Construction

UAE-based interior fit-out and joinery specialist Abanos has revealed that its use of PSB (Palm Strand Board) across three major projects has resulted in the sequestration of more than one million kg of biogenic carbon and over four million kg of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e).

The company said the achievement highlights how material selection within the construction and fit-out sector can play a significant role in reducing embodied carbon emissions and supporting long-term sustainability goals.

Abanos integrated PSB into several large-scale developments delivered for Transemirates Contracting at District One-FZ, using the material across a range of interior applications. The company explained that the carbon remains stored within the built environment rather than being released into the atmosphere through conventional construction processes.

PSB is currently being used in products including fire-rated doors, partitions, flooring systems, vanities, railings and door frames, demonstrating its suitability for commercial-scale applications.

Ravish Kishore, general manager at Abanos, said the industry is increasingly being driven by measurable environmental performance rather than sustainability pledges alone.

“The sector has reached a stage where environmental responsibility can no longer come at the expense of quality or performance,” he said. “By incorporating PSB into these projects, we have demonstrated that it is possible to embed sustainability directly into the material itself while delivering at scale.”

Kishore added that the company’s recent projects alone had enabled the storage of more than four million kg of CO₂e within the structures.

“This is not a carbon offset initiative,” he said. “The carbon remains locked within the built environment, contributing to Scope 3 decarbonisation efforts and supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions.”

The projects highlighted by the company include The Edge and The Peninsula developments for Select Group, as well as Kempinski La Reserve for Swiss Properties.

Collectively, the developments accounted for more than 1.1 million kg of biogenic carbon stored within PSB products and over four million kg of CO₂e captured through interior fit-out works.

Abanos noted that sustainable materials are becoming increasingly important as the UAE construction industry responds to evolving environmental regulations and green building targets.

Kishore said, “As the UAE accelerates its sustainability agenda, manufacturers and fit-out specialists have a responsibility to rethink how materials are sourced, produced and integrated into projects. Carbon-sequestering materials are quickly becoming an operational necessity rather than a future aspiration.”

Established in 1985, Abanos has expanded from a Sharjah-based manufacturer into a regional fit-out specialist with more than 1,100 employees and over 1,000 completed projects across the Middle East and North Africa.

The company currently operates a 23,775 sq m manufacturing and joinery facility and continues to deliver projects across the residential, hospitality, retail, healthcare and commercial sectors.

Holcim UAE has introduced its ECOCycle technology platform in the UAE during the Make it in the Emirates event at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), as the company looks to accelerate circular construction practices across the country.

The launch represents a significant step in tackling construction and demolition waste, which accounts for the majority of the UAE’s solid waste stream. Through ECOCycle, Holcim aims to convert discarded construction materials into new building products, reducing landfill use while conserving natural resources.

The technology platform enables recycled construction and demolition materials to be incorporated into building products at levels ranging from 10% to 100%, while maintaining the same standards of quality and performance expected by contractors and developers.

Ali Said, CEO of Holcim UAE and Oman, said the initiative supports both sustainability objectives and customer demand for more environmentally responsible construction solutions.

“With ECOCycle, we are helping to create a true circular construction model by transforming old buildings into materials for new developments,” he said. “This allows our customers to meet ambitious sustainability targets without compromising on quality, durability or performance.”

He added that the platform would also help reduce dependence on virgin raw materials and minimise the volume of waste sent to landfill sites.

The UAE construction sector continues to expand rapidly, increasing pressure on waste management systems and natural resource consumption. Holcim stated that ECOCycle is designed to address these challenges by recovering materials from demolition projects and reintegrating them into the production cycle.

The company noted that the technology has already been deployed in several international markets. In France, Holcim used fully recycled concrete in the construction of a residential building, demonstrating the commercial viability of large-scale circular construction practices.

By bringing the platform to the UAE, Holcim hopes to support the country’s wider sustainability ambitions, including efforts to divert 75% of waste away from landfill.

Said commented, “Circularity is becoming increasingly important for the future of construction, particularly in fast-growing markets such as the UAE. ECOCycle is designed to support developers, architects and contractors in delivering projects that align with evolving environmental standards and green building requirements.”

Holcim added that ECOCycle-labelled products can contribute towards internationally recognised green building certification programmes, supporting more sustainable urban development across the region.

The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) and Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) have signed a new agreement aimed at significantly increasing the use of locally manufactured building materials across housing developments in the emirate, with a target of reaching up to 80% local sourcing.

The memorandum of understanding was signed during ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’, the UAE’s flagship industrial platform, and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, reinforce supply chain resilience and support national economic diversification goals.

The agreement is expected to create new opportunities for UAE-based manufacturers and suppliers by increasing demand for locally produced construction materials across upcoming residential developments in Abu Dhabi. At the same time, it is intended to support the delivery of more cost-efficient and sustainable housing projects by reducing reliance on imported materials and streamlining procurement processes.

The collaboration builds on an existing working relationship between ADPIC and ADHA, particularly in the development of integrated residential communities for Emirati citizens. Both organisations said the agreement reflects a shared vision to improve coordination across government entities while strengthening the role of the local industrial sector in major infrastructure and housing programmes.

Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, director-general of ADPIC, said the initiative marks an important milestone in integrating local industry more closely into Abu Dhabi’s project delivery ecosystem.

“Our collaboration with ADHA represents a significant step in strengthening the role of local industry within the capital project development ecosystem,” he said.

“By working towards sourcing 80% of building materials locally, we are empowering UAE manufacturers, enhancing supply chain resilience and ensuring that our infrastructure delivery continues to meet the highest standards of quality.”

He added that the agreement aligns with ADPIC’s wider mandate to oversee and improve project delivery across the emirate through greater efficiency, resilience and integration between stakeholders.

“At ADPIC, we are committed to advancing a more integrated, efficient and resilient approach to capital delivery. This MoU aligns with our mandate to oversee, supervise and monitor work across the emirate,” Eid said.

Officials noted that increasing local sourcing is expected to provide long-term economic benefits by stimulating industrial growth and encouraging greater investment in the UAE’s manufacturing sector. It is also expected to contribute to improved project timelines and enhanced supply chain stability amid ongoing global market fluctuations affecting the construction industry.

Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, director-general of ADHA, said the partnership supports the authority’s objective of creating a more future-ready and sustainable housing ecosystem.

“Our collaboration with ADPIC reflects a shared commitment to advancing a more sustainable, agile and future-ready housing delivery ecosystem,” he said.

“Expanding local sourcing across housing project supply chains is a strategic step that strengthens supply chain resilience, reduces reliance on external markets and supports the efficient and reliable delivery of housing projects with greater long-term stability and confidence.”

Under the agreement, both entities will work together to increase the adoption of UAE-made materials across housing developments while ensuring compliance with approved standards for quality and sustainability. The partnership will also focus on improving procurement pathways and supporting local suppliers in accessing major development opportunities.

The initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s wider ambition to increase the contribution of national industries to strategic projects while advancing the UAE’s broader industrial and economic diversification agenda.

Dubai Municipality has convened a high-level workshop aimed at reinforcing the resilience of the emirate’s construction sector, bringing together leading suppliers, contractors and industry stakeholders to address emerging challenges and strengthen coordination.

The session focused on evaluating recent market pressures and identifying practical steps to support business continuity, operational stability and long-term growth. It forms part of the municipality’s broader strategy to engage directly with industry players and gain insights into real-time challenges affecting project delivery.

Held against a backdrop of sustained construction activity in Dubai, the discussions highlighted the sector’s strong performance, underpinned by ongoing development momentum and resilient demand. Participants explored flexible and integrated solutions to maintain efficiency, quality and overall market performance, while ensuring the sector remains adaptable to evolving conditions.

Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency, emphasised the importance of collaboration in navigating current market dynamics. “Dubai’s construction sector remains a key pillar of the emirate’s development and a vital contributor to economic growth,” she said. “Through this workshop, we are strengthening engagement with suppliers, contractors and stakeholders to better understand challenges and develop coordinated responses.”

She added that the municipality is committed to enhancing transparency and supporting uninterrupted project execution. “Our focus is on ensuring clarity across the sector while reinforcing its resilience and long-term sustainability through close partnership with industry stakeholders,” she noted.

The workshop also served as a platform to improve alignment across the construction value chain, with representation from key segments including ready-mix concrete, steel reinforcement, aluminium, building materials and MEP services, alongside major contractors.

Industry participants expressed confidence in the sector’s outlook, citing stable market conditions and continued growth in construction activity. Many highlighted the importance of proactive collaboration and data-driven decision-making in maintaining performance levels amid changing economic and operational conditions.

The initiative underscores Dubai Municipality’s ongoing efforts to foster a transparent and resilient construction ecosystem. By strengthening dialogue and coordination across the supply chain, the authority aims to ensure that the sector remains robust, efficient and well-positioned to support the emirate’s long-term development ambitions.