Masdar city to showcase its recent growth and business opportunities during Abu Dhabi sustainability week

Masdar City representatives will be showcasing the city's latest developments and achievements at the Masdar stand during the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), from January 20-22. Representatives will highlight the attractive business possibilities of the city's free zone and "One-Stop-Shop" service, which enables seamless registration and office leasing within Abu Dhabi's sustainable city. WFES is part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2014 - the largest gathering on sustainability in the Middle East. "We are excited to share with the Abu Dhabi business community the tremendous growth and investment possibilities that Masdar City offers," said Anthony Mallows, director of Masdar City. "As an economic free zone, and through our One-Stop Shop services, businesses have ease and flexibility to make Masdar the first choice when locating in Abu Dhabi or entering the Middle East. Today, business owners can register their companies online and save precious time when locating in one of the most sustainable cities in the world." Masdar City's One-Stop Shop is a platform where business owners can seamlessly register their companies. The service fast-tracks employees' visa processing and submits documents to various Abu Dhabi government agencies. After registration, businesses select the type of space that meets their requirements, ranging from work stations to custom designed buildings. One-Stop Shop also makes it easy for businesses to contract necessary supporting services, from translators to information technology providers. Masdar City's status as an economic free zone offers several competitive financial advantages to businesses. Firms based in Masdar City pay zero import tariffs and taxes, have no foreign currency restrictions and face no barriers on the movement of capital. The free zone also permits companies to maintain 100 percent foreign ownership. Masdar City grew in 2013. The city's nucleus, the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, more than doubled the size of its campus. In addition, over 30,000 m2 of commercial office buildings were added, housing more than 60 companies ranging from start-ups to multinational corporations. Separately, progress was also made in building the global headquarters for both Masdar and the International Renewable Energy Agency. "Much progress has been achieved this past year," said Mallows, "and we look forward to showcasing this year's developments and our plans for future growth at the World Future Energy Summit. "Masdar continues to pioneer a "greenprint" for how cities can accommodate for denser populations, while reducing energy, water and waste," added Mallows. "But sustainability also goes beyond resource efficiency - it's also about offering complete communities that enhance lifestyle and create an environment where people can live, work and play."