Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s pioneering sustainable urban community and Free Zone, has released its third Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, reaffirming its position as a “green print” for cities worldwide. The city continues to attract global businesses and entrepreneurs, driving the transition to a low-carbon, knowledge-based economy.

Aligned with the UAE’s net zero 2050 goals, Masdar City integrates sustainable infrastructure with a thriving Free Zone and a diverse community of innovators. Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, said, “We are committed to strengthening an ecosystem that delivers innovation, opportunity, and measurable impact, setting new benchmarks for cities.”

In 2024, Masdar City deepened its commitment to social development, achieving a 54.7% Emiratization rate and 31% female representation. The Women Entrepreneurship Program expanded opportunities for women-led businesses, while the Free Zone enabled hundreds of SMEs to scale sustainably.

The city also advanced sustainable infrastructure and technology initiatives:

• 22.7% reduction in energy use intensity compared to ASHRAE baseline.
• 5,518 tCO₂e emissions avoided, equivalent to removing 1,285 vehicles from the road.
• 13.1% savings in potable water consumption and 56.2% waste reduction.

Masdar City fostered innovation through AI research at MBZUAI, sustainable data infrastructure at Khazna AUH6, and pilot projects like Hydroball IoT irrigation technology. Upcoming initiatives include Agrivoltaic projects at Connect Park, combining renewable energy and urban agriculture.

The city remained a hub for community engagement, hosting over 300 stakeholder activations, cultural events, and wellness initiatives. Flagship events such as The Festival at Masdar City, BYD Electric Vehicles Launch, and Innovation Day highlighted sustainable mobility, clean energy, and community-focused innovations.

Masdar City’s governance framework ensures transparency, accountability, and ethical operations, recording zero non-compliance instances in 2024. With its Free Zone at the heart of a thriving ecosystem, the city invites global partners, investors, and innovators to shape the future of sustainable urban living in Abu Dhabi.

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