Green Building Forum Reflects The ‘Coming of Age’ of The Gulf Construction Sector

Sheikh Ebrahim gives his nod of approval to green building technologies

Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa

Bahrain’s Minister of Housing, His Excellency Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, heading a panel of experts recently discussed green buildingrelated topics under the theme of ‘Innovating to Protect the Environment’, at the Green Building Forum. The event ran concurrently with the gulfBID and gulfINTERIORS exhibitions, held from May 4 to 6 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).

“The Green Building Forum in the Kingdom symbolises a ‘coming of age’ for the construction sector in Bahrain and the region,” said Sheikh Ebrahim. “The Forum reflects a ‘paradigm shift’ from energy-intensive buildings to a future of low impact, environmentally sensitive projects.”

He further added, “The Ministry wholeheartedly supports the Green Building Forum’s objectives to educate and inform the industry, businesses and the public to the opportunities, benefits and challenges of embracing green building technologies.”

As Forum patron, Sheikh Ebrahim delivered the keynote opening speech on May 5, where he highlighted the concept of environmental sustainability as a crucial element of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.

The Green Building Forum is also being launched as an online platform with articles and updates on issues relevant to the region. www. thegreenbuildingforum will mirror the level of interaction at the actual Forum.