Situated within the capital of the UAE, Masdar City emerged as a response to the pressing global challenges of climate change and depleting resources. Functioning both as a city and as an ambitious initiative to foster a sustainable and technologically advanced urban environment, Masdar City stands as a testament to futuristic urban planning.
Since its inception, it has embodied the ethos of a living laboratory, where cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices harmonise to reimagine the future of urban living. From non-electrical air conditioning systems to vertical smart farms, amid Earth Day, we delve into three technological innovations that define the essence of Masdar City:
1. Autonomous mobility
Host to the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries cluster in Abu Dhabi, Masdar City is leading the charge in transforming smart and autonomous transportation across air, land, and sea.
As stated on their website, SAVI will inject about $24.5 billion to $32.7 billion into the UAE's economy and create about 30,000 to 50,000 job opportunities.
Beyond its significant potential economic effect, Masdar City showcases futuristic sustainable mobility that aligns with its vision of an advanced urban environment. One notable example is Masdar City’s Personal Rapid Transit system, recognised as the world’s first on-demand, autonomous electric transportation system.
The PRT operates with zero carbon emissions and its entire network is emission-free. By eliminating the need for personal vehicles, the PRT achieves a net carbon effect of zero.
2. Vertical smart farm
Masdar City has teamed up with Alesca Technologies, an agricultural technology firm specialising in tailored farming solutions, to introduce its inaugural indoor vertical farm.
Two large-scale commercial farming containers next to Masdar City's Eco-Plaza will house the farm, which will produce over 650kg of leafy greens monthly, ensuring year-round farm-to-fork produce.
The farm utilises automated equipment and AI software to cultivate various types of premium vegetables and herbs. It also uses 90 to 95 per cent less water than conventional farms. The produce is fresh, free of harmful chemicals, and prepared for immediate consumption.
3. The world’s first air-operated shade system
Developed by the Netherlands start-up Airshade Technologies, the Airshade prototype stands as the world's pioneering air-operated shade system.
Over the past eight months, it has undergone testing at Masdar City's solar plant testing site. Inspired by the natural movement of tree leaves, Airshade employs innovative technology to respond to changing air temperatures, mimicking the sun-shielding action of foliage.
This system operates entirely on natural principles, devoid of sensors, motors, or electricity.
As the world grapples with the urgent challenges of climate change and resource scarcity, Masdar City offers a glimpse into a future where cities thrive in harmony with nature and technology.
Masdar City's initiatives highlight the transformative potential of innovation, determination, and collective action in shaping cities to sustain and enhance life for future generations.
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MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Rashford 36')
Liverpool 1 (Lallana 84')
Man of the match: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
'How To Build A Boat'
Jonathan Gornall, Simon & Schuster
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
LAST-16 FIXTURES
Sunday, January 20
3pm: Jordan v Vietnam at Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
6pm: Thailand v China at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: Iran v Oman at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Monday, January 21
3pm: Japan v Saudi Arabia at Sharjah Stadium
6pm: Australia v Uzbekistan at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: UAE v Kyrgyzstan at Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Tuesday, January 22
5pm: South Korea v Bahrain at Rashid Stadium, Dubai
8pm: Qatar v Iraq at Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi
'Cheb%20Khaled'
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Results:
CSIL 2-star 145cm One Round with Jump-Off
1. Alice Debany Clero (USA) on Amareusa S 38.83 seconds
2. Anikka Sande (NOR) For Cash 2 39.09
3. Georgia Tame (GBR) Cash Up 39.42
4. Nadia Taryam (UAE) Askaria 3 39.63
5. Miriam Schneider (GER) Fidelius G 47.74
Teams
Punjabi Legends Owners: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Intizar-ul-Haq; Key player: Misbah-ul-Haq
Pakhtoons Owners: Habib Khan and Tajuddin Khan; Key player: Shahid Afridi
Maratha Arabians Owners: Sohail Khan, Ali Tumbi, Parvez Khan; Key player: Virender Sehwag
Bangla Tigers Owners: Shirajuddin Alam, Yasin Choudhary, Neelesh Bhatnager, Anis and Rizwan Sajan; Key player: TBC
Colombo Lions Owners: Sri Lanka Cricket; Key player: TBC
Kerala Kings Owners: Hussain Adam Ali and Shafi Ul Mulk; Key player: Eoin Morgan
Venue Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Format 10 overs per side, matches last for 90 minutes
Timeline October 25: Around 120 players to be entered into a draft, to be held in Dubai; December 21: Matches start; December 24: Finals
57%20Seconds
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Play-off fixtures
Two-legged ties to be played November 9-11 and November 12-14
- Northern Ireland v Switzerland
- Croatia v Greece
- Denmark v Ireland
- Sweden v Italy
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
Yuval Noah Harari, Jonathan Cape
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
AVOID SCAMMERS: TIPS FROM EMIRATES NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
1,000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List
James Mustich, Workman
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
