A hotel powered exclusively by solar energy is to open at Dubai’s ‘The Sustainable City’ development, which has been designed by Baharash Architecture.

Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed an agreement with Diamond Developers – who are leading the city project – to launch the UAE's second Hotel Indigo.

As well as being fully solar powered, all waste water produced by the hotel will be recycled, and all material waste will be sorted at source and then recycled. Additionally, a solar powered shuttle bus will connect guests to downtown Dubai.

The 170-room hotel will include a restaurant, health club and outdoor pool and is scheduled to open in the first half of 2017.

Aiming to be a regional leader in eco-tourism and global environmental protection, the Sustainable City will be Dubai’s first net zero energy city, covering an area of 5,000,000sq ft (464,515sq m). Diamond Developers selected Baharash Architecture to be the lead designer for the second phase of the project in 2013.

A museum, planetarium, amphitheatre and equestrian centre will feature in the development, alongside residences, a green school, a community centre, a mosque, solar covered parking lots and an organic farm.

“The Sustainable City will set the standard for environmental standards and will include a number of interesting tourist attractions, as well as venues to attract business events and meetings,” said Faris Saeed, CEO of Diamond Developers.

“Hotel Indigo is the perfect brand for this new community and with IHG’s strong track record of operating hotels in the UAE, we’re confident the hotel will be a success here.”