UAE-based Diamond Developers said work on the first phase of its ambitious five-million-sq-ft 'Sustainable City' project in Dubai was nearing completion.

Located in Dubailand on Al Qudra Road, the project's Phase One will boast a five-cluster residential complex, with each cluster featuring a central wind-tower, solar-shaded parking lots, pedestrianised streets and five playgrounds.

The region’s first fully integrated and operational sustainable community in Dubai, The Sustainable City, recently welcomed international diplomats to witness the progress on the final stages of Phase One, its unique facilities and components – many of which are considered the first of their kind – and view its achievements and the innovative aspect of the city, it stated.

The development’s other key advantages and attractions will include the first-ever eco resort in the region, banks, clinics, a communal area, and a mosque, said a statement from Diamond Developers.

There will also be a ‘Green School’ from kindergarten to grade six, as well as a Diamond Innovation Center – a major education base and knowledge resource – where advanced research into environmental living will take place.

Phase One of the project involved the construction of biodome greenhouses in the central spine of this eco-friendly concept and a community mall, as well as an equestrian centre and cycling and jogging tracks, said a top official.

"We are thrilled to have showcased our latest innovations, which are also aligned with Dubai’s Green Economy vision, to our distinguished guests. Dubai is a prime location for sustainable living owing to a multitude of economic, environmental and social initiatives," remarked Faris Saeed, the chief executive and founder of Diamond Developers.

"More than 50 families have moved in already and we are expecting even more to do so by the third quarter of this calendar year. We very much look forward to welcoming more families and visitors in due course," he added.

Wassim Adlouni, the co-founder of Diamond Developers, said: "The tour was mainly to explore the different components of the Sustainable City. Our tenants will enjoy the benefits of our internal urban farm, where they will be receiving fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables from the 11 biodome greenhouses across the central farm."

The delegation comprised 11 diplomats from eight major embassies and consulates based here in the UAE, including: Alastair Long (British Embassy), Cheong Ming Foong (Consulate of Singapore), Bogdan Kolarov and Dimitar Dimitrov (Bulgaria), Ahmad Faiz Bin Ab Nasir and Shahid Bin Abu Bakar (Malaysia), Kamlesh Prakash (Fijian Embassy), Donrawee Waranon and Salynn Phudtapitug (Thailand), Charitha Yattogoda (Sri Lanka) and Giovanni E Palec (Philippines). Dr Tariq Nizami, the chief executive of the Clubs Network, was also among the attendees.

"We also demonstrated the seven key environmental elements of the project, including 100 per cent wastewater recycling for non-productive and productive re-usage, waste-sorting at source and recycling programmes and solar powered transportation systems for internal and external use," remarked Adlouni.

"We’re committed to reducing our utilised carbon footprint and minimizing the negative environmental impacts in line with the green objectives of the government of Dubai," he added.-TradeArabia News Service