Sobha Realty has achieved a major milestone by securing the number one position in Asia for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance in the 2025 GRESB Real Estate Assessment. With an impressive score of 97 and a 4-Star Rating, the Dubai-based luxury real estate developer has set a new standard for sustainability excellence across the region. This recognition highlights the company’s growth, commitment, and long-term dedication to responsible development.
The GRESB benchmark is widely regarded as the global yardstick for evaluating ESG performance in real estate. Sobha Realty’s rise to the top did not happen overnight. It is the result of a strategic, multi-year transformation rooted in strong leadership, climate responsibility, and transparent governance.
The company’s ESG score has grown dramatically over the last three assessment cycles, reflecting both ambition and execution. Sobha Realty has now positioned itself not only as a regional leader but also as a contender on the global stage for sustainable real estate development.
Sobha Realty’s Remarkable Rise in GRESB Ratings
Sobha Realty’s performance over the past three years paints a clear picture of steady growth and commitment. The company’s GRESB score increased from 72 in 2023 to 91 in 2024, and now to a near-perfect 97 in the 2025 assessment.
This upward trajectory demonstrates a well-planned sustainability strategy backed by measurable action. In 2025, Sobha Realty was assessed alongside leading high-rise residential developers from major markets including India, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and the UAE. Despite such strong competition, the company emerged as the top performer in the region.
The ranking clearly shows how Sobha Realty has transformed ESG from a supportive function into a core business priority. Its steady improvement signals that the company is investing heavily in long-term environmental and governance frameworks rather than temporary or symbolic efforts.
Competing With Global Leaders
Beyond its success in the Asia category, Sobha Realty also demonstrated its global ambitions. When assessed against a group of over 15 prominent real estate developers from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia, the company secured the second position.
This international recognition highlights Sobha Realty’s potential to challenge established global leaders in the field of sustainable development. It shows that the company’s strategic sustainability journey is not limited to regional targets but encompasses a broader, international perspective.
The achievement strengthens its position as a global brand that is aligned with international environmental standards and corporate governance expectations. It also proves that the company’s sustainability frameworks and policies hold their own on the world stage.
Perfect Score in the Management Category
One of the standout aspects of Sobha Realty’s 2025 GRESB evaluation is the perfect 30/30 score in the Management category. This section measures leadership strength, risk governance, strategy, stakeholder communication, and organisational policies.
A full score signifies that Sobha Realty has developed a strong culture of accountability and transparency. It also reflects the company’s commitment to adopting global best practices, engaging stakeholders responsibly, and maintaining governance structures that reinforce ethical business conduct.
The perfect Management score indicates that Sobha Realty’s sustainability efforts begin at the top and flow consistently throughout the entire organisation.
Strong Development Score Reflects ESG Integration
Sobha Realty also achieved an exceptional 68/70 in the Development category, which assesses how well ESG principles are integrated into real estate planning, design, and construction.
This near-perfect score demonstrates that sustainability is embedded across every project stage. From reducing environmental footprint to ensuring energy efficiency, the company has shown a comprehensive approach to responsible development.
The strong Development score also confirms that Sobha Realty is not just meeting compliance requirements but is raising the bar for sustainable construction in the region. It shows that ESG considerations are actively shaping the future of the company’s project pipeline.
Leadership Vision and Strategic Commitment
Chairman Ravi Menon described the achievement as a defining moment in Sobha Realty’s journey. His statement reflects the company’s internal transition from treating sustainability as a supportive function to adopting it as a central value and strategic pillar.
According to him, Sobha Realty is no longer simply part of the sustainability conversation but is now shaping it. This leadership-driven commitment ensures that ESG principles guide not just operational activities but also long-term planning, investments, and stakeholder engagement.
The company’s transformation also aligns with its vision of building communities that are environmentally conscious, resource-efficient, and socially responsible.
Supporting the UAE’s National Sustainability Goals
Sobha Realty’s GRESB recognition is not just a corporate success but also a contribution to the UAE’s national sustainability goals. The country’s initiatives—including the Net Zero by 2050 Strategy and the Circular Economy Policy—aim to create a cleaner, greener future.
Sobha Realty’s sustainability frameworks complement these national priorities through several strategic actions. The company has released comprehensive ESG reports that detail its sustainability progress. It has conducted Greenhouse Gas (GHG) assessments to track emissions across operations and projects.
Additionally, Sobha Realty has adopted climate-risk assessment frameworks in line with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). These include mapping climate risks, evaluating future impact scenarios, and adopting strategies to mitigate long-term environmental vulnerabilities.
Such initiatives ensure that Sobha Realty not only aligns with the UAE’s sustainability ambitions but also contributes meaningfully to the country’s broader environmental and governance landscape.
A Benchmark for Future Real Estate Development
Sobha Realty’s achievement in the 2025 GRESB Assessment marks more than just a high score. It sets a new benchmark for the real estate industry. The recognition highlights what is possible when sustainability and governance are treated as core business drivers rather than optional features.
The company’s rapid progress over three years serves as a model for other developers looking to improve their environmental and governance performance. It demonstrates that long-term commitment, structured frameworks, and transparent reporting can lead to measurable outcomes and global recognition.
Sobha Realty’s journey is a reminder that the future of real estate lies in responsible development—one that protects resources, enhances communities, and supports national and global sustainability goals.
Conclusion
Sobha Realty’s rise to the top of the Asia region in the 2025 GRESB benchmark is a major milestone in its sustainability journey. With a score of 97, a 4-Star Rating, and recognition on a global level, the company has positioned itself as a leader in ESG-driven real estate development.
Through strong leadership, transparent governance, and a clear focus on climate responsibility, Sobha Realty continues to shape the future of sustainable real estate. Its progress reflects both ambition and action, making it a standout example of how ESG can redefine business excellence.
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