How long does it take to walk through Masdar City?

A thorough self-guided walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. The distance is relatively short, around 2 kilometers, but you will want time to admire the architecture and ride the PRT pods.

Can I ride the driverless PRT pods?

Generally, yes. The Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) pods are available at the station located in the undercroft (parking level) and are a highlight of any visit. They usually operate during standard business hours.

What is the best time to visit Masdar City?

The best time is early morning, especially during the winter months (October to April). Even with the city's natural cooling features, the afternoon sun in Abu Dhabi can be intense.

Is Masdar City actually carbon neutral?

While the original goal was to be fully carbon neutral and zero waste, the city is currently a 'low-carbon' development that utilizes massive solar arrays and extreme energy efficiency to minimize its footprint.

Are there places to eat in Masdar City?

Yes, there are several cafes, a food court in the nearby My City Centre Masdar mall, and various restaurants located near the university and Siemens building.

Is the Masdar City walk wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the city was built with accessibility in mind. There are ramps, elevators, and flat paved surfaces throughout the entire pedestrian district.

How do I get to Masdar City from downtown Abu Dhabi?

It is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi. You can take a taxi or use public bus lines like the 160 or 161, which stop near the city's main entrance.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a living laboratory where the future of urban living is being written in the sands of Abu Dhabi. This self-guided walking route through Masdar City offers a rare glimpse into one of the world's most ambitious sustainable urban developments. Designed by the renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners, this neighborhood is more than just a collection of buildings; it is a masterclass in how traditional Arabic design can be fused with cutting-edge green technology. As you explore this walking route Abu Dhabi, you will discover how the city manages to stay significantly cooler than the surrounding desert without traditional air conditioning in its public spaces. Your journey begins at the innovative Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) station, where driverless electric pods hint at a post-car world. From there, you will navigate a grid of narrow, shaded streets modeled after ancient Middle Eastern citadels, designed to funnel breezes and provide natural cooling. A major highlight of this neighborhood stroll is the iconic Wind Tower, a 45-meter tall structure that captures upper-level winds and directs them downward to cool the central plaza. This architectural marvel is a modern interpretation of the traditional 'barjeel' found in historic Emirati homes. As you travel through the district, you will encounter the headquarters of global organizations like Siemens and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). These structures are not just offices; they are LEED Platinum-certified landmarks that push the boundaries of energy efficiency and water conservation. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a science buff, or simply a curious traveler, this self-guided walk provides an immersive experience in a 'city of the future' that is already standing today. Unlike a typical walking tour Abu Dhabi, this independent exploration allows you to linger at the solar installations and study the intricate facade designs at your own pace, witnessing firsthand how Abu Dhabi is leading the global transition toward renewable energy and sustainable living. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

Experience the driverless Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) pods

Stand beneath the 45-meter modern Wind Tower

Admire the LEED Platinum-certified Siemens Energy Building

Explore the world's first research university dedicated to AI

See the sustainable headquarters of IRENA

Walk through narrow, naturally cooled 'canyon' streets

Tour Stops (6)

Masdar PRT Station

Welcome to the gateway of the future. The Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system was one of Masdar City's most famous early promises: a network of driverless electric pods that would replace private cars. While the city has evolved since its inception, these pods remain a functional and fascinating part of the infrastructure. As you stand in the station, you are in the 'undercroft' or basement level of the city. Notice how the entire pedestrian city is built on a raised platform to separate people from the utility and transport systems below. These pods use magnets embedded in the floor to navigate. It is a quiet, clean, and efficient vision of what urban transit can look like when we move away from fossil fuels.

Masdar City Wind Tower

Rising 45 meters above the central plaza, this steel structure is a modern reimagining of the traditional Arabic wind tower, or barjeel. Its purpose is purely functional: it captures the cooler breezes from higher altitudes and directs them down to the ground level, significantly lowering the temperature of the plaza for pedestrians. At the top, louvers open and close to catch the wind from any direction. Inside the tower, misting devices can be activated to further cool the air through evaporation. This is a perfect example of how Masdar City blends ancient regional wisdom with modern engineering to solve the challenges of living in a desert climate without relying on heavy air conditioning.

Siemens Energy Building

This striking structure is the regional headquarters for Siemens and stands as one of the most sustainable office buildings in the Middle East. It achieved LEED Platinum status by reducing energy consumption by nearly 50% compared to standard office buildings. Look closely at the exterior; the building is wrapped in a high-performance 'exoskeleton' of aluminum fins. These fins provide shade to the glass windows, preventing the sun's heat from entering while still allowing plenty of natural light to reach the desks inside. The building's design also creates a shaded public space underneath it, acting like a giant umbrella for the street below, further proving that smart architecture can create its own microclimate.

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence

You are standing near the heart of global AI research. The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is the first graduate-level, research-based AI university in the world. The architecture here continues the theme of sustainability, with terracotta-colored facades that mimic the hues of the desert sand. The buildings are spaced closely together to create narrow 'canyon' streets, which maximize shade throughout the day. This density is a deliberate design choice to encourage walking and social interaction among students and researchers. As you walk past, consider how this institution represents Abu Dhabi's shift from an oil-based economy to a knowledge-based one, focusing on the technologies of tomorrow.

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Headquarters

The IRENA headquarters is a landmark of international cooperation. As the first intergovernmental organization to be headquartered in the Middle East, its presence here is a powerful statement. The building itself is a marvel of efficiency, featuring over 1,000 square meters of solar panels on its roof that provide a significant portion of its electricity. The high-performance tinted glass and external sunshades reduce the cooling load, while low-flow water fixtures help conserve one of the desert's most precious resources. The building’s design is inspired by the movement of the wind and the patterns of the desert, blending the mission of the agency with the physical environment of the UAE.

Masdar City Central Area

This central hub serves as a gathering point for the Masdar community. From here, you can see how the different elements of the city come together—educational facilities, corporate offices, and retail spaces. The ground floor often hosts temporary exhibits or pop-up markets focused on sustainability and local startups. Take a moment to walk through the shaded corridors and notice the lack of noise; without cars, the city has a peaceful, library-like atmosphere. The landscaping uses drought-tolerant plants and recycled water, ensuring that even the greenery adheres to the city's strict environmental standards. It is the perfect place to reflect on the balance between urban growth and ecological responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Masdar City is an open residential and commercial district that is free for the public to enter and explore independently. There are no entry gates or tickets required for the outdoor walking route.