Since Mohamed Al Khadar assumed responsibility for development of Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council (UPC), the organization has seen a number of dramatic initiatives. UPC’s Estidama notably announced its joint development with Surouh in November 2012 of a sustainable villa, compliant with Estidama’s Pearl Rating system, and targeting 35% less energy and 25% less water usage compared with its consumptive conventional counterparts. Unveiling a life-size prototype at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, Al Khadar noted: “Energy efficiency is a crucial element of Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 as the emirate aims to double the rate of improvement of energy efficiency by that time. We all know that existing residential areas in the Emirate uses a substantial percentage of Abu Dhabi’s energy and water resources. By building sustainable homes to Estidama Pearl Rating System requirements, we create healthier, efficient and environmentally friendly communities, as well as a better return on their investment for villa owners.” The concept has already been integrated into Al Ain Ghareba Emirati Housing Project, a community of 600 villas with 2 Pearl Rating at design stage. In April this year UPC also unveiled a streamlined new development review stream (DRS) process aimed at a 31-63% reduction in issuing the approvals for new projects.