Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, has undergone one of the most amazing transformations in human history over the last ten years. They've built residential islands in the shape of the world, a 5 star hotel in the ocean, and the world's tallest building. Apparently they are just getting started. Underway right now is Masdar City, the most ambitious sustainable development in the world today. It will be the world's first zero carbon, zero waste city powered entirely by renewable energy sources. As the first major hydrocarbon-producing economy to take such a step, Abu Dhabi has established its leadership position by launching the Masdar Initiative, a global cooperative platform for the open engagement in the search for solutions to some of mankind's most pressing issues: energy security, climate change and the development of human expertise in sustainability.

The project is projected to cost $22 billion and take some eight years to build, with the first phase scheduled to be complete and habitable in 2009. The city will cover 2.3 sq miles on a site 2.5 sq miles in size and will be home to 50,000 people and 1,500 businesses. These businesses will be primarily commercial and manufacturing facilities specialising in environmentally-friendly products. An expected 40,000 workers will commute to the city daily.

THE FACTS

Masdar City, Dubai is the most ambitious sustainable development in the world today - it will be the world's first zero carbon, zero waste city powered entirely by renewable energy sources.