Estidama

which is the Arabic word for sustainability, is an initiative developed and promoted by Urban Planning Council (UPC), and is tailored to the Middle East region. ESTIDAMA arose from the need to properly plan, design, construct and operate sustainable developments with respect to the traditions embedded within the rich local culture on one hand and the harsh climatic nature of the Gulf Region on the other

Abu Dhabi's Plan 2030 has been formulated with a clear vision for sustainability in any new development occurring in the Emirates. UPC and Estidama’s team ensures that sustainability is continually addressed through four pre-defined angles: environmental, economic, social and cultural, touching all aspects of life in Abu Dhabi.

By promoting a new sense of responsibility with Estidama, UPC is going beyond other sustainable development initiatives around the world, by creating new tools, resources and procedures crucial to the 2030 vision.

The Estidama Pearl Rating System (PRS) envisages certification under four broad categories: Pearl Community Rating System, Pearl Building Rating System, Pearl Villa Rating System, and Temporary 1 Pearl Building and Villa Program.