Aldar has made history as the first developer in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to integrate hydrogen-based steel rebar [1] into its construction projects. This groundbreaking move, in partnership with EMSTEEL Group, marks a significant step toward decarbonizing the built environment and advancing sustainable construction.
The hydrogen-based steel rebar will be used in the development of Abu Dhabi’s first net-zero carbon mosque, located in Sustainable City Yas Island. The mosque, spanning 1,595 square meters and accommodating over 850 worshippers, aims to achieve LEED Zero Carbon certification, ensuring net-zero carbon emissions in both production and energy use. The project exemplifies Aldar’s commitment to low-carbon materials and clean energy deployment.
Steel is the second-largest contributor to embodied carbon in construction, accounting for up to 20% of a building’s total emissions. Hydrogen-based steel, produced through low-emission processes, has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 95% compared to conventional steel production. By adopting this innovative material, Aldar is accelerating the transition to sustainable construction while reinforcing the UAE’s National In-Country Value (ICV) programme, which promotes local economic benefits.
The partnership was officially announced at Make It In The Emirates 2025, an event dedicated to the UAE’s expanding industrial and manufacturing sectors. Key figures present at the inauguration included Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group CEO of Aldar, and Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL.
Salwa Al Maflahi, Executive Director of Sustainability and Community Outreach at Aldar, emphasized the transformative impact of green steel: “The low-emissions hydrogen-based rebar is more than a material innovation—it’s a catalyst for reshaping our industry. As we transition to low-carbon construction, green steel enables us to reduce embodied carbon at scale, without compromising structural integrity or design ambition”.
Michael Rion, Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates Steel, echoed this sentiment: “At EMSTEEL, we are proud to support the region’s transition to sustainable construction by supplying low-emissions hydrogen-based rebar for this landmark project. This collaboration with Aldar represents a significant advancement in the use of green steel and underscores our commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and the UAE’s industrial sustainability agenda”.
Aldar has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with this initiative serving as a pivotal step toward that goal. The company continues to explore broader applications of green steel across residential, commercial, and public infrastructure projects in the UAE and beyond.
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[1] Aldar becomes region’s first developer to use hydrogen-based steel rebar from EMSTEEL https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/aldar-becomes-regions-first-developer-to-use-hydrogen-based-steel-rebar-from-emsteel-eb9122yh