Sustainability is our top priority: Sheikh Mohammed

His comments came during his visit to The Sustainable City - the first net zero energy city in 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, director-general of the Dubai Protocol and Hospitality Department.

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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 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 eco-hotel. 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'.
A city of clean energy, conservation
The Dh1.25 billion project, located in Dubai Land on the Al Qudra Road, is the Middle East's first fully-fledged sustainable development, and spreads over five million square feet. The city features a host of initiatives to conserve resources, including energy-efficient housing designs and eco-friendly building materials. The city is designed to produce 100 per cent of its energy needs using renewable and clean energy sources upon its completion, supporting Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 which targets to produce 75 per cent of its energy requirements from clean sources by 2050.
Recycling stations in each cluster encourage residents to separate their waste, and the transportation strategy inspires residents to rely less on motorised transport, and more on walking and cycling. Each cluster is a car-free zone, accessible only by foot or electric buggies through narrow 'sikkas' (alleyways) that link the City.
The city has ample outdoor space for leisure and recreation. Residents can participate in the city's urban farming programme and have designated plots inside and outside 11 temperature-controlled bio domes.
The Sustainable City
Phase 1
> 500 villas in five residential clusters
> Buffer zone
> Urban farm
> Equestrian centre
> Mixed-use development
 Phase 2
> Mixed-use zone
> Institute for ecological engineering
> Hospital
> Rehabilitation centre
> Green school for K-6
> Eco-hotel
 
 

• UAE