Doha, Qatar – United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl and Gewan Islands, has further solidified its global reputation with the attainment of three new Guinness World Records. These milestones not only mark a significant achievement for UDC but also enhance its standing as a leading real estate developer in the region.
During an official ceremony, Yasser Salah Al-Jaidah, CEO of UDC, proudly accepted the Guinness World Record certificates for the company’s latest accomplishments. These include the record for the largest outdoor air-conditioned shopping mall, the largest outdoor interactive lighting canopy, located on Gewan Island, and the largest pneumatic waste management network on The Pearl Island.
The Crystal Walk, a stunning shopping destination, has earned the title of the largest outdoor air-conditioned shopping mall, covering an impressive 7,360 square meters (79,222.41 square feet). The mall’s design combines luxury with state-of-the-art cooling technology, ensuring visitors enjoy a comfortable shopping experience, even during Qatar’s sweltering summer months.
A centerpiece of The Crystal Walk is its breathtaking crystal display, which includes over 10 tons of crystals and a 1,000-meter crystal path, the longest of its kind in the world. This visually captivating feature adds to the allure of the mall, offering shoppers an unparalleled retail environment.
Thanks to a cutting-edge district cooling system, The Crystal Walk maintains a pleasant temperature of 21-23°C, regardless of the outdoor weather. This cooling system not only ensures comfort but also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The system is more efficient than individual air conditioning units, offering lower operating costs and improved reliability.
The Crystal Walk’s energy-efficient cooling system conserves at least 20% more energy compared to conventional methods. The overall impact of this system is expected to reduce carbon emissions and the mall’s carbon footprint by up to 50%.
With more than 100 retail stores and exclusive dining options, The Crystal Walk caters to luxury lifestyles and offers a wide array of brands. It has recently registered for the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) under the Green Ozone Rating for Design (GORD) certification. This commitment to sustainability is evident through its energy-efficient design and the incorporation of over 13,000 tropical plants, creating a lush, environmentally responsible atmosphere.
In addition to its cooling system, The Crystal Walk features another Guinness World Record: the largest outdoor interactive lighting canopy. Spanning 3,689.55 square meters (39,713.98 square feet), this architectural masterpiece offers both practical shade during the day and a mesmerizing light display at night. The canopy’s interactive lighting system is powered by cutting-edge LED technology, which brings numerous benefits over traditional lighting:
Energy Efficiency: The LEDs use 20%–50% less energy compared to conventional lighting, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of Gewan Island while cutting operating costs.
Longevity: LEDs last much longer than traditional lighting, reducing maintenance needs and waste.
Versatility and Control: The lighting system is highly customizable, allowing for dynamic displays that can adapt to various events, moods, and times of day.
The canopy’s lighting choreography is synchronized with a sophisticated music system, offering an interactive and immersive experience. Over 1,000 individual lighting points collaborate to create vibrant colors, patterns, and effects, engaging visitors in a captivating visual spectacle.
The interactive lighting canopy is more than just a visual attraction; it serves as an essential feature for the outdoor shopping experience, providing shade while maintaining a pleasant ambiance. The combination of The Crystal Walk’s advanced cooling system, energy-efficient lighting, and environmentally responsible design ensures that visitors can enjoy a luxurious and sustainable retail experience.
UDC’s achievements on Gewan and The Pearl Islands demonstrate its unwavering commitment to creating extraordinary spaces that blend luxury, technology, and sustainability. These record-breaking feats not only redefine retail architecture but also set new standards for environmental responsibility in the real estate sector.
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