Masdar City Abu Dhabi

Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi. Masdar City is a pioneering urban development that exemplifies sustainable living and innovative design. Masdar City was initiated in 2006 by Masdar which is a subsidiary of the Mubadala Investment Company. Masdar City serves as a model for integrating renewable energy, cutting edge architecture and advanced technology to create an eco friendly urban environment. ​

 

Vision and Objectives

The primary vision of Masdar City is to establish a sustainable urban community that significantly reduces energy and water consumption, minimises waste and serves as a hub for clean technology and renewable energy innovation. The city aims to foster collaboration and drive advancements in environmental practices by attracting businesses, researchers and residents committed to sustainability. This initiative aligns with broader strategy of Abu Dhabi to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

 

Urban Planning and Design

Masdar City is designed by the renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners. Master plan of Masdar City incorporates traditional Arabic architectural elements with modern technology to combat the harsh desert climate. The layout of city features narrow streets and strategically oriented buildings to maximize shade and natural ventilation which effectively reducing ambient temperatures. Elevated podiums and wind towers are utilized to channel cooler breezes through public spaces to enhance outdoor comfort. The compact design of city encourages walking and cycling to reduce reliance on vehicles.

 

Sustainable Infrastructure

Masdar City integrates a range of sustainable technologies and practices, ​

·        Renewable Energy: The Masdar city is powered by a combination of onsite renewable energy sources that include photovoltaic panels and a 10 megawatt solar power plant. These installations supply clean electricity to the buildings and facilities of city. ​

·        Energy Efficient Buildings: Structures within Masdar City are designed to consume significantly less energy compared to conventional buildings. High performance insulation, energy efficient glazing and smart building systems contribute to reduced energy usage. ​

·        Water Conservation: In Masdar city Low flow fixtures and advanced irrigation systems are implemented to minimize water consumption. Treated waste water is reused for landscaping to promote efficient water management. ​

·        Waste Management: A comprehensive waste reduction program emphasizes recycling and composting in Masdar City to aim to divert a substantial portion of waste from landfills.​

·        Transportation: Masdar city promotes the use of electric vehicles and has implemented a personal rapid transit (PRT) system featuring autonomous electric pods. This network provides convenient and emission free transportation within the city. ​

 

Masdar City Free Zone

At the heart of economic landscape of Masdar City lies the Masdar City Free Zone which is a thriving business community that accommodates over 900 companies. This free zone offers a seamless environment for diverse business activities which provides benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, no import tariffs and the freedom to repatriate capital and profits. The streamlined regulatory framework and state of the art infrastructure make it an attractive destination for startups, SMEs and multinational corporations alike. ​

 

Industry Clusters in Masdar City

Masdar City strategically focuses on six industry clusters each contributing to the advancement of global sustainability goals,

·        Smart Mobility: This cluster drives innovations in electric and autonomous transportation which aims to revolutionize urban mobility led by the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries (SAVI).​

·        Life Sciences: This cluster fosters advancements in biotechnology, personalized medicine and healthcare solutions equipped with cutting edge laboratories and addressing both regional and global health challenges. ​

·        Energy: The energy cluster includes leading organizations like the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Siemens Energy to promote sustainable energy solutions as a center for renewable energy and clean technology. ​

·        Agritech: The agritech cluster develops innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact focused on sustainable food production ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. ​

·        Artificial Intelligence (AI): This cluster drives AI research and development with significant implications for various industries which include smart cities and healthcare by positioning Masdar City at the forefront of technological innovation. ​

·        Space Technology: This cluster is home to the UAE Space Agency and other pioneering organizations. The space tech cluster supports advancements in satellite technology and space exploration by contributing to the UAE`s growing prominence in the global space sector. ​

 

Strategic Partnerships

Masdar City has established partnerships with key organizations to further enhance business development. Masdar city has collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) which provide businesses with the option to operate under Common Law. Masdar city has Partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to offer startups access to cloud credits.

 

Research Hub

·        Academic Institutions: Masdar City is home to the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) which is a first graduate level and research based AI university in the world. MBZUAI offers programs in modern technologies like machine learning, computer vision and natural language processing. The aim of MBZUAI is to cultivate top tier talent and foster groundbreaking research that addresses global challenges.

·        Research and Development Initiatives: The city hosts institutions like the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Masdar Institute to foster research and development in fields such as renewable energy and sustainability. These institutions collaborate on projects that drive technological advancements and promote sustainable practices on a global scale. ​

·        Innovation Ecosystem: Masdar City has created a rich technology and innovation ecosystem that drives sustainability and incubates climate change solutions. The Masdar City Free Zone is the foundation to this ecosystem but it also includes multinationals, educational and research institutions and other businesses that are working together to create a more sustainable future. ​

Masdar City exemplifies the integration of economic development and research excellence within a sustainable urban framework. By fostering a collaborative environment for businesses, academic institutions, and research organisations, Masdar city continue to drive innovations that contribute to a greener and more sustainable future focused on sustainable food production. ​

 

Community and Lifestyle

Masdar City is designed to offer a high quality of life. Masdar City provides residents and visitors with:​

·        Green Spaces: Parks and landscaped areas are integrated throughout the city which offers recreational opportunities and enhance biodiversity. ​

·        Educational Facilities: The city offers educational programs and workshops focused on sustainability by engaging the community in environmental stewardship in addition to research institutes. ​

·        Retail and Dining: A variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants cater to diverse preferences, creating a vibrant urban atmosphere. ​

·        Cultural Events: Regular events, exhibitions and conferences related to sustainability and innovation foster a sense of community and continuous learning in Masdar city. ​

 

Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi near Abu Dhabi International Airport. It is situated 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) east of downtown Abu Dhabi and is easily accessible via major highways like Sheikh Zayed Road (E10) and Abu Dhabi Al Ain Road (E22).

The strategic location of Madar city makes it well connected to key business districts, industrial zones and other major developments in Abu Dhabi. It is also close to Khalifa City, Yas Island and the Mohammed Bin Zayed City area which makes it an integral part of urban expansion plans of Abu Dhabi.

Masdar City stands as a testament to dedication of Abu Dhabi to sustainable development and innovation. Masdar city not only addresses contemporary environmental challenges but also serves as a blueprint for future urban development worldwide by seamlessly integrating advanced technologies with traditional design principles.