Foundations Newsletter

Enjoying the streets of Masdar City

Welcome to Masdar City

Masdar City

 On Tuesday 28^th and Wednesday 29^th October, every Level  4 section at Al Ain Women’s College had the opportunity to visit Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. The purpose of the trip was to increase students’ awareness of environmental issues; a topic which frequently occurs in the IELTS examination. It also gave the students the chance to see at first hand important and innovative projects in their own country.

On arrival at the main PRT (Personal Rapid Transport) station, the groups were met by Shaima, the Masdar representative. We found out that Shaima is, in fact, a HCT Diploma graduate from ADWC  and she recalled to the students that she had been asked to write about an environmental issue when she did her IELTS examination which reinforced the value of the visit. Shaima was an attentive and informative guide throughout our visit. The students were first shown a detailed scale model of the four units of Masdar City and Shaima showed us the attractions we would see on our route.

Shaima showing the students the model of Masdar

 We were then shuttled across in groups of four to the Knowledge Centre on the Personal Rapid Transport system in an automated pod car. The students thought that this experience was like a scene from a futuristic science fiction film.

The automated pod car

Inside the pod car

 At the Knowledge Centre, Shaima explained how the curved roof maximised the collection of photovoltaic energy via the PV panels. The students (and staff) then had the opportunity to sign the digital guest book which turns digital signatures into art forms. There were some interesting results!

Using the digital guest book

 We were then taken outside through the pleasant pedestrian friendly courtyards and streets. There were seating areas, plants and water features which gave the area a very relaxed feel.  The city is home to the Masdar Institute – a graduate level research university dedicated to advancing renewable energy and sustainable technologies.

The most obvious feature in this area is the Masdar Wind Tower. Its design is based on traditional domestic Arabian cooling systems. Standing 45m tall, the tower captures the cooler upper level breezes and directs them down to the public square at its base. This also results in condensation and provides a cooling light shower for those underneath!

 After a walking tour of the city, the students had time to get some lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants around the central area before returning to Al Ain. Reaction to the trip was very positive from all participants and thanks must go to Iain Murphy, the AAWC faculty member who planned, organised and led the trip. The students thought that the trip was very beneficial for their knowledge and vocabulary related to this topic and would provide them with material which will be of use, especially in the speaking and writing sections of the IELTS examination.

Masdar Wind Tower