Umm Al Qura for Development achieves 85% in first GRESB participation

Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction, the owner, developer, and operator of Masar destination, announced that it achieved a strong score of 85% in its first participation in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB). The internationally recognized benchmark evaluates sustainability performance, governance, and environmental and social practices of real estate companies and development projects, while the average first-time participation is usually 68%.

In a statement, the company said this accomplishment highlights Masar destination’s efforts to adopt the highest sustainability standards and highlights its role in advancing responsible urban development in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to build efficient, resilient, and thriving cities. The score also reflects the implementation of a clear plan to align with global best practices and establishes a strong foundation for deepening the sustainability principles adopted by the company.

Commenting on this achievement, CEO Yasser Abuateek said, "Achieving a score of 85 percent in our first GRESB participation reflects our commitment to building a leading urban model rooted in sustainability and effective governance. This milestone marks the beginning of a long journey through which we aim to enhance our performance year after year and strengthen the position of Masar as a high-quality urban destination for residents and visitors.”

GRESB is one of the most prominent global benchmarks used to assess real estate companies, investment funds, and developers based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. It provides a comparative score ranging from 0 to 100 percent to help investors evaluate sustainability risks and opportunities. It also aims to increase transparency and support participants in continually enhancing their environmental, social, and governance performance. The benchmark assesses real estate companies and projects worldwide based on a wide range of criteria including resource efficiency, risk management, environmental impact, social contribution, governance, and stakeholder management.

This achievement demonstrates the ongoing efforts of Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction in the fields of environment, society, and governance, from the adoption of sustainability practices and the strengthening of inclusivity to the reinforcement of governance principles and ethics. It also marks the company’s efforts to enhance its sustainability capabilities, increase transparency, and advance initiatives that support stronger long-term performance.