First LEED Platinum mixed used development in Middle East announced

These are the first images of a new wave of green development in Dubai.

The 23-storey Eco Towers, launched at Cityscape, promise to be the first LEED Platinum certified mixed-used skyscrapers in the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi-based property development company, Connection Real Estate are the developers of the project. Architects on the scheme are Khateeb and Alami based in Jordan. The scheme is expected to cost around Dh900m (£140m) and will include retail, office and residential.

Khalifah Khoury, Vice President of Connection Real Estate, said: “Eco Towers' living and working spaces will be more cost-effective, safer for the environment, healthier to live and work in. Air purification systems, renewable energy, toxic-free materials, dual glaze windows, water efficiency and waste reduction are just some of the eco-friendly features incorporated into the development."

The UAE and surrounding areas are late arrivals at the table of energy efficiency where oil is often subsidised and sells for £1.30 a gallon. Petrol prices are subsidised and fixed by the government. Today also saw the launch of Meeras' scene-stealer Jumeira Gardens, which will feature no fewer than three of the World's tallest buildings.

The first LEED Platinum certified scheme in the Middle East was technology centre Techno Park in Dubai, which opened in October 2007.