L-R: Sultan Abdulaziz Al Awaadi and Abdullah Samhan

RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE, 20 June 2019: Ras Al Khaimah Municipality honoured Sultan Abdulaziz Al Awaadi, the owner of a private villa, for complying with its Barjeel Green Buildings Regulations for the construction of his new villa, the government body said through a Press communiqué. H.E. Munther Mohammed Bin Shekar, Director-General, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality and Abdullah Samhan, Chief Executive Officer, Technical Affairs Sector, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, felicitated Al Awaadi at a recognition ceremony, on June 19, for adopting the Regulations and, in the process, contributing to a greener Ras Al Khaimah, the communiqué said. Further, Al Awaadi received a full discount on the final building permit fee, as part of an incentive scheme connected with the initial adoption of Barjeel, the communiqué added.

L-R: Ahmed Yousef and Abdullah Samhan

According to the communiqué, Al Saqr Engineering Consulting will oversee the project and ensure compliance with Barjeel, which addresses new buildings in Ras Al Khaimah and is the most important programme of the RAK Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Strategy 2040, established under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al-Khaimah. The strategy targets 30% energy savings, 20% water savings and 20% share from renewable energy by 2040, with Barjeel expected to contribute the largest share towards energy and water savings, the communiqué said.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. bin Shekar said: “I would like to congratulate Mr Sultan Abdulaziz Al Awaadi for his decision to adopt Barjeel in his new villa. I believe this is a stepping stone to show participation of citizens towards a more sustainable Ras Al Khaimah. I further encourage all citizens, residents and investors to take advantage of Barjeel, for construction of new buildings. The Municipality will also deploy its expertise in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy in this project, which will bring significant savings to customers in the long run.”

Samhan added: “We are proud to announce the issuance of the first Barjeel Building Permit in Ras Al Khaimah for a private villa that belongs to Mr. Sultan Abdulaziz Al Awaadi. We are pleased to provide advice and support to other citizens who wish to build and design their homes according to Barjeel during this initial voluntary phase.”

Al Awaadi said: “I am honoured to be the first UAE citizen to adopt the Green Building Regulations for my new villa, which will help me save electricity and water consumption. I feel proud to contribute towards a greener emirate. Barjeel didn’t add cost to our project, and we also received a big discount on the building permit fees from the Municipality.”

Speaking about the process, Ahmed Yousef, Director, Al Saqr Engineering Consulting, said: “There were only six simple requirements for compliance, and the application process was also very easy. We will encourage other customers of ours to apply Barjeel in their new constructions.”