Have you ever wondered how green it is where you live? Not just due to green spaces and landscaping, but rather to do with climate change and what the community is doing to combat this threat. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution for how a community should or can go green, Dubai’s Sustainable City has taken definitive steps and strategies to become, no surprise here, sustainable. Even the residents are well-known throughout Dubai for their environmentally friendly personas.

Established in 2015, The Sustainable City is the first zero-energy development in the United Arab Emirates. Built to converse energy, surprisingly, the community has not compromised on the extravagance of the residences or their lifestyle amenities. Solar panels, car-free zones, and urban farming abound amidst the lush greenery and family-friendly atmosphere, all within easy reach of Dubai’s urban facilities and attractions.

With villas, townhomes, and apartments, the community features nature-inspired architecture and, as of mid-2022, has saved over 12,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Residents are highly encouraged to use public transport and drive electrically charged cars to reduce pollution. With a four-kilometre hacking track belonging to its Equestrian Club, horse and buggy use are also encouraged! About 250 electric vehicle charging stations have been installed throughout The Sustainable City for resident cars and the electric buses (which residents can ride for free) which run in the community.

Situated on over 110 acres, The Sustainable City is divided into five residential clusters, each adjoined to an urban farm. The urban farms form the Central Green Spine, which incorporates 11 bio-dome greenhouses for a total capacity of urban farming of over 3,000 square metres. Each residential cluster has its own park, and with no cars allowed to drive around once you’re inside, there’s plenty of space for your children to play or ride their bikes outside safely.

Facilities inside include basketball and tennis courts, a football pitch, cycling and running tracks, and The Plaza, home to supermarkets, eateries, cafés, and other services.