Will the UAE have the first zero-carbon city?

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates plans to build a 5 billion USD extension to its city, which will come very close to a zero-carbon, zero-waste city. They have set up an ambitious plan to finish building by 2009.

Using the traditional planning principles of a walled city, together with existing technologies to achieve sustainable development, this six sq km expanse will house an energy, science and technology community.

Called the Masdar (meaning ‘source' in Arabic) Initiative, this ambitious plan for a 'Green City' is being driven by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, a private, joint stock company established and wholly-owned by Mubadala Development Company.

‘‘As the first major hydrocarbon-producing nation to take such a step, Abu Dhabi has established its leadership position by launching Masdar, a global cooperative platform for open engagement in the search for solutions to some of mankind's most pressing issues -- energy security, environment and truly sustainable human development,'' Masdar chief executive Sultan Al Jaber said.

Abu Dhabi accounts for more than 90 percent of the UAE's oil resources, and the country's reserves, exceeding 100 billion barrels, ranked third largest in the world.

AngryBee says: Bah, those rich people just want to show off how much money they have!


SustainaBee says: Wow, the Masdar project sounds great! They do have a lot of money sitting on so much oil, but it's great to see money put to so good use! This could be a benchmark for future sustainable housing projects.