On Tuesday May 28^th during Project Qatar 2024, Dar received a recognition certificate from the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD). The award celebrates Dar’s longstanding commitment to climate action, particularly through the implementation of standards set by GORD’s Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). Dar’s Sustainability Manager Sobhi Takkoush received the recognition certificate on behalf of Dar during the course of a special forum – entitled “Towards a Climate-Resilient Future: GORD’s 15-Year Legacy of Environmental Stewardship” – held to celebrate GORD’s 15^th anniversary.

Headquartered in the Qatar Science and Technology Park, GORD is a leading entity in sustainability, research, and development – widely renowned for its commitment to sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations. To accelerate sustainability solutions regionally and internationally, GORD founded the GSAS trust – a certifying body that recognises and attests building and infrastructure projects for their excellence in sustainability. GSAS is the first performance-based sustainability rating system in the MENA region, and it has been endorsed projects such as FIFA 2022 World Cup, Lusail City, and several government projects within Qatar.

Spotlighting its mission, GORD participated as the official sustainability partner for Project Qatar 2024, which took place from May 27^th to 30^th at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). Since its launch in 2024, Project Qatar has had an important role in building business partnerships and facilitating knowledge exchange among industry experts. The event featured exhibitors from various sectors – including construction, engineering, and architecture – while also providing a platform for government entities to share infrastructure plans and initiatives.

Dar and GORD have enjoyed a long-term partnership, with several Dar projects designed to GSAS standards. These include Lusail City’s iconic Raffles and Fairmont Hotel Towers in Lusail, Qatar, which achieved a five-star GSAS rating, making it the first five-star hospitality building under GSAS worldwide. Additionally, the Lusail Plaza Light Rail Transit (LRT) station earned a four-star GSAS rating, further showcasing Dar’s dedication to sustainable infrastructure.

Beyond project design, Dar has long collaborated with GORD on training and capacity building programs for designers and engineers.

As a signatory of the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings commitment, Dar is committed to decarbonising our own operations by 2050 and supporting our clients in delivering ambitious projects that can meet the highest standards of sustainability and climate resilience.