Doha’s 1st sustainable basketball courts opens at Al Gassar Resort

HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah has inaugurated the first sustainable basketball court in Al Gassar Resort in Doha, a statement said. Through recycling used tyres in Qatar, the project was executed by Alfardan Group, in cooperation with Continental ME, the leading German company for tyres and automotive technology.The inauguration was attended by Omar Hussain Alfardan, the president and CEO of Alfardan Group, and 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 Ahmad Nassar, vice chairman and CFO of Alfardan Group.The court’s surface was constructed using 500 recycled tyres to produce 'Green Rub' tiles, a durable and eco-friendly material, 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.Typically producing new rubber for an area of 175-200sq m would result in approximately 800kg of CO2 emissions. By recycling rubber, emissions were reduced to an estimated 350-400kg of CO2, meaning a decrease of over 50% in carbon emissions. The innovative project, which aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, demonstrates the private sector's commitment to recycling and waste management, a statement said.The minister emphasised 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 fertiliser.Al-Attiyah 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 four factories specialised in tyre recycling, aiming to consistently dispose of tyres in the state.Alfardan 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."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.”De la Fuente said, "At Continental, sustainability is at the heart of our mission. The renovation of this basketball court in Doha, using recycled tyres, represents our commitment to innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and our communities."This project would not have been possible without the invaluable partnership and support of Alfardan Group and 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.”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, the statement added.