JLL has opened its new multifunctional office, designed around the concept of ‘the workplace of the future’. Located in the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the new office is said to be built to the highest standards of sustainability, and prioritises employee wellbeing and productivity. Throughout, it fully embraces the needs of a dynamic, hybrid working environment.
The relocation to the 10,000sqft office was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by JLL CEO and President Christian Ulbrich and Middle East, Africa & Turkey CEO Thierry Delvaux – along with many other staff members. The opening was also attended by DIFC Governor Essa Kazim and Arif Amiri, CEO, DIFC Authority, who officially welcomed JLL to DIFC.
Following the inauguration, the dignitaries were led on a VIP tour of the office, being briefed on its many sustainable features, including how its biophilic elements and green features are designed to positively impact health and happiness.
The future-ready, green, and sustainable workplace brings JLL one step closer to fulfilling its own sustainability targets and is in line with the UAE’s ambitious ‘Net Zero by 2050’ initiative, said global CEO and President, Christian Ulbrich. “At JLL our vision is to shape the future of real estate and deliver long-term value for our stakeholders. In a world of hybrid working, human-centric solutions that value choice and flexibility will optimise organisational performance and achieve business resilience,” he stated.
In early December 2022, Louise Collins, Head of Engineering & Energy, MENA at JLL shared her thoughts and takeaways from COP27 exclusively with Middle East Construction News and, in mid December 2022, JLL said the Saudi construction segment remains the strongest in MENA.
JLL’s new office is primed to achieve LEED Gold and WELL Gold Certification, as the firm aims to set a new benchmark for sustainable, healthy, energy-efficient, and future-ready offices in the region.
The new office has optimised the use of natural resources to achieve energy savings of 17%. A biophilic design that creates a connection with nature provides a high-quality indoor environment and minimises negative environmental and human health consequences for employees.
Adhering to the WELL Building Standard, the industry’s leading health-focused benchmark for buildings, JLL has also incorporated best practices in design and construction with evidence-based health and wellness interventions.
Delvaux commented, “JLL has a very ambitious sustainability roadmap and the forward-thinking design of the new Dubai office builds on these commitments while also providing a positive ‘people experience’ as it re-imagines the office as a place to learn, connect and socialise. Environmental and social aspirations are impacting future office portfolio transformation, as demand is on the rise for innovative, flexible, and sustainable work environments.”
In mid February 2023, JLL appointed Larry Baker to develop its data centre business in the MEA region.