Doha, Qatar – November 25, 2024:

His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Minister of Municipality, inaugurated Monday 25^th of November the first sustainable basketball court in Al Gassar Resort in Doha. Through recycling used tires in Qatar, the project was executed by Alfardan Group in cooperation with Continental ME, the leading German company for tires and automotive technology. This innovative project, which aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, demonstrates the private sector’s commitment to recycling and waste management.

The inauguration was attended by Mr. Omar Hussain Alfardan, the President and CEO of Alfardan Group, and Mr. José Luis de la Fuente, Managing Director of Continental Middle East, as well as Dr. Ma’n Al Hamawi, Chairman of the Sustainability Committee and CEO of Alfardan Automotive, and Mr. Ahmad Nassar, Vice Chairman and CFO of Alfardan Group.

H.E. Minister Al-Attiyah emphasized the significance of such initiatives in supporting the Ministry of Municipality’s strategic goals. These goals include the safe disposal and reduction of all types of waste which can be achieved through several methods, including recycling and reusing materials, converting waste into energy at the waste management facility in Mesaieed, and producing organic fertilizer.

His Excellency said, “The Ministry of Municipality is keen to collaborate with the private sector to improve waste management and treatment. Through consolidating such efforts, the Ministry aims to achieve Qatar’s strategic goals through improving the quality of life and sustainability of resources and their preservation. ” In pursuit of this objective, the state has established Al Afja Industrial Zone for recycling in Mesaieed, where 51 plots of land have been allocated to recycling facilities, including (4) factories specialized in tire recycling, aiming to consistently dispose of tires in the state.

Mr. Omar Hussain Alfardan, President and CEO of Alfardan Group, said, “Since the Group’s foundation, Alfardan’s name has been synonymous with excellence and luxury. Today, we reaffirm that the true essence of luxury lies in a profound sense of responsibility toward the environment. Therefore, sustainability initiatives have remained a top priority for the Group, which led us to launch a comprehensive sustainability strategy, ‘Athar,’ across all Alfardan companies.”

He further added, “This project is the result of a fruitful collaboration between Alfardan Properties and Alfardan Commercial, in partnership with Continental Middle East, to promote an active lifestyle and encourage innovation in sustainable sports.”

“At Continental, sustainability is at the heart of our mission. The renovation of this basketball court in Doha, using recycled tires, represents our commitment to innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and our communities,” said Mr. José Luis de la Fuente, Managing Director of Continental Middle East.

He added, “This project would not have been possible without the invaluable partnership and support of Alfardan Group and Mr. Omar Hussain Alfardan. Together, we are transforming waste into opportunities and inspiring others to join us in building a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.”

The courts’ surface was constructed using 500 recycled tires to produce ‘Green Rub’ tiles, a durable and eco-friendly material made from 100% recycled rubber, which significantly reduced the carbon footprint compared to using new rubber. In addition, the safety standards of the courts ensure a comfortable playing experience for players of all ages.

It is worth noting that typically producing new rubber for an area of 175-200 square meters would result in approximately 800 kg of CO2 emissions. By recycling rubber, emissions were reduced to an estimated 350-400 kg of CO2, meaning a decrease of over 50% in carbon emissions.

Through partnerships and community-focused innovation, Alfardan Group continues to lead the way towards sustainable development in Qatar. As a member of the UN Global Compact since 2021, Alfardan Group is committed to promoting responsible and innovative practices, a commitment that aligns with the nation’s vision for sustainability.

About Alfardan Group 

Alfardan Group is one of the leading family conglomerates in Qatar and the region, built around traditional family values and an uncompromising commitment to integrity, premium service and social responsibility.

Over the past 70 years, Alfardan Group has evolved from a pearl trading enterprise to a premium business that covers a large variety of industries and sectors by unwavering from its roots and continuing its tradition of high standards. Alfardan Group is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to sustainability.

Alfardan Group’s operations are inspired by passion. All Alfardan offerings have the highest standards of quality and exclusivity, whether in the jewellery, financial services, property, automotive, marine, hospitality, healthcare or agriculture sector. In all business sectors they operate in, the Group strives to achieve mastery, with the goal to exceed expectations.

Alfardan Group strives to regularly improve and raise its standard of service to an even higher level. The Group has also proven itself as one of the most prominent and steadfast brands in Qatar for its incomparable excellence in the region. This strength is manifested through the Group’s international presence in the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Turkey and Switzerland.

About Continental ME

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated sales of €41.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.

Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2023, the Tires group sector generated sales of 14 billion euros. Continental’s tire division employs more than 56,000 people worldwide and has 20 production and 16 development sites.