Sustainability is our top priority: Mohammed
dubai — The development journey of the UAE aims to place the country at the highest levels of global competitiveness, to provide the best in class quality of life to people and achieve their happiness, said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,
His comments came during his visit to The Sustainable City — the first net zero energy city in Dubai. He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
“Our vision is clear in terms of establishing sustainability’s pillars as a key component of our development journey, which is part of the national agenda. We are committed to sustainability, which is a top priority that we strive to implement taking into consideration environment conservation, and balance between economic and social development,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Also present during the visit were Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Airports, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chairman and CEO of Emirates Group; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, director-general of the Dubai Ruler’s Court, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, directorgeneral of the Dubai Protocol and Hospitality Department.
Sheikh Mohammed toured the city and was briefed about the different facilities of the project, which is the first real estate project in Dubai that focuses on the economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainability.
The first phase of The Sustainable City, comprising of 500 villas in five residential clusters, a buffer
We are committed to sustainability, which is a top priority that we strive to implement taking into consideration environment conservation, and balance between economic and social development.” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
zone, an urban farm, an equestrian centre and a mixed-use development, has around 2,000 residents. The second phase of the development set to be completed before the end of this year.
Sheikh Mohammed also toured Phase 2 of the city, which consists of a mixed-use zone, an institute for ecological engineering, a hospital and rehabilitation centre, a green school for K-6, and an ecohotel. The 143-rooms hotel will be a net zero energy building, where 100 per cent of its energy needs will be met by solar power. The hotel will be supplied with fresh produce from urban farming facilities that will be incorporated into the hotel grounds, in addition to The Sustainable City Bio Domes.
The Sustainable City is considered as an open lab to promote sustainability culture, and receives thousands of students every year to learn about its unique experience, in addition to foreign delegations. The Sustainable City has already received more than 20 of local, regional and global awards including the ‘Happiest Community’. — Wam