Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
Designed as a low-carbon free zone, Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City offers a framework for growth that is anchored in sustainable practice and measurable impact.
Just 10 minutes from Zayed International Airport and 45 minutes from Dubai, the city is home to over 1,700 companies from more than 90 countries – all drawn by its unique promise: environmental goals can coexist with, and even fuel, economic expansion and innovation.
“Masdar City Free Zone is the UAE’s green print for how a free zone can be purpose-built to drive sustainable economic growth,” Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director of Sustainable Development at Masdar City, told Aletihad in a recent interview.
“By bringing together location, infrastructure, community, innovation, and sustainability, Masdar City Free Zone offers a platform where every business can thrive.”
Masdar City’s integrated design where research institutions, businesses, and residents share one interconnected ecosystem has delivered tangible results.
According to its 2024 ESG Report, the city achieved a 22.7% reduction in energy use intensity, 13.1% lower potable water consumption, and maintained one of the highest waste diversion rates in the region.
Social indicators were equally strong, with 54.7% Emiratisation percentage and 31% female representation across its workforce.
The report also showed how Masdar City’s tenants are turning their sustainability commitments into real‑world results.
Examples abound: M42 is advancing genomics and precision medicine through the Emirati Genome Programme; Alesca Technologies is transforming urban agriculture with vertical farms that use 95% less water; and Khazna Data Centers is expanding sustainable digital infrastructure to meet the UAE’s growing data demand while minimising its environmental footprint.
“These achievements reflect Masdar City’s role as a global test-bed for innovation, where businesses, researchers, and entrepreneurs collaborate to scale solutions that address climate, resource, and societal challenges,” said Al Breiki.
“By uniting proven sustainability performance with a thriving free zone and diverse community, we provide an environment where responsible growth and measurable impact go hand in hand.”
Sustainability by Design
At Masdar City, economic progress comes with a green guarantee. Under rigorous standards such as LEED Platinum, Estidama Pearl, and WELL certifications, each building is engineered to consume significantly less energy and water than typical developments.
Clean power from a 10MW solar farm and rooftop installations supports daily operations, while shaded walkways and pocket parks make the city walkable year-round.
This built-in efficiency gives companies operating at Masdar City a head-start on their ESG goals.
“Our integrated infrastructure, renewable energy supply, and citywide resource efficiency make it easier for companies to measure, report, and improve their performance,” said Al Breiki.
For example, GEMS Founders School has embedded sustainability into its curriculum from its first academic year, helping shape the environmental awareness of future generations in the UAE.
Clusters Driving the Future
Masdar City’s growth is powered by several innovation clusters that are laying the foundation for a sustainable economic future in the UAE.
Its Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster, for instance, is testing Level 4 autonomous vehicles capable of fully self-driving within designated zones – building on the city’s early adoption of personal rapid transit systems as far back as 2010.
The HELM life sciences cluster hosts the region’s first bio-bank and commercial-scale vivarium, attracting biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovators working on precision medicine and clinical trials.
Meanwhile, the presence of the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) within Masdar City drives applied AI research across industries.
Al Breiki noted that Masdar City’s ecosystem thrives on partnerships.
Through a collaboration with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Emirati-owned SMEs receive tailored licensing packages, fee exemptions, and mentorship to scale their businesses sustainably.
The Catalyst, the MENA region’s first clean-tech accelerator, jointly operated by Masdar City and BP, connects startups with the funding, mentorship, and research support needed to fast-track their sustainable technologies from prototype to market.
“Participants benefit from direct access to Masdar City’s innovation clusters, testing facilities, and collaborative networks, ensuring that promising ideas are developed and deployed in an environment designed for impact,” Al Breiki said.
Talent Magnet for a Net-Zero Future
For global specialists – from autonomous mobility engineers to biotech researchers – Al Breiki argues that Masdar City offers a rare value proposition: the opportunity to design, test, and deploy solutions in one of the world’s most advanced sustainable environments.
“Our ecosystem is built for high‑level collaboration,” he said. “Innovation clusters, shared laboratories, and anchor institutions such as the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence connect talent with industry leaders, research partners, and real‑world testing opportunities.”
That combination of mission-driven work and a supportive ecosystem helps the city attract and retain high-level talent in an increasingly competitive global market.
“By 2030, Masdar City will be larger in scale, broader in reach, and deeper in impact, an ecosystem where sustainability, innovation, and opportunity come together,” Al Breiki said.
“We invite partners, investors, and innovators worldwide to join us in shaping the next chapter of Abu Dhabi’s flagship destination for sustainable urban living and business growth.”
The completion of landmark projects including Masdar City Square, The Link, Connect Park, Falaj Plaza, and the Net Zero Energy Mosque will deepen the city’s sustainability credentials, while accommodating more residents, companies, and research institutions.
