ABU DHABI 11 February 2020: Over half (55%) of the world’s population lives in urban areas, a figure expected to climb to 68% by 2050 – but how many people know what’s underneath a modern city?
National Geographic Abu Dhabi’s new 44-minute documentary film ‘Modern Cities – The Building Blocks’ and four associated short vignettes explore what makes up the often-unseen infrastructure that we take for granted, but which is vital to keep residents moving such as the supply of fresh water, electricity and data; the education of youth and healthcare for all.
Hosted by Emirati TV presenter Ahmed Almarzooqi , Modern Cities – The Building Blocks takes audiences on a journey around the UAE’s cutting-edge infrastructure – including housing, hospitals, schools and roads – focusing on the work of Abu Dhabi General Services Company (Musanada); the Abu Dhabi government entity responsible for the development of the urban infrastructure and the driving of the capital’s world-class residential communities and sustainable living standards.
Heading back in time to the 18th century, the documentary also touches on the history of civil engineering – a discipline the average human unknowingly depends on most waking moments; and for the 2.9 million residents of Abu Dhabi, much of work has only been done in the last 50 years. From having no paved roads, schools or electricity in 1965, the emirate rapidly developed a modern infrastructure, driving the country’s economy, guaranteeing ease of mobility, and enhancing quality of life.
Today, Musanada continues this work with the implementation of health projects, residential projects and infrastructure projects such as roads and public services networks. Modern Cities – The Building Blocks provides previously unseen insights into some of the projects the entity has successfully implemented such as a 4.4 billion Dirham integrated medical facility Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City – set to be one of the most globally modern hospitals and the largest hospital in the UAE.
Modern Cities – The Building Blocks will premiere on National Geographic Abu Dhabi on February 13 at 10 pm UAE time / 9 pm KSA time.
