Two major Abu Dhabi projects – the zero emissions Masdar City and the new Capital City District – have picked up top honours at the Cityscape Awards for Real Estate in the Middle East.

The awards were presented at a gala dinner at Emirates Palace Hotel attended by industry leaders during Cityscape Abu Dhabi, the international real estate and investment development event, taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre until Wednesday.

The projects were awarded for their unique contributions towards architectural excellence and sensitivity to the environment, said the organisers.

'The judges were also looking for projects that demonstrated innovative design and development concepts combined with architectural excellence and functionality,' said Sarah Salera, Special Events manager Cityscape, for organisers IIR Exhibitions.

In the development category, Abu Dhabi's Masdar City project won the best sustainable development award.

The judges were looking in particular for innovative use of new materials, products and construction methods which deliver energy efficient, high performing green buildings.

In the architecture category the best urban design and master planning award went to Capital City District, Abu Dhabi, by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council.

The award recognises an outstanding project which best encourages or promotes a sense of place or significantly benefits an entire neighbourhood, town, city or region.

The best built waterfront development award went to the Fahaheel Waterfront project by Tamdeen Real Estate and Dar Al Omar. A future waterfront project, Les Cotes des Anges, in Tunisia, nominated by Halcrow Group was also awarded.

The judges were looking for world class and distinctive waterfront developments which show sensitivity and maximise water as a resource.

The best built commercial/retail development award went to Cepa shopping centre by Ustuncelik of Turkey with the best future award in the same category going to Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi, by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.

Best built residential development was Whispering Pines at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, by Leisurecorp with the best future award going to Pentominium Tower, Dubai Marina, by Trident International Holdings and nominated by Aedas.

Best built mixed-use development was Rotana Arjaan, Dubai Media City, Dubai, nominated by TVS Design with the best future award going to Al Mashtal, Abu Dhabi, by Sorouh and nominated by Arquitectonica.-TradeArabia News Service