Located 17 km from downtown Abu Dhabi, Masdar City is one of the world’s most sustainable cities. The city embodies the latest innovations in sustainable development, while offering a vibrant urban space for its communities, businesses, and research organisations.
Recognising the city’s challenges and opportunities, the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC) appointed Arup in 2008 to understand the project’s feasibility, as well as to support its journey to net-zero. Our specialists, from a range of disciplines, came together to lay sustainable and robust foundations that support the city in creating a comfortable, convenient, and resilient space for future generations.
One of Masdar City’s largest challenges was finding a way to reduce the city’s operational carbon while controlling its heat, as temperatures in the United Arab Emirates can reach over 50°C in the summer. We supported Masdar City in exploring new and more innovative techniques for managing heat and minimising energy use. Currently, it is researching a new sun shading technology in collaboration with Airshade, Metadecor and Arup.
Masdar City is a pedestrian-friendly community where academics and business professionals live, work, play and learn in an environment that pushes the boundaries of sustainable design, construction and operation.
Masdar City is home to both a major graduate research university and to the region’s only free zone industry cluster focused on sustainability, cleantech and renewable energy.
A visit in Masdar City takes approximately 60-90 minutes.
The walk through the city is low-level difficulty, and special-needs access is available. To make your experience more enjoyable, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat – and of course bring your camera!
Remember to plan a refreshment break or lunch at one of the cafes and restaurants.
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