealth will expand and cross-border payment solutions will improve. In addition, investments in aviation and transport infrastructure will support the rising flows of people and goods. “Finally, a young population of early adopters will drive digital disruption,” added Alfalasi.
To capitalize on the increasing connectivity, countries across the New Silk Road need to adopt new strategies, operating models, value propositions, and mindsets, the report states. “To capture the opportunities, private companies should establish cross-market strategies, align with national priorities, and find the right partners. Governments, on the other hand, should deploy and leverage resources, such as sovereign wealth funds, to facilitate trade, investment, and technology flows and support private sectors,” added Alfalasi.
The Press and Information Team of The Delegation To Türkiye’s description of Izmir as leading the way to a climate-neutral future is an eye-opener about that corner of the Mediterranean Sea. İzmir after rolling up its sleeves, Izmir took decisive steps to become a resilient city in the face of climate change. The European Union (EU) has supported Izmir’s substantial efforts.
The 8,500-year-old pearl of the Aegean, İzmir is a coastal city built on the gulf. From time to time, the sea level rises because of storm surges and the coastline is flooded. Sudden weather events cause flooding. The city is also under the threat of water scarcity and drought.
İzmir has rolled up its sleeves, taking decisive steps to become a resilient city in the face of the climate change. The European Union (EU) has supported Izmir’s substantial efforts.
In 2015, Aziz Kocaoğlu, the then Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, signed the EU Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, committing to a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. The Convenant aims at supporting mayors in realising the shared climate and energy goals.
In 2019, Tunç Soyer, the previous mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, reviewed the city’s climate adaptation targets, committing to a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The Izmir Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan has received funding from the EU’s Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA).
SUMP İzmir for sustainable transport
The preparation of the EU-backed Izmir Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP Izmir) commenced in September 2022. It will contribute significantly to achieving the city’s ambitious sustainability targets.
EUROPEAN UNION, 2024 Ambassador attended the opening meeting of SUMP Izmir in 2022
The Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, says: “Unlike traditional transport planning, this plan will not focus on vehicles but on people and respect for the environment. Teams from the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality are implementing the project. Stakeholders and the people of Izmir have a big say in defining this vision. Izmir has been at the forefront of the transition to sustainable mobility planning.”
Pioneer projects
The city is implementing flagship projects, ranging from rainwater harvesting to solar power plants.
Under the Izmir Sponge City Project, the Metropolitan Municipality distributed 5,000 rainwater harvesting tanks to 5,000 buildings and encouraged people to use them. A 5-tonne tank that stores only the water that collects on a roof can save 220 tonnes of water a year. The stored rainwater is used for watering gardens, washing cars, and cleaning buildings.
EUROPEAN UNION, 2024 Rainwater harvesting in Izmir
Another prominent project in Izmir is the EU-funded Inter-Cluster Cooperation for Carbon Management project, which had the inaugural meeting in April 2024. It is implemented in partnership with Aegean Exporters’ Associations and CoSviG – DTE2V Distretto Tecnologico Energia ed Economia Verde from Italy, with the participation of Izmir Development Agency, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality’s IzEnerji company and Eurosolar Türkiye. The project, which will come into force in 2026, will contribute to producing clean energy. The EU supports the project with a €520,000 grant.
The Aegean Exporters’ Associations Coordinator Vice President Yalçın Ertan said: “Our goal is to increase our use of renewable energy from 6 per cent to 25 per cent. By 2026, we will provide the necessary support mechanisms for our member companies.”
EU award to Izmir
Izmir is also involved in the EU’s Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission under the Horizon Europe Program. The activities of the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission are coordinated by IzEnerji.
For these dedicated efforts, in March 2024, Izmir received the prestigious EU Mission Label, along with 22 cities in Europe. This award represents an important milestone in the city’s work on sustainability.
EUROPEAN UNION, 2024 The award is an important step towards making Izmir a sustainable city
Tunç Soyer, who received the award in Brussels on behalf of Izmir just before the end of his term as mayor, said: “This award will place our city in a very privileged position in terms of access to EU funding.”
Ercan Türkoğlu, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of IzEnerji, stated: “We are proud to be the only non-EU city to win this award. The EU has recognised Izmir’s determination and efforts towards achieving sustainability and smart city solutions. We will build a greener, cleaner, and smarter city by working hand in hand for the future of Izmir.”
EUROPEAN UNION, 2024 The award ceremony in March 2024
It is notable that Dr Cemil Tugay, elected Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality on 31 March, had implemented effective climate-friendly projects as mayor of Karşıyaka, one of Izmir’s central districts.
Call for a unified effort to cut emissions
Mustafa Güleş, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Izmir Branch of the Chamber of Environmental Engineers, reflects: “To achieve our green targets, the people of the city, all private and public institutions as well as organisations, must support the work and reduce their own emissions.”
The people in Izmir are quite optimistic about these developments. System engineer Sadık Çakıcı remarks: “We are feeling the effects of the climate crisis more and more each day. It is good to see that work is progressing toward achieving a green future for a resilient Izmir.”
Fulya Cengiz, a retired worker, says, “In the last four years, we have experienced floods, rising sea levels due to storm surges, and tsunamis as a result of sudden weather events. This already shows why Izmir needs to be a resilient city.”
What are IPA and Horizon Europe?
The Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) is the means by which the EU has supported reforms in the enlargement region with financial and technical assistance since 2007. IPA funds build up the capacities of the beneficiaries throughout the accession process, resulting in progressive, positive developments in the enlargement region to which Türkiye belongs.
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding program for research and innovation, with a budget of €95.5 billion for 2021-2027.
As World Environment Day approaches, take a look inside the world’s first ‘zero-carbon, zero-waste city,’ that is the world’s first zero-waste, low-carbon city is here in Abu Dhabi.
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The world’s first zero-waste, low-carbon city is here in Abu Dhabi
The UAE has always been seen as being ahead of the times. From embracing advanced technology (robotic arms at petrol stations and vertiports, anyone?) to integrating AI into key industries, the sky’s the limit when it comes to innovation. And when it comes to key talking points worldwide, the same still applies, and that includes global warming. In response, Abu Dhabi planned a master development, Masdar City, which stands as a testament to human ingenuity and determination to build a greener, more sustainable future.
Spanning six square kilometres, this futuristic city is not only a symbol of going green but a living, breathing example of what cities of the future could be like.
Here’s everything you need to know about the low-carbon, eco-friendly city.
History of Masdar City
The genesis of Masdar City can be traced back to the early 2000s when the UAE leadership recognised the need to diversify its economy and reduce its dependency on oil. At the same time, concerns over climate change were gaining global attention, prompting a search for sustainable solutions. In response, the Abu Dhabi government launched the Masdar Initiative in 2006 with the goal of advancing renewable energy and sustainable development.
In 2021, the UAE was the first country in the MENA region to commit to achieving net-zero by 2050 through its UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy.
Masdar City emerged as the flagship project of the Masdar Initiative, envisioned as the world’s first zero-carbon, zero-waste city.
The guiding principles behind its design were sustainability, innovation and quality of life. British architectural firm Foster + Partners was tasked with bringing this vision to life, combining traditional Arabic architectural elements with cutting-edge sustainable technologies.
The UAE government therefore invested $15 billion to build Masdar City, near Abu Dhabi International Airport. It is expected to become home to 50,000 people after it is fully built.
Since its inception in 2008, Masdar City has been monitoring its embodied carbon emissions. By 2022, the buildings owned by Masdar City emitted a combined total of 642 kgCO2e/m2, representing a reduction of approximately 20 per cent compared to the industry average.
In fact, in 2022, Masdar City-owned buildings achieved an average energy reduction of 38 per cent compared to international baselines. This is equivalent to avoiding 7,400 tCO2e/year of carbon emissions (or taking 1,600 cars off the road).
Credit: Supplied
How does Masdar City work?
Powered by solar panels and wind turbines, the city has buildings that are designed to be incredibly energy efficient. The city is focused on tempering heat with natural ventilation.
The city’s narrow streets and shaded walkways draw inspiration from traditional Arabic urban planning, promoting natural ventilation and shade to combat the harsh desert climate. Buildings are clustered closely together to minimise heat gain and maximise pedestrian comfort.
Central to Masdar City’s design is its iconic wind tower, a modern interpretation of the traditional Arabic wind tower (barjeel), which acts as a natural ventilation system, drawing cool air from above and channelling it into the streets below. This innovative approach to passive cooling reduces the city’s reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning, significantly lowering its carbon footprint.
The city is powered by a combination of solar, wind and geothermal energy, with photovoltaic panels covering rooftops and facades to harness the abundant sunlight of the desert. The city’s solar farm, comprising over 87,000 solar panels, provides a significant portion of its electricity needs. Yes, that many.
In addition to generating clean energy, Masdar City prioritises energy efficiency and conservation. Buildings are designed to meet stringent green building standards, incorporating features such as high-performance insulation, energy-efficient lighting and smart HVAC systems. Water conservation is also a key focus, with greywater recycling systems and innovative landscaping techniques reducing the city’s water consumption.
Credit: Supplied
Masdar City is becoming a research hub too.
Masdar City serves as a hub for innovation and research in renewable energy and
clean technology. The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is a world-class research institution dedicated to advancing sustainable technologies. Researchers and students at the institute work on a wide range of projects, from solar energy and energy storage to urban planning and environmental sustainability.
In addition to academic research, Masdar City is home to numerous cleantech startups and companies, attracted by its supportive ecosystem and access to funding and expertise.
Getting around in Masdar City
When it comes to smart transport, look no further than Masdar City’s sustainable transportation system designed to minimise carbon emissions. At the
forefront of this system is the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT), a driverless electric vehicle network that provides convenient point-to-point transportation for residents
and visitors alike. The PRT system features small, pod-like vehicles that travel on elevated tracks, offering a quiet, efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional modes of transportation.
In addition to the PRT, Masdar City has implemented other smart mobility solutions, including electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous shuttles. These all help reduce carbon emissions and ease traffic.
Plus, the city’s pedestrian-friendly design encourages walking and cycling, with dedicated pathways and bike lanes connecting key destinations. What better way to get your steps in?
Credit: Supplied
What’s in Masdar City now?
A number of developments have grown in the eco-city including Eco Residences 1, which is a purpose-built venue for Etihad cabin crew. The 11-building unit has a dual green building certification, Platinum-certified LEED and rated 3- Pearls under the Estidama Rating System (PBRS).
Other complexes include Eco Residences 2, Central Residence with studios, one- and
two-bedroom apartments, Plaza and The Gate. Leonardo Residence, meanwhile, is close to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Headquarters. The six-storey building has 175 apartments, each with a terrace. Dreamy.
Masdar City is also home to the Siemens regional headquarters, the first LEED Platinum-certified office in Abu Dhabi.
Then there’s the 612-flat Oasis Residences, 304-apartment Oasis Two.
This is a well-stocked community with parks and playgrounds and even a mall on site.
Masdar Park, for example, spans 20 hectares and has playgrounds, sports facilities and the Estidama Mosque. It has been built using recycled materials and has 340 solar panels generating over 300 megawatts of solar energy annually and innovative liquid nano clay for the pump track, conserving water resources.
The Central Park includes horizontal gardens, a tower that collects water vapour from the air, a falaj-style water system and play equipment powered by human movement.
Central Plaza, next to the UAE Space Agency, is an open space where you can sit and watch the world go by.
Masdar City also has an Eco Plaza with shaded seating. Take your pick.
Where can I eat at Masdar City?
There are plenty of spots to indulge your tastebuds in this city including Simply Thai, Marl’s Organic, Backout Coffee, Caribou café, Skinny Joe and Burro Blanco.
Other amenities in Masdar city
Among the other stores in the smart city are a supermarket and a pharmacy, a yoga studio (Yoga One) and a salon.
For a day at the mall, check out My City Centre Masdar, which has more than 70 stores across 18,500 square metres. It’s a smart mall too, which gets 20 percent of its annual energy from its solar panel-shaded parking area. The mall’s car park also offers eight Tesla charging stations.
Another cool way to spend the day is by taking a trip to the Visitor Center, which is divided into seven zones, which educate people about sustainable living and Masdar City through interactive and engaging exhibits.
In Zone 1, you’ll meet Amal, a metahuman guide and get to customise your journey. In Zone 2, you’ll come across an interactive master plan model. In Zone 3, you’ll learn about renewable energy projects initiated by our Masdar City’s partners, including Masdar and the Zayed Sustainability Prize.
In Zone 4, you’ll come across inspiring videos and pivotal moments in UAE’s history. Zone 5 offers a timeline of Masdar City while Zone 6 is an interactive area that allows you to learn about a sustainable future. Finally, you’ll end your journey in Zone 7 with a digital token you can keep to remind you of your trip.
The Masdar City Visitor Center is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm.
How to get to Masdar City
From Abu Dhabi Corniche wend your way northeast on Corniche Rd and then take the E10 slip road. Follow this route for about 18 minutes until you reach Al Bandar St into Masdar City.
From Yas Island, Masdar City is about 11 kilometres away. Take Yas Dr St and Al Diyafah St/Al Khaleej Al Arabi St to Al Madkhal St, and you’ll arrive in about 18 minutes.
From Saadiyat Island Travel east on the E1 from Saadiyat Island towards the airport.
Continue until you reach the E10. From here, take the exit heading back towards Downtown Abu Dhabi. Next, ride along Al Bandar St and follow this into Masdar City.
Our design approach for the Ummahat AlShaykh island project, situated in the Red Sea, was deeply rooted in the site’s unique characteristics, fostering a philosophy of seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. Despite the challenges presented by the delicate environment, our site-specific approach guided us in crafting low, horizontally oriented Land Villas with gently curved roofs, mirroring the natural sand dunes.
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Ummahat AlShaykh Island sets new standards in sustainable tourism
In the realm of innovative architecture, few projects rival Ummahat AlShaykh Island in sheer ambition and eco-conscious design. Spearheaded by architect Kengo Kuma and his team, this project is a triumph of sustainability and luxury tourism in the heart of the Red Sea.
The Ummahat AlShaykh Island project is made up of 22 islands located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia and its design philosophy is deeply rooted in respect for the environment. The ambitious masterplan zone is surrounded by yet more islands, miles of sweeping desert and dramatic volcanic landscapes, and developer Red Sea Global (formerly TRSDC) tasked Kengo Kuma with the design of luxury tourist villas and other buildings on one of the project’s islands.
Kuma and his team have opted for a site-specific approach, crafting low, horizontally oriented “Land Villas” with gently curved roofs that mimic the natural contours of the surrounding sand dunes. The design of the villas not only ensures guest privacy but also minimizes sand infill, in an effort to preserves the island’s shape. In addition, taking cues from coral ecosystems, the sea villas situated offshore boast a helical structure that emerges from the sea, providing guests with stunning views across the water.
Helical structures emerge from the sea, providing guests with stunning views across the water
Kengo Kuma and Associates
“Our design approach for the Ummahat AlShaykh island project, was deeply rooted in the site’s unique characteristics, fostering a philosophy of seamless integration with the surrounding landscape,” says Kengo Kuma and Associates. “Despite the challenges presented by the delicate environment, our site-specific approach guided us in crafting [the Land Villas].”
To construct the resort, Kuma opted for the use of sustainable alternatives to traditional construction materials and methods. Prefabrication systems, primarily utilizing spruce timber and clay plaster, were adopted to minimize the use of concrete and reduce the project’s environmental footprint. The roofs are clad with natural cedar wood shingles, specifically chosen for their resilience against harsh weather conditions and salt water.
Villa designs ensuring guest privacy and minimal sand infill to preserve the island’s shape
Kengo Kuma and Associates
In a climate like the one in Ummahat, shade and ventilation are also of vital importance. The architects therefore created roofing that features large cantilevering in all of the dwellings, maximizing the shade area over the entire day.
Moreover, Kuma and his team have taken a proactive approach to environmental conservation by designing buildings that can be disassembled and removed without causing significant damage to the environment. Prefabrication played a pivotal role in achieving this goal, allowing for minimal disruption to the island’s delicate ecosystem.
As part of the Ummahat 9-3 project, Kuma and his firm also designed two specialty restaurants, one on land and one over water; a community building; spa; reception pavilion; housekeeping villas; and a guest jetty.
Villa designs ensuring guest privacy and minimal sand infill to preserve the island’s shape
Kengo Kuma and Associates
Beyond its architectural and environmental achievements, the Ummahat AlShaykh Island project holds broader significance within the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. As part of this ambitious plan to diversify the country’s economy, the project represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development and tourism.
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. By Sanjana Gajbhiye Earth.com staff writer For centuries, desert travelers have relied on oases as life-giving sanctuaries. These pockets of green have sustained communities, fueled trade, and sparked imaginations. Yet, oases are under pressure. New research exposes the delicate balance between human intervention and natural forces such as desertification shaping the fate of these vital ecosystems. What is […]
Prefacing such a book is no small feat. You have to get into the swing of things, and whether it’s Moorish or Turkish, it doesn’t matter; the main thing is the feverish, friendly and vaporous atmosphere that reigns in the hot room, the quality of its accessories, such as the “kèssa”, the “tassa”, the “bligha” […]
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