Three buildings under construction in Abu Dhabi mark a major step towards achieving the UAE's goals to reduce energy use and emissions, officials have said.
The net-zero buildings at Masdar City, one of which is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, have high-tech features, including air-tight building envelopes to ensure less air leaks in and out.
Architects also used window ratios, window shading and orientation to minimise direct sun and lower the amount of power needed for cooling.
The buildings will run on solar power.
Mohamed Al Breiki, executive director of sustainable real estate at Masdar City, told The National that the buildings align with the concept of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and instead using renewable energy sources.
A net-zero building only consumes the amount of energy it produces on-site, Mr Al Breiki added, "so it wouldn't necessarily be reliant on the national grid for any energy supply".
"That is achieved by integrating energy-efficient systems as well as utilising renewable energy sources like solar panels."
The projects aim to contribute to the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative which was launched in 2021.
"They make a valuable contribution to the UAE's decarbonisation effort, and it comes at a vital time as we pave the way for the UAE hosting Cop28 later this year," Mr Al Breiki added.
In addition to the three net-zero energy projects under construction at Masdar, more are planned in the future, Mr Al Breiki said.
The first of the three buildings – NZ1, which will be an office space – is on track to receive the LEED Zero energy certification and will be ready by the end of this year.
The other two – Masdar City Square's HQ building and The Link's Co-Lab building – are also on track to receive the certification awarded by the International Living Future Institute.
The HQ building, which is made up of a cluster of seven LEED Platinum-rated commercial buildings to be completed by 2024, has a canopy of 1,033 solar panels that will provide shade and generate renewable energy.
The building is designed to reduce energy by 102 per cent compared to international baselines.
Its solar panels will produce 9 per cent more energy than it needs during the course of the year, and the excess will be fed back into the grid.
The Link's Co-Lab is a net-zero energy shared working and living space to be completed by 2025.
This, too, is designed to reduce energy by 117 per cent and is projected to produce 233,969 kilowatt hours of excess energy every year to be fed into the local grid.
Energy efficient design
Architects used a cutting-edge approach to the net-zero buildings.
Lutz Wilgen, acting head of design management at Masdar City, told The National that the buildings prioritise "passive design" strategies that work well with the local climate and supplement these with technology.
"It is a holistic approach. Fundamentally, we look at it in terms of what we can do passively and then supplement it with technology," he said.
Instead of relying heavily on glass, they have used more solid walls, he added.
Mr Wilgen said that while there was ample sunlight in the region, which is a source of energy, developers also have to grapple with extreme temperatures.
"Using glass isn't the best way to insulate a building against thermal conditions, there are more cost-effective ways to do this."
Mr Wilgen said air-tight building envelopes help to prevent cool air from leaking.
"Our philosophy is to minimise the need for energy first and foremost," he said.
At the construction phase, builders will also use low-carbon cement, recycled aluminium and steel, low-carbon insulation and finishing material to reduce the carbon footprint.
Mr Wilgen said the emphasis is also on sourcing materials from local vendors to reduce shipping-related emissions.
Green template for future cities
As the Middle East works towards reducing the impact of climate change, Mr Al Breiki said the focus for Masdar has been to advance smart solutions across the sustainability domain.
The organisation's projects provide a "template for urban living", he said.
"Masdar City is a key pillar to the UAE's response to climate change. The need for climate-resilient developments is what inspired the creation of Masdar City 15 years ago.
"Today, the lessons learnt here at Masdar City are being applied elsewhere within the UAE and across the world too."
Mr Al Breiki added that they deliver eco-friendly projects that are environmentally responsible, socially inclusive and commercially viable.
"Our objective is to create that roadmap or a green print for the future cities and smart cities in the world."
The thriving sustainable city in the middle of the desert, the official said, is an example.
By using smart and energy efficient technologies, Masdar City has managed to reduce its water consumption and energy use by at least 40 per cent, he said.
"We utilise smart technologies throughout Masdar City. Our buildings use smart devices to monitor the energy use, water consumption, and waste management in real-time.
"Masdar City became the first urban community where the autonomous vehicles are being used to move passengers from one point to another, utilising eco-friendly electrical shuttle buses."
The city’s energy needs are met by the 10 megawatt PV farm that was established back in 2009 and is one of the biggest of its kind in the Middle East.
There are more than 10,000 people working and living in Masdar City, said Mr Al Breiki.
Once the first phase is complete, it will be home to 16,000 people.
Looking ahead, Masdar City remains committed to innovation which is the key in pushing the climate change agenda.
"We are leading the pathway to net zero by 2050 in the UAE. Today Masdar City is currently working on a strategic initiative with key partners on establishing a demonstrated plant for green hydrogen," Mr Al Breiki said.
"We are committed to creating a sustainable market for green hydrogen, such that it becomes a reliable source of fuel for the future."
INDIA V SOUTH AFRICA
First Test: October 2-6, at Visakhapatnam
Second Test: October 10-14, at Maharashtra
Third Test: October 19-23, at Ranchi
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Itcan profile
Founders: Mansour Althani and Abdullah Althani
Based: Business Bay, with offices in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and India
Sector: Technology, digital marketing and e-commerce
Size: 70 employees
Revenue: On track to make Dh100 million in revenue this year since its 2015 launch
Funding: Self-funded to date
UK’s AI plan
- AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
- £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
- £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
- £250m to train new AI models
If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
Stree
Producer: Maddock Films, Jio Movies
Director: Amar Kaushik
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee
Rating: 3.5
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
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Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Under-21 European Championship Final
Germany 1 Spain 0
Weiser (40')
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Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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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
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
