Solar farm to power Dubai's first eco-city

 Diamond Developers has announced plans to build Dubai's first sustainable city, which will include a solar power farm producing organic crops and will be 70 percent green space.

The company said in a statement that it had put the final touches on plans to develop the green city.

The project's electricity needs will be supplied by a solar energy farm and to combat growing water shortages in the region, waste and sewage water will be treated and recycled for irrigation purposes.

Faris Saeed, chairman of Diamond Developers, added that the city will also adopt several initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and will be waste free due to a fully integrated waste treatment system.

Residents will also be provided with a sustainable public transport system that includes solar energy powered vehicles and horses, he added.

"Green areas account for 70 percent of the total area and include gardens and farms engineered to produce organic food products for the nutritional requirements of the population.

"There will also be a solar energy farm and a green belt of 100,000 qaaf and palm trees, stretching along 8km in and around the city, that will be able to accommodate 2,500 families," Saeed said.

The city will also include a mosque, hospital, school and multi-use complex.

"Infrastructure and landscaping works will commence during the second half of this year," Saeed said, adding that the city would also include a resort of 143 rooms.

"Guests can expect a unique living encounter as they witness sustainable environmental practices first-hand. The experience will include environment-friendly products, organic foods and a sustainable transport system on horseback," Saeed added.

The project will be completed in four phases with the first slated for completion in 2013. The project will be ready in 2016.