Compliance · 17 March 2026

Estidama, Al Sa'fat, Mostadam, GSAS: A Field Guide to Gulf Green Building Ratings

Each Gulf market has its own sustainability rating. A clear guide to Estidama, Al Sa'fat, Mostadam and GSAS for developers.

Sustainability in the Gulf is no longer a marketing word. In several markets it is a condition of approval.

Abu Dhabi — Estidama Pearl Rating System

Administered through the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Estidama uses a Pearl rating. A minimum rating is mandatory for new buildings, with higher Pearls required for government projects.

Dubai — Al Sa'fat

Dubai Municipality's green building system sets tiered requirements (commonly referred to as Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Sa'fa), with Bronze as the baseline for new buildings.

Saudi Arabia — Mostadam

The Kingdom's sustainability rating for buildings, covering design, construction and operation, aligned with national sustainability goals.

Qatar — GSAS

The Global Sustainability Assessment System, widely applied in Qatar and used on major national projects.

What does this mean for design?

Ratings reward the same fundamentals: orientation, shading, efficient envelopes, water saving, material choices and good daylight. Designing for them from concept is cheap. Retrofitting compliance late is not.

Rating requirements change — confirm current thresholds with the authority for your project.

[Plan a compliant project with Cornerstone.](/contact?enquire=1)