Masar Destination achieves LEED Gold Certification in Community Category

Logo of Umm Al-Qura for Development and Construction

Umm Al-Qura for Development and Construction announced that Masar Destination in Makkah has been awarded the LEED Gold certification for the Communities category, issued by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

In a statement, the company said the certification was granted following a comprehensive technical review. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the world’s most widely used green building and sustainability rating system, providing a globally recognized framework for measuring and managing environmental, social, and economic performance at the community scale.

The assessment evaluated Masar Destination’s planning and design strategies across multiple categories, including integrative process, transportation and land use, water efficiency, materials and resources, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, quality of life, innovation, and regional priority.

The LEED Final Review highlighted Masar Destination’s strong performance in areas such as transportation and land use, water management, materials and waste systems, and resilience planning, reflecting a coordinated, systems-based approach to urban development. These elements support walkability, efficient resource utilization, infrastructure resilience, and enhanced community livability.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Yasser Abuateek, Chief Executive Officer of Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction Company, said: “Masar Destination’s LEED Gold certification confirms our belief that cities deliver lasting value when they are designed as integrated, human-centered systems. This recognition reflects how we have approached Masar through thoughtful planning that prioritizes resource efficiency, resilience, and quality of life at the community scale. It also marks an important milestone in our work to deliver sustainable urban destinations that support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for more livable and future-ready cities.”

LEED for Cities and Communities builds on the LEED framework for individual buildings by enabling cities and large-scale developments to assess sustainability holistically. The rating system measures how communities plan and design systems related to energy, water, waste, mobility, public health, resilience, and social infrastructure, while supporting transparency and continuous improvement.

“A sustainable city balances social, economic, and environmental concerns in its decision-making and planning. A LEED city takes those plans forward as solutions that improve the overall quality of life for its residents,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. "Masar Destination’s LEED certification is a symbol of its leadership in sustainability.”

The certification aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, supporting national objectives to create more sustainable, prosperous, and livable urban environments. As a LEED Gold-certified community at the planning and design stage, Masar Destination sets a benchmark for integrated development that balances environmental responsibility, quality of life, and long-term urban impact.