Masdar City aims to be the first carbon neutral city in the world, using solar power, ecological architecture with passive energy balance and high energy efficiency, extensive recycling of waste, and a modern system of public transportation.

According to Masdar officials, the total projected investment for Masdar City is $22 billion, including $15 billion for Masdar renewable energy projects. People will start to move in by 2010 and the city will be completed in 2013.

The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) has been set up in cooperation with MIT to develop expertise in renewable energies.