S'pore role in UAE eco-city?

Jan 19, 2009
By Jessica Cheam, in Abu Dhabi (Straits Times)
ABU DHABI: Singapore's expertise in water technology and energy could give local companies a head start for contracts to help build an ambitious eco-city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Talks are already under way for Singapore firms to participate in the futuristic project - known as the Masdar Initiative - which is estimated to cost an astonishing US$22billion (S$33billion).

Some of the expertise that local firms, including those in the Keppel Group, have accumulated from their involvement in a similar project - the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city - should also stand them in good stead for the UAE development.

Mr Khaled Awad, director of property development for Masdar, an Abu Dhabi energy company, told The Straits Times yesterday that the firm held talks with national water agency PUB and Singapore Power recently.

Mr Awad also indicated that the Masdar City team will meet executives involved in the Tianjin project next month to explore further areas of cooperation.

Tianjin, a project across 30sqkm, broke ground last year and is said to involve at least $5.8billion worth of investment.

For the full story, read Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times.