ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the focus from the realm of ideas to the physical world. The development of projects for eco-cities is today a tangible phenomenon. Ideas of cities in balance with nature have been formulated for centuries. Images of built environments blending with the natural environment have been drawn and painted since the beginning of urbanization. The geographical context of the Masdar City project is Abu Dhabi, the largest and most powerful state of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Economic Vision 2030 is the heart of Vision 2030 and fully encapsulates the philosophy of development cultivated by Abu Dhabi’s government. The document presents a policy roadmap produced by a multinational taskforce, ‘to guide the evolution of the economy of Abu Dhabi through to the year 2030’ and ultimately ‘build a sustainable economy’. Masdar City is a master-planned settlement under development from scratch in the desert of Abu Dhabi.
