Abu Dhabi is hosting the World Future Energy Summit between 18 and 21 January - where international experts will examine sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by society's carbon based energy dependence.

City and municipal authorities have spearheaded a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing Abu Dhabi's sustainability credentials.

Among these initiatives is the introduction of building codes that will oblige contractors to construct buildings with specific regard to energy and water efficiency, in addition to easy accessibility, seismic parameters and improved fire safety.

The codes demand that materials and insulation make best use of the desert's fluctuating temperatures to reduce dependence in air conditioning.

Builders will also have to pay increasing regard to proper disposal of waste while ensuring that as much construction material as possible is recyclable and/or comes from recycled materials.

"Abu Dhabi's municipal system has taken a co-ordinated and ambitious approach to the challenges of sustainable development," said H.E. Rashid Al Hajeri, chairman of the Department of Municipal Affairs. "The World Future Energy Summit puts the spotlight firmly on our efforts and I am confident that Abu Dhabi will have much to showcase."