Masdar City is a radical vision of a sustainable future that is under construction in the Abu Dhabi desert, bringing together leading architects and state of the art green technology. <br />
Wave to the future —
Masdar City is a radical vision of a sustainable future that is under construction in the Abu Dhabi desert, bringing together leading architects and state of the art green technology.
A 45m-high wind tower in Masdar City takes inspiration from traditional Arab technology. It produces a cooling effect, by directing hot air up and out of its surrounding area, as well as bringing cooler air from above down to the surface.
Tower of power —
A 45m-high wind tower in Masdar City takes inspiration from traditional Arab technology. It produces a cooling effect, by directing hot air up and out of its surrounding area, as well as bringing cooler air from above down to the surface.
masdar
The design and shape of exterior walls reduces heat radiation and the demand for air conditioning.
Smart walls —
The design and shape of exterior walls reduces heat radiation and the demand for air conditioning.
the city currently uses driverless pods known as "personal rapid transit" (PRT) carts.
Car free —
the city currently uses driverless pods known as "personal rapid transit" (PRT) carts.
Courtesy
The 10-megawatt solar farm on the outskirts of Masdar City provides much its energy needs.
Sun shines —
The 10-megawatt solar farm on the outskirts of Masdar City provides much its energy needs.
KARIM SAHIB/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, designed by British architects Foster + Partners, has a focus on teaching sustainable sciences.
On campus —
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, designed by British architects Foster + Partners, has a focus on teaching sustainable sciences.
Courtesy Nigel Young/Foster&Partners
Courtyards on campus provide relaxation space for students between classes.
Breathing space —
Courtyards on campus provide relaxation space for students between classes.
masdar
Perhaps the most ambitious project is SHAMS 1, a stand-alone 2.5km², 100MW Concentrated Solar Power plant. This plant was built about 100km from Masdar, at an estimated cost of US$600m. It is one of the largest of its type in the world, and displaces 175,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually -- equivalent to the emissions of 29,000 UK homes.
Grand ambition —
Perhaps the most ambitious project is SHAMS 1, a stand-alone 2.5km², 100MW Concentrated Solar Power plant. This plant was built about 100km from Masdar, at an estimated cost of US$600m. It is one of the largest of its type in the world, and displaces 175,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually -- equivalent to the emissions of 29,000 UK homes.
masdar
The main buildings are highly insulated and energy efficient, including the SIEMENS building (pictured), the Middle-East headquarters of the technology giant.
Energy efficient —
The main buildings are highly insulated and energy efficient, including the SIEMENS building (pictured), the Middle-East headquarters of the technology giant.
masdar
The IRENA buiding used low-carbon, locally sourced, sustainable materials including recycled steel and recycled-content aluminium and cement.<br /><br />The 32,000 square meter complex combines three buildings to conserve energy.
Recycled complex —
The IRENA buiding used low-carbon, locally sourced, sustainable materials including recycled steel and recycled-content aluminium and cement.

The 32,000 square meter complex combines three buildings to conserve energy.
masdar
The incubator building is a hub for start-ups and innovation. <br /><br />The construction also used recycled material and makes use of ceramic facades to retain energy.
Sculpted clay —
The incubator building is a hub for start-ups and innovation.

The construction also used recycled material and makes use of ceramic facades to retain energy.
masdar
After years of preparation, the first families have now moved into the city, and the new city is expecting major influx in the coming years.
Signs of life —
After years of preparation, the first families have now moved into the city, and the new city is expecting major influx in the coming years.