Sports & Championship

In a significant stride toward sustainable urban development, Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the MENAT region, has finalized a Green Term Loan Facility with Galadari Sports, part of the prominent Galadari Brothers conglomerate. The financing will support the construction of a state-of-the-art community sports complex in Al Quoz, Dubai, that is designed to meet Dubai Municipality’s Sa’fat Gold certification for green buildings.

Pioneering Sustainable Sports Infrastructure

The new facility will be one of the few privately funded recreational developments targeting Sa’fat Gold certification—Dubai’s rigorous benchmark for sustainable construction. The project is in line with Emirates NBD’s Sustainable Finance Framework, which is structured to support the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals and Vision 2030, while also adhering to the Loan Market Association (LMA) Green Loan Principles.

Once completed, the green-certified complex will offer:

• Swimming pools

• Gyms

• Squash and padel courts

These will be powered by solar energy, supported by water recycling systems, and monitored through annual environmental impact reports to ensure compliance with sustainability goals.

Empowering Green Economic Transformation

Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, highlighted the broader implications of the project:

“This transaction between Emirates NBD and Galadari Sports is a clear and inspiring example of how sustainability-linked funding options continue to be a driving force in helping the UAE reach its Net Zero 2050 ambitions. Projects like this are at the forefront of sustainable urban growth, creating value through environmentally responsible development.”

Through this partnership, Emirates NBD further solidifies its commitment to green finance and economic empowerment, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering public-private sector collaboration in sustainable infrastructure.

Galadari Sports: Leading by Example in Green Development

Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers, expressed the company's vision:

“This state-of-the-art project reflects our continued commitment to advancing sustainable development in the UAE. By investing in energy-efficient infrastructure and embracing green finance, we are proud to support the nation’s Net Zero 2050 agenda while delivering long-term value to our communities.”

He emphasized that sustainability remains a core pillar of Galadari Brothers’ growth strategy in the wellness and recreation sector, with the Al Quoz complex serving as a model for future green developments across the UAE.

A Model for the Future

This collaboration demonstrates how financial institutions and private companies can work together to accelerate the UAE’s sustainable development journey. By aligning finance with environmental standards and combining cutting-edge design with energy-efficient systems, the project showcases the power of green finance to create lasting community impact.

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