At DubaiLand in Dubai a 46 Hectare [5 Million Square feet] residential area has been developed as The Sustainable City. It will be the first residential community of its kind in Dubai and is expected to meet the highest environmental standards by adopting a sustainable approach in its quest to become a regional leader in eco-tourism and global environmental protection.

500 townhouses & villas inspired by urban & heritage form from old Dubai Bastakyia area, where the Emiratis used to live 100 years before in sustainable community has been recreated. Residents have started moving in. The opening of The Sustainable City to residents marks a key benchmark for sustainable living in the UAE as it is the first time a city aspiring to be a net zero energy community has commenced full operations in the country

The 2,700 residents who will eventually inhabit the 5 million sqft city will also be able to grow their own food on a farm and receive fresh herbs from two ?bio dome? greenhouses. Phase one of the development on Al Qudra Road comprises a five-cluster residential complex with pedestrian streets, a communal area, five playgrounds, a central wind tower, solar-shaded parking lots and an equestrian centre with cycling and jogging tracks. It boasts of 100% water & waste recycling. 10 MW peak solar power production. Natural ?biodome? greenhouses, organic farm and individual garden farms for local food production, deluxe sustainable hotel and resort with a world class natural spa centre.

Starting of New Year 2016 could not have been better than this good green news. I hope the future holds good for such developments. UAE has once again aptly demonstrated the strong will to meet & exceed its sustainability goals in years to come.

Check out ?The Sustainable City - May 2015? by Mathew Koshy on Vimeo.

The video is available for your viewing at https://vimeo.com/127133067

Source: 7Days Newaspaper