Masdar City: Community, Transportation, & Lifestyle (2025 Overview)

Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, is a mixed-use development established in 2006, designed to be the world's first city powered entirely by clean and renewable alternative energy sources. 

Exclusively built on principles of sustainability, innovation, and low-carbon living, this development focuses on developing a city with minimal pollution and waste, promoting a smarter, greener urban lifestyle. 

This guide will provide a detailed overview of Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, revealing how it continues to shape the future of urban life in the UAE.

What is Masdar City in Abu Dhabi? 

Masdar City is a pioneering urban development in the southeast of Abu Dhabi, developed by Masdar, a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company. It was envisioned as a global model for low-carbon, high-tech living, combining residential, commercial, and research zones.

The development of the first six buildings in Masdar City is already completed and operational, but a portion of the area is still under planning and execution stages. 

Upon full completion, Masdar City will accommodate around 50,000 residents and 1,500 eco-focused companies specialising in renewable energy, clean technologies, and sustainable design.

“Since 2006, Masdar has become one of the world’s largest renewable energy investors and drivers of the energy transition. Our momentum will see us accelerate global clean energy growth, expand our renewable energy footprint, and play a vital role in delivering the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.”

 HE Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber,

UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar

Architecture & Sustainable Focus 

Masdar City’s architecture blends traditional Arab design principles with advanced environmental technologies. The city’s layout maximises natural airflow and minimises solar heat gain - reducing energy use by up to 40%.

Solar power is central to Masdar’s infrastructure, with one of the largest rooftop photovoltaic installations in the Middle East, supplying clean electricity to its buildings.

This urban community strategically combines residential and business complexes, proving to be a popular investment opportunity.

Community Overview

Masdar City is built to accommodate a diverse community of residents, businesses, and researchers. It already houses landmark institutions such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Masdar Incubator Building, home to over 260 clean-tech companies.

Living in Masdar City is economically sustainable - lower utility consumption, smart infrastructure, and energy-efficient homes make it cost-effective while maintaining high quality of life.

The community features a pedestrian-friendly layout, broad walkways, and cycling routes, promoting wellness and connectivity.

Amenities and Facilities

• Markets & Retail: Carrefour, Grandways Supermarket, Planet Market, and Qaryat Al Beri Market.

• Schools & Universities: Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi University, Mohammed bin Zayed University for Human Sciences, and Horizon Private School.

• Healthcare: Mediclinic Baniyas, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Rahba Hospital, and Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children.

• Hotels: Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Airport, W Abu Dhabi, Radisson Blu Yas Island, and Al Raha Beach Hotel.

Masdar City Location and Transportation 

Masdar City is located near Abu Dhabi International Airport, roughly 17 km from the city centre, and easily accessible via Abu Dhabi–Al Shahama Road.

Public Transportation in Masdar City

Masdar City promotes sustainable mobility, allowing a variety of transit options ranging from the NAVYA system, the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system, and the Eco-Bus. They provide convenient transportation options to move around the area. 

Residents and visitors have the option to use private conveyance or bus service to go outside of the sustainable Masdar City. 

There are multiple bus stops in Masfar City, serviced by Bus K3. Some of these bus stations are MBZ University of Artificial Intelligence Bus Stop, Al Ibda St / IRENA HQ Bus Stop, and the MASDAR Eco Residences Bus Stop.

Private Transportation in Masdar City 

All residential and commercial buildings in Masdar City have spacious car parking facilities. Residents of Masdar City use environmentally friendly vehicles, including electric cars, buses, and public transport powered by clean energy. 

Visitors benefit from secure parking and the option of self-driving cars with advanced safety features for getting around the city. While traditional public transport is not available inside Masdar City, the nearest stop, the Masdar Institute bus stop, is just a 10-minute drive away.

Areas and Landmarks Near Masdar City

Masdar City shares its neighborhood with many prime areas in Abu Dhabi, the most notable of which is Khalifa City. It is also directly linked to Abu Dhabi Al Shahama Road.

Additionally, it features many wide roads surrounding its borders, including Al Rawafid Street, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, and Al Ashush Street. 

Landmarks Near Masdar City

• Yas Marina Circuit: 4.7 km

• Yas Waterworld: 6.7 km

• Yas Marina : 4.3 km

• Ferrari World: 6.4 km

• Du Stadium: 6 km

• Entertainment City Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi: 7.2 km

• The headquarters building of the Dar: 4.5 km

• Higher Colleges of Technology/Abu Dhabi Women’s College: 2.4 km

Lifestyle in Masdar City 

Masdar City’s lifestyle blends eco-conscious living with modern convenience. It offers malls, cafes, beaches, and parks, all within a short distance.

Shopping & Dining

Malls: My City Centre Masdar, Yas Mall, Al Raha Mall, Forsan Central Mall.
Restaurants: Kababji Grill, Boxis, SushiArt, The Burgeri, Thyme, and Chili’s.
Cafés: Starbucks, Caribou Coffee, Home Bakery Masdar Park, and Costa Coffee.

Beach and Parks

Residents can access Yas Beach, Al Zeina, and Saadiyat Public Beach. 

Nearby green spaces include Masdar Garden and New Airport Park, offering shaded leisure areas and family-friendly zones.

Sports & Wellness

Masdar Park features a football field, basketball court, and 5.6 km cycling and jogging trail.

Nearby, Pilatiq Fitness Studio and CT Style Salon cater to health and grooming needs.

Leisure Activities

The Al Ghazal Golf Club (12 minutes away) and Al Forsan International Sports Resort provide diverse activities from golf and motorsport to equestrian training.

Community Events

Masdar City frequently hosts sustainability festivals, family-friendly workshops, and public awareness campaigns that celebrate green innovation and urban sustainability.

Flexible Workspace Solutions in Abu Dhabi Near Masdar City 

In a city defined by innovation, access to flexible workspaces is essential. The Executive Centre (TEC) provides modern, premium office solutions for businesses operating in or near Masdar City.

From private offices and coworking spaces to virtual offices, meeting rooms, event venues, and scalable enterprise suites, TEC solutions are designed to meet the highest standards of flexibility, technology, and productivity. Strategically located in ADGM, one of the world's leading financial hubs, at Al Maryah and Al Sila Towers. 

For more details, request a quote, call +971 2 411 0500, or WhatsApp +971 4 526 4710. 

Key Takeaways

• Masdar City is a sustainable urban community in Abu Dhabi powered by renewable energy.

• Home to over 50,000 residents and 1,500 eco-focused companies.

• It combines eco-friendly architecture, clean transport, and smart urban design.

• Offers modern amenities including schools, hospitals, parks, and malls.

• Located minutes from Abu Dhabi Airport, with fast access to Yas Island and Khalifa City.

• TEC provides flexible workspace solutions nearby at ADGM’s Al Maryah and Al Sila Towers.