Masdar City in Abu Dhabi has revealed the start of a major sustainable project called The Link. Covering 30,000 square meters, The Link will be the region’s first net-zero energy shared living and working facility. With four low-carbon buildings that offer event spaces, retail options, recreational facilities, and outdoor plazas, this project is poised to bring over 2,000 new jobs to the UAE.
Dutco, a prominent construction company in the UAE, will lead the project as the main contractor. The design for The Link was created by EDGE. The Link is a significant initiative for the area’s sustainable development and will achieve numerous high-level sustainability criteria, including LEED Platinum, WELL Gold, 4 Pearl PBRS Estidama, and LEED SmartPark Silver.
With the use of renewable energy sources, the project is predicted to significantly reduce energy consumption. Along with specific business and commercial areas, the property will provide residential units in a range of sizes. A play area-filled courtyard, a health space, and other amenities will be available to residents. The ground level of the commercial space will have retail alternatives, according to Zawya. The Link is part of Masdar City’s plan for sustainable urban development and aims to connect shared working and living spaces with other community amenities, said a top official.
“It will model a new kind of sustainable community by connecting shared working and living space with other elements of a thriving neighbourhood, including places to shop, play, and relax, and local transportation,” remarked its Acting CEO Ahmed Baghoum. “It is a key component of Masdar City’s ‘green-print’ for sustainable urban development and a wonderful way to honour this Year of Sustainability as the UAE prepares to host COP 28,” he added.
Dutco Executive Director Zayed Baker said Masdar City’s rich legacy of sustainable construction and innovation make them an ideal partner for us. “We’re honored to be bringing this historic development to life,” he noted “Dutco was selected in large part due to their high in-country-value (ICV) certification score, which represents the value they will add to the UAE economy,” he added.
EDGE Managing Director Martin Baerschmidt said: “Our priority was integrating the international sustainability principles that Masdar City is known for with world-class living, working, and recreational space to create a truly iconic architectural landmark and community experience. Because of its use of renewable energy sources, the project is expected to greatly reduce energy consumption. In addition to specific business and commercial areas, the property will offer a range of residential units. Residents will have access to amenities such as a courtyard with play areas, a health space, and other facilities. The ground level of the commercial space will feature retail options.
