FAQ

Masdar

1. What is Masdar?
   Established in 2006, Masdar, aka Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, is a global leader in renewable energy and sustainable development. Masdar is advancing the commercialisation and deployment of renewable energy, sustainable urban development, and clean technologies to address global sustainability challenges. We are enabling the energy transition through a holistic approach, which combines strong public-private partnerships, collaboration, and project financing.

2. Who owns Masdar?
   Mubadala Investment Company, one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds.

3. What is the Masdar Initiative?
   Launched by the UAE leadership in 2006, the Masdar Initiative is a global cooperative platform which aims to address the pressing issues of energy security, climate change and sustainable human development. Masdar and the Masdar Institute, now part of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, are the centrepiece of the Masdar Initiative.

4. Where are Masdar’s projects located?
   Masdar has developed renewable energy projects in more than 25 countries around the world.

5. How many gigawatts of electrical capacity has Masdar installed?
   The capacity of the renewable energy projects in which Masdar is a partner is nearly 4 gigawatts (GW).

6. Does Masdar support the development of sustainable technologies?
   Masdar advances the development of sustainable technologies in mobility, electricity storage, and seawater desalination, and plays a key role in supporting world-class industry and knowledge platforms that are driving the global sustainability debate, such as Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Masdar is advancing clean-tech innovation by deploying the latest technologies at scale, enhancing their commercial viability.

7. What initiatives does Masdar support?
   Masdar works to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and innovative technologies around the world through advancing the global dialogue on sustainability. We do this through various strategic initiatives, including Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and the WiSER (Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy) initiative.
   

Masdar City

1. What is Masdar City?
   Masdar City is Abu Dhabi’s flagship sustainable urban community. It aims to be one of the most sustainable urban communities in the world. The total site area is about 6km². Masdar City is designed to capture prevailing winds and offer naturally cooler outdoor spaces than those found elsewhere in Abu Dhabi. Its buildings consume 40% less energy and water than similar conventional buildings. Part of Masdar City’s power demand is offset by a 10MW solar power plant on site and 1MW of rooftop solar panels. 
   Our focus for Masdar City is not just to build buildings, but to achieve the three pillars of social, economic and environmental sustainability.
   

2. Where is Masdar City?
   Masdar City is only 5 minutes by car from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, and 40 minutes from Dubai.

3. Who designed Masdar City?
   The original masterplan for Masdar City was designed by the British architectural firm Foster and Partners.

4. When will Masdar City be completed?
   Masdar City is growing faster than ever. The city is not only a template for sustainable urban development, it is a community that is home to businesses, private residents, shops, restaurants and parks, not to mention a world-class research institute. By 2030, the City will be home to 50,000 residents and a base for 40,000 professionals and students.

5. What is the population of Masdar City?
   Today, there are more than 1,300 people living in the city, and that number is projected to triple by 2020 with the completion of new residential buildings. The working population at the City is also growing. It is home to around 4,000 workers. 

6. What businesses are located in Masdar City?
   Masdar City is home to over 600 global and local companies. Masdar City’s signature tenants include the UAE national airline Etihad Airways, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Lockheed Martin, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and Siemens.

7. What is the Masdar City Free Zone?
   One of the fastest growing free zones in Abu Dhabi, the Masdar City Free Zone offers numerous benefits, including 100 per cent foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital, zero import tariffs, and 100 per cent exemption from income taxes.  

8. What can you do at Masdar City?
   Masdar City is a growing residential neighbourhood with comprehensive amenities including shops and award-winning restaurants.
   The 2,500 square-metre Masdar Park hosts open-air cafes and restaurants, playground and sports facilities, while the 5.6km-long Al Mamsha trail is available for walking, biking and fitness.
   Masdar City is also home to The Festival, a family-themed carnival held at the end of every Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January.