Abu Dhabi is aiming to build the first city in the world that will add no carbon pollution to the atmosphere and will generate no waste.
The six square kilometre integrated energy science and technology community, which is due to open by the end of 2009, will be located in the heart of the UAE capital.
It is being developed by the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi government and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
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As well as housing the Masdar institute and housing for its employees, the green city will also host a science museum and will offer commercial space for other local and international companies that are working on the development of advanced energy and conservation technology.
Masdar CEO, Sultan Al Jaber, described the project as a world first. "This is a true alternative energy cluster. Here you will find researchers, students, scientists, business investment professionals, and policy makers all within the same community.
"It will be a living example of sustainable development that will position Abu Dhabi and Masdar at the forefront of intelligent resource utilisation.
"It will combine the talent, expertise and resources to enable the technological breakthroughs necessary for truly sustainable development."
The city will be more than a research and development park. It will also practice what it is preaching. Cars will be banned from the area; replaced by a public rapid transport system.
Shaded walkways and narrow streets will create a pedestrian friendly environment even in the extreme summer heat of Abu Dhabi.
Surrounding land will contain wind, photovoltaic farms, research fields and plantations, enabling the city to be entirely self-sustaining.
The city will provide up to 1500 companies with an attractive package of incentives, including a one-stop-shop program of government services, transparent laws,100% foreign ownership, tax-free environment, intellectual property protection and proximity to nearby manufactures, suppliers and markets.
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