Masdar City
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Masdar City - by Igor Vinnykov on Google
Description
Masdar City is being developed from scratch as the most sustainable city in the Middle East, focusing on the use of solar and renewable energy and minimizing water and energy intensity - the latter is partly achieved through architecture with the use of wind towers and the clustering of buildings that achieve a very significant cooling effect (more than 10°C cooler than the temperature outside the development). It also aims to provide a safe environment for pedestrians by using mass and personal rapid transport infrastructure rather than cars within the city's perimeter. Construction started in 2008 but the timeframe was immediately following the global financial crisis and today there are still few tenants and residents; those include the International Renewable Energy Agency, the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and the Siemens regional headquarters which happens to be the most energy efficient building in the city.
Access & Transport
Masdar City is located just west of Abu Dhabi international airport and about 15km east of Abu Dhabi city center. It is not yet connected by public transport so you should reach by car (parking is available in the North Car Park) and then use the shuttle service which operates from 6am to midnight daily.
Instructions & Recommendations
Even though temperature is cooler within the development, make sure to bring some sun protection gear (cap/hat and sunglasses) This activity is easy to reach from Yas Island and isn't far from the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (covered in a separate review)
Environmental & Social
Excellent mark with respect to the lower energy and water usage intensity but building a brand-new development rather than optimizing / retro-fitting existing buildings requires a lot of construction materials - and in the case of the UAE a lot of foreign labour.
Conclusion
Masdar City is still a work in progress but will hopefully turn out as a good showcase from which to learn, although many of the techniques may not be applicable to wide geographies. We think guided tours would bring much better value to visitors and that it will become a more attractive and interesting options in a few years time when construction has progressed further.
Key positive
Opportunity to learn about sustainable architecture in hot desert environments
Try a ride on an autonomous vehicle
Key negative
No structured or guided visit
Still under construction
Suitability
Suitable for all ages but children under 12 may not find it interesting. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo