A high-level team from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) led by its managing director and chief executive Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer toured the region’s first fully-integrated sustainable community, Dubai Sustainable City, to get a first-hand feel of the city’s key facilities.

Spread over a five-million-sq-ft area in Dubailand on the Al Qudra Road, it is the first real estate project in the emirate that focuses on the economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainability.

The project, being developed by Diamond Developers, features a host of initiatives to conserve resources, including energy-efficient housing designs and eco-friendly building materials.

Every aspect of the development has been designed to economically benefit residents, from its revenue-sharing schemes, and net zero service fees, to its wealth of employment opportunities.

The Sustainable City places a priority on nature, green spaces, health, education and recreational activities, with an emphasis on nurturing a sustainable lifestyle that is allied to a strong sense of community.

Al Tayer looked at different residential villas at the project, toured the city, and explored the barjeels, which have been built among each of the five communities in the city, said a statement from Dewa.

He was accompanied by Dr Yousef Al Akraf, the executive vie-president (business support and human resources) and Ahmed Abdullah, the senior manager of external communications.

Al Tayer also viewed the farm that was built as part of the project to grow fruits and vegetables, meeting the needs of the city. Al Tayer was also shown the 11 biodomes that were built to produce herbs, as well as sports facilities across the city, including football and basketball courts, a horse race track, a bicycle track, a running track, and other sport facilities as well as electric vehicle charging stations.

"Dewa’s vision is to ensure the emirate’s continuous growth and, at the same time, protect its natural resources and shape the future of energy in the region as a whole, to achieve sustainable development and promote the welfare of citizens, residents, and visitors, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come," remarked Al Tayer.

Lauding the city on its projects, the Dewa chief said it supports the Dubai utility's vision by distributing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations among the city’s parking facilities.

According to Al Tayer, Dewa has started installing and managing the required infrastructure to power electric vehicles, as part of its EV Green Charger initiative.

"Dubai Sustainable City enhances Dubai’s international position, making it a global pioneer for sustainability, competitiveness, and green economy," he added.

Lauding the Dewa team's visit, Faris Saeed, the CEO and co-founder of Diamond Developers, said: "It proved fruitful for both sides as we discussed enhancing relations and exchanging best practices and experiences in regard to smart and green cities and the reduction of carbon emissions."

"Dubai Sustainable City has created a platform by which Dubai’s real estate sustainability standard can be applied. The new city reflects the private sector’s commitment to carrying out the directives of the UAE, and of Dubai in particular, to support the UAE’s Green Growth Strategy," he added.-TradeArabia News Service