Al Nada Tower Becomes Kuwait’s First Residential Building to Achieve LEED Gold Certification, Strengthening MREF’s Investment Strategy

Kuwait: The Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” has announced that Al Nada Tower has achieved LEED Gold certification in the first quarter of 2026. This certification, awarded under the LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings rating system, marks Al Nada Tower as the first residential building in Kuwait to receive this esteemed international recognition. The certification process involved a thorough assessment and formal approval, underscoring Markaz’s commitment to asset management and sustainable operational excellence based on globally recognized standards.

Ownership and Financial Performance of Al Nada Tower

Al Nada Tower is owned by the Markaz Real Estate Fund (MREF), which is a Shariah-compliant, income-generating open-ended fund. This fund offers investors opportunities for property appreciation alongside monthly cash yields from rental income. Since its inception in 2002, MREF has delivered an internal rate of return (IRR) of 7.7% up to December 2025. The fund aims for a monthly distribution that translates to an annualized return of 4-5%. Recently, MREF was recognized with the MEED Excellence in Real Estate Investment in MENA award in 2025.

Evaluation Process for LEED Gold Certification

The LEED Gold certification was granted following an independent evaluation that assessed various factors, including operational performance, resource efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. The evaluation also emphasized continuous improvement in operations and maintenance practices, conducted by accredited independent entities. This milestone reflects Markaz’s dedication to embedding sustainability principles into operational standards, transforming them into integral components of asset performance strategies and long-term value enhancement.

Strategic Implications of the Certification

The achievement of LEED Gold certification for Al Nada Tower illustrates Markaz’s strategic approach to establishing robust operational frameworks. These frameworks are designed to protect asset quality, maintain operational efficiency, and enhance the long-term readiness of its real estate portfolio. This proactive strategy is essential in adapting to evolving market dynamics and increasing sustainability and performance expectations.

Mr. Abdullatif W. Al-Nusif, Managing Director of Wealth Management and Business Development at Markaz, emphasized that the certification serves as concrete evidence of how sustainability is integrated into their long-term investment strategy. He noted that this achievement reflects a disciplined approach to asset management, characterized by measurable operational efficiency, enhanced asset resilience, and reduced operating costs. Furthermore, it reinforces the tower’s position in the residential market and sets a benchmark for developing the remainder of their portfolio in alignment with global best practices.

Commitment to Sustainable Real Estate Investment

Mr. Milad A. Elia, Executive Vice President of Real Estate Investment for the Middle East and North Africa at Markaz, added that the LEED Gold certification strengthens Markaz’s reputation as a responsible real estate investor. He highlighted the firm’s commitment to sustainability standards and operational excellence, which are essential for sustainable value creation. This achievement not only enhances the quality and resilience of the real estate portfolio but also reinforces investor confidence and improves the residential environment through greater operational efficiency and higher living standards.

Understanding LEED Certification

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is one of the most widely recognized green building rating systems globally. The LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings framework focuses on measuring and improving the operational performance of buildings through verifiable performance indicators. This approach aims to enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact over the long term.

Markaz’s Ongoing Commitment to Sustainability

The certification of Al Nada Tower is part of Markaz’s broader strategy to strengthen operational and sustainability frameworks across its activities. Over the years, the firm has received numerous accolades in real estate investment and asset management, including being named Best Real Estate Investment Manager in the Middle East and Kuwait by Euromoney in 2024. These recognitions highlight the performance of its real estate funds and the quality of its asset management capabilities.

Markaz continues to align its real estate asset management with leading global operational and sustainability best practices. The firm maintains a clear strategy aimed at enhancing asset quality, achieving balanced performance, and delivering sustainable value to investors across various asset classes and investment strategies.

For further details, visit the original reporting source: Zawya.

Important Information

• Fund Manager: Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C. “Markaz”, Kuwait City, Mirqab, Al Sour Street, Al Shaya Tower, Floor 8, Tel: +965 2224 8000, P.O. Box 23444, Safat 13095, State of Kuwait.
• Fund Administrative Board Members: Ghazi Al-Osaimi, Milad Elia, Khaled Al-Mubaraki, Abdulrahman Sulaiman Al Sanad.
• To obtain a copy of the Articles of Association, Prospectus, and the Fund’s financial reports, please visit: www.markaz.com.

Disclaimer

This announcement has been prepared for promotional purposes and has been approved by Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz”. No material information relating to the investment referred to herein has been omitted. Investments in the Fund may be exposed to risks arising from changes in market conditions. There is no guarantee or assurance that the investment will generate any returns. Potential investors should conduct their own analysis and research and consult their financial, legal, tax, audit, and other professional advisers when making investment decisions.

About Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz”

Established in 1974, Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C “Markaz” is one of the leading asset management and investment banking institutions in the MENA region, with total assets under management exceeding KD 1.52 billion (USD 4.98 billion) as of December 31, 2025. Markaz was listed on the Boursa Kuwait in 1997 and has pioneered innovation through the creation of new investment channels, expanding investors’ horizons.

For further information, please contact:
Sondos Saad
Corporate Communications Department
Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C. “Markaz”
Email: Ssaad@markaz.com

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Published on 2026-04-18 15:05:00 • By the Editorial Desk