The Dubai Government, on 03-Mar-14, approved a unique first of its kind in the world, fully sustainable and self-sufficient smart housing project for Emiratis. It will provide 20,000 plots to the UAE nationals housing estimated 160,000 people. The projects aim to provide a good life, quality services and smart services for citizens.

The project, spanning an area of 14,000 hectares, will be built in the shape of a desert flower and will provide 200 megawatts of electricity through solar energy as the roofs of the homes and buildings will be covered with solar panels. The city will also recycle over 40,000 cubic metres of waste water. It will be surrounded by a green belt. The city will be fully sustainable and self sufficient in terms of resources, transport and energy.

In line with the directives of Shaikh Mohammad, work on the project will commence immediately and is expected to be completed in 2020. He visited Dubai municipality & approved this project after the presentations were shown to him.

It is true that Dubai is always eager to reduce carbon footprint from the city. It is always in the forefront in organizing events, activities & actions that saves & protects environment from man-made disasters. While other cities in the world are progressing in a hap hazard way & thus killing the environment. Smog is rising, Pollution is increasing, green belt is diminishing, trees are cut.

In such a depressing scenario Dubai appears as an oasis in the desert. Within a short span of 15-20 years the city has grown tremendously but keeps a constant eye on the environment. It has so much to offer to students like us to learn & adopt the sustainable practices. I am proud to be the resident of such a responsible city.

Sources: WAM (Emirates News Agency), Khaleej Times, Gulf News, Emitares 24X7 News