Dubai: The Dubai Land Department has adopted the ‘WELL’ health safety rating at freehold properties in the emirate.
The rating draws on strategies from the WELL Building Standard (WELL) to address health and safety needs, and invites organisations to onboard these to incrementally improve buildings, communities, and organisations. By focusing on operational policies - such as air and water-quality management, maintenance protocols, including cleaning and sanitisation procedures — the rating empowers organisations to prioritise the health of their employees, visitors and stakeholders.
The WELL rating is flexible and applicable to accommodate all types of organisations and spaces, from office skyscrapers, sports stadiums and entertainment venues to hotels, universities and malls.
Through its Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), the Land Department and the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) will work together to encourage organisations to align with the WELL rating and enhance investor confidence.
“The adoption of this classification would also contribute to raising the happiness of residents, visitors, customers and investors alike by providing a safe and healthy environment for all, especially during COVID-19,” said Marwan bin Ghalita, CEO of RERA. “These efforts will motivate authorities to help make JOPs (jointly owned properties) in our country safer and more secure while increasing their value and enhancing their sustainability.”
