Masdar Initiative is a city under construction adjacent to Abu Dhabi and a sustainable living design concept using renewable resources located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, the walled city will not allow cars in and will be designed as a network of microchip connections, meaning no one will be more than 200 meters from essential facilities. It will be strategically located close to Abu Dhabi's main transport system, the Personalized Rapid Transportation (PRT) network. Masdar will be connected to surrounding communities, as well as central Abu Dhabi and the international airport, by a network of existing roads and new rail and public transport lines. Shaded walkways will create a pedestrian-friendly environment for Dhabi's extreme climate. The expansion is carefully planned; the surrounding land will contain wind farms, photovoltaics, research fields and plantations, so that the city will be self-sufficient. The only sources of energy will be provided by solar movement and prevailing winds. With the use of a 60 megawatt photovoltaic system that will provide electricity to build the rest of the city will be built in two phases, which will later become the site for the second phase of the city, allowing for urban growth while avoiding low-density expansion . The city of Masdar will be divided into six different units within the city. Such units include the Masdar Institute, Research Network, Carbon Management, Special Projects, Innovation and Investment Units and the Masdar Special Free Zone. The Masdar Institute will offer master's and doctoral programs in science and engineering with the sustainability and technology themes of the Masdar initiative. The Research and Innovation and Investment Network unit which seems to definitely have the same function seeks investors, studies development ideas and monitors the development of the city. The Carbon Management unit monitors carbon emission reduction projects. The Special Projects unit develops intense large-scale energy and technology projects. The Special Free Zone will be a green community near the airport that will open in 2009 and will provide accommodation and essential facilities for carefully selected students, researchers, industrial workers and tenants. In an effort to initiate the global shift away from fossil fuel-fueled economies towards sustainable living, Masdar is developing the world's first “zero carbon, zero waste” city known for urban living. Abu Dhabi, Masdar and Foster + Partners are working together to plan the concepts, development and design of the city. Last January 21st and 23rd, during the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), many projects and concepts were presented as future developments for the city.
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