If even the United Arab Emirates (one of the world's most oil-rich nations) are investing heavily in technologies based on renewable sources and environmental sustainability, there can be only two reasons: either oil is truly drying up, or renewables are big business.

Abu Dhabi's Masdar Institute, a non-profit, independent entity established with the assistance of the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), offers Masters and PhD programs in Science and Engineering disciplines, focusing on the field of sustainable technologies.
One of the most interesting projects is the construction of Masdar's Special Free Zone (SFZ), a unique, integrated green community in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
Covering six square kilometres, the zone will be home to the Institute, laboratories, development units, light industry, and residential units.
All will be inspired strictly by energy efficiency, sustainable practises, resource recycling, respect for biodiversity, and transportation and green building standards.
Every building will be designed and constructed to provide a model for sustainable living and working. Once this rigorously carbon-free community is developed, Masdar will export its know-how to build other sustainable communities that will serve as a model for a new urban sustainability.