DUBAI // Many Emiratis are building homes thanks to Government land grants but few are embracing eco-friendly construction.
Khalid Al Ali has been working on his new home in Al Barsha for eight years and no one has ever discussed incorporating green building solutions.
"Nobody suggested to me any of these solutions back when I was designing my house, not even the consultant," said Mr Al Ali.
"Building a house is such a stressful undertaking and you worry about doing something new, especially since construction companies here might not know how to properly install it and you end up wasting a lot of time and money."
Green building practices first gained momentum in the 1970s thanks to a rise in environmental awareness around the world. Since then they have become a buzzword in the global construction sector.
Solutions such as greywater systems, roof gardens, solar panels, and water-flow limiters are constantly promoted in building design and strongly encouraged by the UAE government, particularly among commercial builders.
But for people such as Mr Al Ali, there is little incentive.
"The only green thing I have, besides what the municipality requires, are LED lights to save energy," he said.
Mohammed Mazin Hanana, an architect at EMSquare Engineering Consultants, which specialises in designing modern villas, said they rarely had anyone asking for green solutions.
"Of the more than 180 villas we've built in the UAE, four have chosen to implement green building solutions," he said.
Dubai Municipality officials understand it will be an uphill struggle.
The civic body co-hosted the 'My Green Home' seminar last month with the Society of Engineers.
The event aimed to address the need for more green solutions and sustainable designs, particularly in a desert environment.
"We are trying to change people's outlook towards green initiatives," said Yousif Abdulla Mohammed, head of the building permits section of Dubai Municipality.
"People are always the enemies of what they don't understand, so we need to increase awareness of just how important it is for them to embrace green designs."
He said there were very few villas with green systems, but change was coming slowly.
"Things are very different than they were back in 2003," Mr Mohammed said. "People were set in their ways about how they wanted their homes and they were very resistant to accepting the idea of spending a little extra now to save in the long run."
The municipality has made thermal insulation mandatory for all buildings, including villas, since 2003 and recently made it mandatory to use a solar water heater.
"With these rules in place, people are beginning to realise the practicality of green design," Mr Mohammed said.
He added that while the municipality was only just scratching the surface, he wanted to give people a chance to take the initiative of using green designs in their home.
"We have long-term plans of making more green systems mandatory, but we want to see how people and the market react and then judge which systems should be made mandatory."
Mr Hanana represented his firm at the municipal seminar.
"This is a great idea," he said. "But of all the visitors we've met, only one seemed serious about using green solutions."
Faisal Ahmad, 32, began building his home in Al Barsha last July and explained that, while he supported the idea of sustainable living, the solutions on offer were unaffordable for most people.
"I'm trying to squeeze every fil I can from my budget on this house," said the facilities manager.
His entire project is funded by a bank loan and he wants to get the most bang for his buck.
"I'm very limited at what I can do to the design and I want to get all the basic facilities addressed first. I'd rather not sacrifice necessity for efficiency."
malkhan@thenational.ae
UAE jiu-jitsu squad
Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)
Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
Company%20Profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Richard Jewell
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Two-and-a-half out of five stars
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage
Director: Mowaffaq Alobaid
Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
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