Abu Dhabi, UAE, March 10, 2015

Sigmar Gabriel, German vice chancellor and minister for economic affairs and energy, and a delegation of senior officials yesterday visited Masdar. The delegation also toured Masdar City, one of the world's most sustainable urban developments, and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in a visit that underscores the alignment between the UAE and Germany on the importance of developing and adopting clean technology and renewable energy.

H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, minister of state and chairman of Masdar, Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company, provided Vice Chancellor Gabriel with an overview of Masdar's projects and achievements, followed by a guided tour of Masdar City and the Siemens Middle East headquarters, which celebrated its first anniversary of operations last month.

"We welcome the Abu Dhabi leadership's pioneering vision and the climate and renewable energy target. A proactive role especially of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries will be crucial for an agreement at the climate conference in Paris," said Vice Chancellor Gabriel. "Masdar City gives a wonderful vision of a sustainable urban development in the region that can spur a new wave of innovative design and engineering, like the LEED Platinum Siemens Headquarters."

After the guided tour, Vice Chancellor Gabriel, H.E. Dr. Al Jaber and senior government officials held a private discussion focusing on issues such as addressing climate change and advancing clean technology and renewables.

"The UAE and Germany have longstanding relations and share many common goals, one of which is ensuring sustainable development through the advancement and adoption of renewable energy and clean technology. The UAE shares Germany's conviction that sustainability is not only the most responsible way forward, but also makes commercial sense," said H.E. Dr. Al Jaber. "Through bilateral talks such as these, we look for ways to strengthen the relationship between Germany and the UAE by working in areas of common interest."

Following the guided tour, Vice Chancellor Gabriel visited the recently completed headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency, which is located in Masdar City. The IRENA headquarters is the first office building in Abu Dhabi to receive the Four Pearl Estidama rating for sustainable construction.

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About Masdar
Masdar is Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company which works to advance the development, commercialization and deployment of clean energy technologies and solutions. The company serves as a link between today's fossil fuel economy and the energy economy of the future. Wholly owned by the Mubadala Development Company PJSC, the strategic investment company of the Government of Abu Dhabi, Masdar is dedicated to the Emirates' long-term vision for the future of energy and water.

For more information please visit: www.masdar.ae and connect: facebook.com/masdar.ae et twitter.com/masdar

© Press Release 2015