Eco-tourists can visit Masdar City without a press pass.
If you happen to be in the Abu Dhabi neighborhood, let’s say at the end of April, why not head over to Masdar City’s open house? Well, it’s not exactly a city yet, but as the first residents of this purported zero-carbon city move in, Masdar developers are aiming to keep the green vibe going, even if some of its aspiring visions like the pod car transport will be too expensive to really build. The Market@Masdar City is to be a monthly event (except in the super hot summer months), and a family-oriented street fair and organic market, giving residents and tourists around Abi Dhabi a snapshot into life at the futuristic housing and business complex.
The first Masdar Market will be on Friday, 29 April, and bring the kids if you have them (or not if you are a GINK); visitors will get a chance to ride those Jetson-style driverless Personal Rapid Transport (PRT) pod cars, which a Green Prophet rode a couple of years back.
If you thought the Arab world and all its oil wealth is far from sustainable, the market might give you something to think about. The day will feature organic food from Abu Dhabi local farms, as well as organic beauty and spa products, recycled stationary, arts and crafts including jewellery.
And no Middle Eastern fair would be complete without Henna designs and face painting.
“The principles of sustainable living are truly evident at the Masdar Institute campus, where nearly 180 students from around the world have come to live and study,” says Alan Frost the director of Masdar. “The ‘Market @ Masdar City’ is a good recreational and educational opportunity for visitors to see how sustainability can be brought to life – not only at Masdar City, but to the entire Abu Dhabi community.”
Located 17 km from downtown Abu Dhabi, Masdar City is a high-density, pedestrian-friendly development, where current and future renewable energy and clean technologies are showcased, marketed, researched, developed, tested and implemented. Test it out yourself!
For more details about the The Market@Masdar City email [email protected]
We’ve got lots on Masdar City. Start with:
Small Hiccups of Total System Failure at Masdar
GE Ecoimagination Center at Masdar City
An EcoGeek’s First Week Living in Masdar City
Masdar Delivery: Organic and Sushi
Image via marcgunther
