Aldar has announced that it will be the first developer in the Middle East and North Africa region to use hydrogen-based steel rebar in a construction project. This initiative is part of their plan to build Abu Dhabi’s first net zero carbon mosque in Sustainable City Yas Island.

The mosque will feature a floor area of 1 595 square meters and will accommodate over 850 worshippers. It aims to achieve LEED Zero Carbon certification, which signifies that it will have net zero carbon emissions during its production and energy use. This goal will be reached through the deployment of clean energy and the use of low carbon materials, including the hydrogen-based steel produced using low-emissions processes.

The collaboration between Aldar and EMSTEEL is designed to promote innovation in the construction sector and expedite the shift towards sustainable building practices. This partnership is expected to increase the demand for sustainable materials in the region, creating mutual benefits within the UAE economy as part of the National In-Country Value (ICV) programme.

Steel is known to be the second largest contributor to embodied carbon emissions in the construction industry, following concrete, and it can account for up to 20 percent of a building’s total emissions. The production of hydrogen steel has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 95 percent compared to traditional steel manufacturing processes.

The partnership was officially launched during the Make It In The Emirates 2025 event, which focuses on the rapid growth of the UAE’s industrial and manufacturing sectors. The event was attended by Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer at Aldar, and Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer at EMSTEEL.

Salwa Al Maflahi, Executive Director of Sustainability and Community Outreach at Aldar, emphasized that the low emissions hydrogen-based rebar represents more than just a material innovation; it is a catalyst for transforming the construction industry. She stated that as they transition to low-carbon construction, green steel will help reduce embodied carbon significantly while maintaining structural integrity and design standards.

Michael Rion, Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates Steel, part of EMSTEEL Group, expressed pride in contributing to the region’s sustainable construction efforts. He noted that the collaboration with Aldar signifies a major step forward in utilizing green steel and highlights their commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. Both companies are keen to promote the broader use of green steel in future construction projects across various sectors in the UAE and beyond.

Aldar, as a leading real estate developer, manager, and investor, has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company is actively pursuing this goal through various initiatives, including sustainable design practices, green construction methods, clean energy adoption, and extensive resource efficiency retrofitting. Aldar’s comprehensive approach covers the entire value chain, from enhancing LEED certification throughout its property portfolio to promoting circular economy practices by recycling construction waste and incorporating sustainability standards into supplier engagements.