Further information
Khaled Awad, Director, Property Development, Masdar Initiative, presents this lectutre.
Abstract: In April 2006, the Abu Dhabi government launched the Masdar Initiative, a multifaceted economic program aiming at diversifying Abu Dhabi’s economy and at developing a strategic thrust in advanced energy and sustainability. One of the most visible components of Masdar is the development of a sustainable urban model aiming at zero carbon emission, zero waste and hosting a cleantech cluster. The presentation will describe Masdar and the complex challenges of developing a city with the highest quality of life yet with the lowest environmental footprint. It will also highlight the importance of having a live lab for systems and technologies with global impact. Finally it will address the role of research and academia in the city development with a focus on the value of city modelling as a prerequisite to the success of the city.
Biography: Khaled Awad is the director of Property Development at the Masdar Initiative. He oversees the development of emission free MASDAR City, the world’s first carbon–neutral city, which will soon become home to a population of 90,000 made up of 40,000 residents and 50,000 daily commuters. Prior to joining MASDAR, Mr. Awad worked in the construction industry in the Arabian Gulf for more than 24 years. He was the founder and CEO of various construction and real estate companies, dealing with the supply and IT side of the industry as well as concept development of large-scale projects.
To register please email v.harding@imperial.ac.uk.