MOST SUSTAINABLE CITY
A decade ago, Abu Dhabi's most ambitious eco-friendly project to date set sail to lay the foundations for the world's most sustainable city, Masdar City.
It was billed as the world's first zero-carbon city, but has since been re-billed as a low carbon city, the brainchild of the Masdar Institute. Although the project was disrupted by the 2008 global economic crisis, it is already in operation and completion of the second phase is expected in 2021.
Masdar's vision, although complex in terms of logistically implementing a low-carbon city in the middle of the desert, was simple in its objective: to accommodate Abu Dhabi's rapid urbanization while dramatically reducing that population's consumption of finite energy reserves.
The initial plans for Masdar City entailed an urban complex combining Arabic architectural features with advanced technologies to house an expected 40,000 people, besides a further 50,000 commuters by 2030. Part of the city would be powered by the sun, specifically 210,000sqm of photovoltaic panels responsible for 17,500MWh of clean electricity produced in the facility annually, making it the largest of its kind in the Middle East.
Epitomizing and actualizing Abu Dhabi's green ambitions, Masdar City has helped cultivate the tech-friendly image of this business and investment free zone, a center for renewable excellence.
The city's nucleus hosts Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, a research-oriented university that is working on the Emirate's most advanced projects for sustainable energy generation in the region, and which graduated its first batch of PhD students in 2015. The institute also hosts its own Incubator Building, an innovation hub offering tailored-made spaces to businesses and entrepreneurs.
Masdar City offers an innovative ecosystem and has already cultivated its first projects, such as the Future Build initiative to assist architects, engineers, and contractors in identifying and sourcing green building products and materials to deliver environmental benefits, or the robotic parking technology to maximize the efficient use of space, both adopted in Masdar City's facilities.
In early 2017, Masdar also presented the Eco-Villa Prototype, a one-of-a-kind housing project designed to use 72% less energy and 35% less water than existing villas in Abu Dhabi, which can also export power to the national grid when combined with rooftop photovoltaic panels.
The way that the city was built has epitomized the ambitions in which it was conceived. Buildings had to be constructed with low-carbon cement and 90% recycled aluminium, and ultimately meet a minimum Estidama Pearl Building Rating (comparable to LEED Gold). This has helped to establish policies that promote low-carbon public transportation with projects to develop a metro line, a light rail transit, a group rapid transit, and cycling lanes.
Masdar City established sustainability benchmarks to ensure the delivery of measurable environmental social and economic benefits. With Masdar Institute attracting a growing number of students through initiatives such as the Young Future Energy Leaders, Masdar showcases the commercialization of research and development projects for the cities of the future. With the beginning of the project's second phase in 2017, Masdar City is consolidating the first R&D cluster that is fully dedicated to renewables in the region.
The project's free zone is home to 400 companies, including multinationals such as GE, Siemens, and Mitsubishi. Masdar City was also chosen to be home to the International Renewable Energy Agency's global headquarters in a 32,000-sqm facility powered by 340,000kWh produced on the building's rooftop panels.
Located in the intersection of Abu Dhabi's trade hub including Khalifa Port, Kizad, and the international airport, Masdar City's Free Zone contemplates an expansion plan evolving to grow its commercial base four-fold by 2020 and expand its leasable area by 32% per year.
Lastly, Masdar City is expected to become a magnet for local tourism with an intended 2,300 visitors into the city on a weekly basis. Visitors can enjoy a 60-minute tour in a driverless hybrid vehicle passing through the city's most iconic architecture developments, Masdar Institute, and by the end of 2018 the My City Center Masdar Mall, an AED30-billion sustainable shopping center currently under development by Majid Al Futtaim Group.
MOST SUSTAINABLE CITY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Inside Perspective
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister, UAE
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on the Smart Dubai Happiness Agenda, the standout projects over the last year, and the Year of Giving.
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Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler , Sharjah
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has been instrumental in the growth and development of Sharjah, with his passion for academia a driving force in the growth of the knowledge economy.
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Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, , Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler , Ras Al Khaimah
Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, on what makes the Emirate such a great place to visit, do business, and invest.
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Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Ras Al Khaimah
TBY talks to Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, on the fundamentals behind the Emirate's strong growth and the work that goes into improving the economic outlook for the next generation.
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Christer Viktorsson, Directing General, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)
TBY talks to Christer Viktorsson, Director General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), on the role of the institution in advancing the nuclear energy regulatory environment, the Barakah Power Plant, and the importance of an integrated network.
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Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Directing General, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)
TBY talks to Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), on opportunities in the sector and GCAA's contributions to the development of aviation in Abu Dhabi.
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Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General, UAE Space Agency
TBY talks to Dr. Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, on the mandate of the agency, cooperating with international space agencies, and developing a solid private ecosystem.
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Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Alshehhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy , UAE
TBY talks to Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Alshehhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy of the UAE, on the value of creativity, the development of the industrial sector, and supporting SME development.
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Mansour Al Mansoori, Directing General, National Media Council (NMC)
TBY talks to Mansour Al Mansoori, Director General of the National Media Council (NMC), on the changing nature of media consumption in the UAE, developing local content, and improving literacy in the Emirates.
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Khalifa Bin Salem Al Mansouri, , Undersecretary of the Department , Economic Development – Abu Dhabi (ADDED)
TBY talks to Khalifa Bin Salem Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi (ADDED), on its plans to make the Emirate a better place to do business, the new industrial plan, and how it is fostering innovation.
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Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group CEO & Managing Director, Mubadala Investment Company
TBY talks to Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group CEO & Managing Director of Mubadala Investment Company, on how the merging of two key investment entities will drive Abu Dhabi's diversification strategy.
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Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC Group)
TBY talks to Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC Group), on the significance of ADNOC Distribution's listing on ADX, investing in downstream, and the importance of strategic partnerships.
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Maryam Eid AlMheiri, CEO, Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi & twofour54
TBY talks to Maryam Eid AlMheiri, CEO of the Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi & twofour54, on the growth and development of the Emirate as a media and film production hub, and the Emirati values she hopes to spread during the “Year of Zayed."
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Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President Operations and Development for the Middle East, India, and Africa, Swiss-Belhotel International
TBY talks to Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President Operations and Development for the Middle East, India, and Africa, Swiss-Belhotel International, on the sector.
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Hamad Buamim, President & CEO, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry
TBY talks to Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, on boosting trade with Latin America, digitizing government services, and capitalizing on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
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Sami Al Qamzi, Directing General, Department of Economic Development (DED)
TBY talks to Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of the Department of Economic Development (DED), on transforming Dubai into a smart economy, creating the happiest city in the world, and securing a knowledge-based economy for the future.
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The familiar strategy of strong centralized leadership coupled with copious capital reserves and an aggressive acquisition strategy has lead DP World to global recognition within two decades. Today, the company's global positioning can be used as a tool for developing infrastructure in high-growth markets for the larger benefit of UAE investment and trade.
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Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
TBY talks to Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), on the establishment of the economic zone, the benefits of operating in the zone, and attracting international clients.
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Ramy Jallad, Group CEO , Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
TBY talks to Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), RAK Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ), and RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA), on the Emirate's comfortable position within the GCC, increasing investment, and upcoming projects.
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Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson , Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)
TBY talks to Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), on the principles guiding Sharjah's economic development strategy, opportunities for private sector contribution, and the role of entrepreneurship in the Emirate.
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Sultan Abdullah bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Chairman, Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD)
TBY talks to Sultan Abdullah bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), on attracting FDI and optimizing customer satisfaction to support Sharjah's economic growth.
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Sheikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Mua’lla, Chairman, UAQ FTZ
TBY talks to Sheikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Mua'lla, Chairman of UAQ FTZ, on enacting the most investor-friendly set up processes, providing the right world-class amenities for long-term growth, and serving as a great impetus for industrial diversification.
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Saeed Nasser Al Talay, Chairman, Umm Al Quwain Chamber of Commerce and Industry
TBY talks to Saeed Nasser Al Talay, Chairman of Umm Al Quwain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on the biggest land investment opportunities, boosting investment in IT and construction, and on best PPP collaboration practices.
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Ali Eissa Alnuami, Directing General, Department of Economic Development-Ajman (DED-Ajman)
TBY talks to Ali Eissa Alnuami, Director General of the Department of Economic Development-Ajman (DED-Ajman), on increasing investor happiness, enhancing consumer rights, and treating foreigners like locals.
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Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder & President, Thumbay
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Mohammed O. Bin Majed Al Aleeli, Managing Director, Fujairah Department of Industry and Economy
TBY talks to Mohammed O. Bin Majed Al Aleeli, Managing Director of Fujairah Department of Industry and Economy, on supporting economic development, advancing oil transport services, and advising SMEs to draw attention to Fujairah.
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Khalid Mohammed Al Jassim, Directing General, Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
TBY talks to Khalid Mohammed Al Jassim, Director General of Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on facilitation of domestic and foreign business relations, Fujairah's advantages as an emirate, and opportunities for diversification.
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Dr. Salem Abdu Khalil Mohamed Al Zyni,, Technical Advisor , Fujairah at Fujairah Oil Terminals
TBY talks to Dr. Salem Abdu Khalil Mohamed Al Zyni, Technical Advisor for the government of Fujairah at Fujairah Oil Terminals, on getting vessels to switch from offshore to onshore, the cyclical nature of the industry, and staying one step ahead of clients' needs.
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