Merex Investment, a major retail destination operator in the region, has announced that all its lifestyle projects – including The Beach, JBR and City Walk – have secured the health-safety certification from International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the organisation that oversees the world’s premier framework for advancing health in the built environment.

 

With this recognition, Merex Investment Group, a joint venture between leading investment group Dubai Holding and Canadian multinational company Brookfield Asset Management, has become the first in the retail destination category within the Middle East and North Africa to receive the prestigious WELL Health-Safety Certification.

 

The acknowledgement by the IWBI underscores Merex Investment’s dedication to service excellence and its continued attention to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for the overall wellbeing of its staff, customers, and the community.

 

The WELL Health-Safety Rating was developed as a guide to prepare spaces for re-entry in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, instilling confidence in those who come through the building as well as the broader community. 

 

The evidence-based, third-party verified rating assesses new and existing building and facility types, focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans. 

 

The certification requires operators and businesses to implement industry best practice and evidence-based strategies to mitigate safety and health risks and adhere to latest international health and safety guidelines and protocols.

 

To obtain this seal, Merex Investment and its destinations underwent a rigorous evaluation of various operations and policies, including cleaning and sanitisation procedures, emergency preparedness, air and water quality management, health services and communication strategies.

 

"We are thrilled to receive the WELL Health-Safety Certification, which reflects our unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the community," remarked Shahram Shamsaee, the CEO of Merex Investment.

 

"We believe that everyone who visits, interacts with, and works at our destinations deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their health and safety is our top priority," he stated.

 

"As owners and operators of world-class outdoor destinations like The Beach, JBR and City Walk, we have always taken pride in our vision to reimagine urban spaces as clean, sustainable and joyous environments that create exceptional experiences while protecting the planet for current and future generations," said Shamsaee. 

 

"To be recognised for this endeavor provides us an impetus to keep raising the bar and setting an example in environmental protection and human sustainability and safety for the industry," he added.

 

Paul Scialla, Founder and CEO of Delos and Founder of the International WELL Building Institute, said: "Now more than ever, people are looking to congregate in indoor environments that are designed to support better health and well-being. Providing healthier, safer spaces in the retail and lifestyle sectors is quickly growing into a market imperative for forward-looking real estate leaders."

 

"We commend Merex Investment in Dubai for achieving the WELL Health Safety Rating for their properties," she added.-TradeArabia News Service