Established in 2021, the Arada Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Arada, drives impactful change through its core pillars: Residential, Education & Professional Development, and Emergency Response. From housing projects in Kenya and Syria to educational scholarships and global relief efforts, it supports communities locally and abroad.

In 2024, Arada achieved ISO 26000:2010 accreditation, formalizing its CSR efforts into a structured, accountable system. Evolving from ad-hoc initiatives during Covid, this milestone reflects Arada’s commitment to global CSR standards, promoting societal well-being and sustainability.

Arada Foundation’s flagship ‘Home for Home’ campaign, launched in 2022, builds a home for a family in need for every home sold during Ramadan. First launched in Kenya (2022–2023), it delivered 757 homes and water access for over 43,000 people.Expanded to Syria in 2024, the initiative earned the 2023 Arabia CSR Award, reflecting Arada’s lasting humanitarian commitment.

In response to the April 2024 Sharjah floods, Arada launched a large-scale relief operation supporting 9,200 residents with AED 6.5 million in aid. Efforts included housing 1,200 people for 50 days, distributing 39,450 meals, and providing 6,500 food packages.

2024, Arada secured 15th place in the UAE’s Great Place to Work® rankings for Large Organizations, marking a steady rise since its debut in 2021. As the youngest company in the top 15, Arada stands out for its people-centric culture, commitment to employee well-being, and professional growth—earning recognition alongside leading global employers

Arada’s comprehensive rewards program reflects its commitment to employee wellbeing, recognition, and growth. From enhanced medical and life insurance to wellness sessions, flexible work policies, and competitive financial incentives, the program supports both personal and professional development. With initiatives like Golden Visa sponsorship and benefits, Arada continues to set the standard for employee experience in the UAE

Arada’s 12 Golden Rules for Safety, developed between 2020 and 2022, are fully integrated into its HSE Management System to protect workers, contractors, and visitors across all projects. Reinforced through monthly campaigns and continuous training, these rules address high-risk construction activities and promote a proactive safety culture—underscoring Arada’s long- term commitment to health, safety, and operational excellence.

Since 2023, Arada’s Culture Challenges have brought company values to life through interactive, gamified activities that foster collaboration, communication, and innovation. In 2024, 13 challenges engaged over 400 employees, promoting cross- departmental teamwork and embedding core principles in daily work. With growing participation and impact, the initiative reflects Arada’s commitment to a dynamic, inclusive, and value-driven culture.

Arada’s Social Clubs initiative brings together over 350 employees across seven active clubs—Photography, Gardening, Hiking, Cycling, Badminton, Basketball, and Cricket. These employee- led groups foster inclusion, wellbeing, and collaboration, while supporting professional growth and social sustainability. By aligning personal interests with company values, the clubs help build a connected, engaged, and purpose-driven workplace.

In 2023 and 2024, Arada hosted the World Skate Championships in Sharjah and Dubai, attracting over 800 athletes from 65+ countries and marking record participation. These Olympic-qualifying events promoted active lifestyles, inspired youth, and boosted the local economy. Held at C-Class-certified venues, they reinforced the UAE’s growing status as a global skateboarding and sports destination.

A Sustainability Framework was developed to guide our efforts in building a sustainable future. Centered on three objectives, it reflects our commitment to connecting people, protecting nature, and driving innovation through ethical, inclusive practices that create lasting positive impact.

To advance our commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, as a first step, we conducted a Sustainability Materiality Assessment to identify key sustainability issues for our operations and stakeholders. This assessment has shaped our Sustainability Strategy and has guided this Annual Sustainability Report.

To further embed sustainability into every aspect of our operations, we established a Sustainability Steering Committee, chaired by our Group CEO. This high-level leadership ensures that sustainability is not an isolated function but an integrated pillar across all business units.

Arada’s governance framework is supported by five key committees—Remuneration, Risk, Investment, Audit, and Sustainability—each ensuring effective oversight and strategic alignment. These Board-appointed bodies guide critical areas including compensation, risk mitigation, financial integrity, ESG performance, and investment. Together, they drive transparency, accountability, and resilience, reinforcing Arada’s commitment to strong corporate governance and long- term success.

Arada’s Code of Conduct outlines the ethical standards expected from all employees, executives, contractors, and stakeholders. Covering key areas like integrity, workplace behaviour, data privacy, conflicts of interest, and financial responsibility, it ensures a transparent, safe, and inclusive environment. Overseen by the Audit Committee, the Code reinforces Arada’s values of trust, professionalism, and ethical excellence as the company grows.

Arada’s ‘My Voice’ platform and Whistleblower Policy provide a confidential, accessible way for employees and stakeholders to report misconduct, including harassment, discrimination, and policy violations. Supported by strong protections against retaliation, the initiative promotes transparency, ethical behaviour, and workplace integrity. Regular training and updates ensure ongoing awareness and alignment with global best practices.

In 2024, we embarked on a journey to integrate globally recognized sustainability certification programmes into our projects and we achieved a significant sustainability milestone with our first LEED certification: W Residences at Dubai Harbour earned a LEED Silver Precertification under the Building Design & Construction (BD+C) rating system.

Arada’s architectural philosophy centers on sustainable, community-driven design that enhances well-being and fosters human connection. From concept to execution, its user-centric approach integrates innovation, passive sustainability, and cultural context. By balancing functionality and aesthetics, Arada creates spaces that inspire, connect, and endure— bringing its “Connected Life” vision to life across every development.

Shajar, Arada’s 1.6 million sq. ft. tree nursery in Aljada, Sharjah, is home to over 130,000 trees and is one of the UAE’s largest facilities of this kind. Opened to the public in November 2023, it serves as both a cultivation hub and educational space, connecting communities with nature and promoting sustainability through immersive, hands-on experiences.

Founded in 2021 by Arada and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Manbat promotes UAE- grown produce, food security, and sustainability. With 175 markets hosted in 2024 and expansion to e-commerce platforms, it connects local farmers to consumers and retailers. Beyond a marketplace, Manbat offers educational experiences that foster healthier lifestyles and support the UAE’s agricultural sector