PM Modi visits Masdar planned city project in Abu Dhabi

Masdar planned city is an eco-friendly zone, which relies on solar and other renewable energy sources for its energy requirements

On the second day of his two-day UAE visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday toured the Masdar City, a hub of cleantech and science and technology innovation.

The authorities briefed the Prime Minister about various aspects of the zero-carbon smart city, situated around 17 kilometres South-East of Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital.

"Science is life," Modi digitally wrote in visitors' book at Masdar city.

Modi was seen taking keen interest in various aspect of the city built on innovative scientific ideas.

"Discussing urban development and next generation urban spaces at Masdar City," he tweeted.

The Prime Minister also had a ride in a self-driving car, part of Masdar city's Private Rapid Transit or PRT.

"We have heard about BRT. Masdar City has PRT or Private Rapid Transit," he said in another tweet.

A group of Indians had gathered in Masdar to have a glimpse of Modi who was seen waving hands at the crowd.

"Pondering the possibilities. PM @narendramodi discusses the future of urban innovation with Masdar City's architects," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in a tweet along with a picture of Modi's visit to the unique city.

Modi arrived here yesterday on a two-day visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years.

Within hours of his arrival, Modi visited the historic Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque. The mosque is third largest in the world after the ones in Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

He had also interacted with Indian workers at their camps I-CAD to know the problems they face and discussed ways Indian government can help them.