Government of Dubai awards major contract for 'Urban Development Framework Project'

The project, expected to be completed in 14 months, seeks to create an innovative, flexible and fully integrated development planning and management framework for Dubai to the year 2020 and beyond.

Urbis won the contract out of four consortia which were shortlisted from a total of 39 companies which were in the race.

A key driver for the vision of Dubai is the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 (DSP). The DSP articulates the collective vision and strategy of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and the emirate's leadership. It focuses on economic development, social development, security, justice and safety, infrastructure, land and environment and public sector excellence.

HE Ahmad Bin Bayat, Secretary General of Dubai Executive Council, said: 'Dubai has been globally recognised as one of the most dynamic and fast growing economies. The scale and pace of this development are being fuelled by the launch of spectacular and innovative mega real estate projects and other investment opportunities, which have exceeded expectations.

'The DUDF is an ambitious plan and places particular emphasis on the need for innovative thinking, while leading to the creation of new and exciting approaches to Dubai's city planning. The Framework will also serve as the vehicle for translating DSP into an appropriate set of strategies, special plans, policies and guidelines.'

The DUDF project will be guided by the Urban Planning Committee (UPC) of Dubai Government and by HE Ahmad Bin Bayat. The UPC has key stakeholders including Dubai Municipality, the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Land Department, and The Executive Office, as well as developers like Dubai Holdings, EMAAR and Nakheel.

Technical experts from each of these organizations will be part of a Task Force which will help prepare the DUDF. The project will be administered by the Executive Council Secretariat and managed and directed by Dubai-based multi-disciplinary consultants, Halcrow Group.

An Advisory Panel, which will have specialists and representatives from globally-recognised companies as members, will be formed to provide independent guidance to the project.

The DUDF will have three key modules:
1) A Vision for Dubai;
2) An integrated City and Regional Development Planning Framework and…
3) A Legal and Institutional Framework.

The long term Vision will provide clear direction and establish shared aspirations for the city-region, particularly in improving environmental, economic and social sustainability and business conditions in the city. It will develop quality of life targets, seeking to firmly position Dubai within the short list of the world's most 'liveable' places.

The Emirate-wide 'City and Regional Planning Framework' will seek to establish a strong integration between the increasingly complex governmental, quasi-governmental and private stakeholder relationships of the city. Key elements of the Framework will include: integrated land use and mobility, housing provision, economic and demographic growth, urban character and design, heritage management, integrated community facilities provision, civic harmony and sustainability strategy.

A new 'Legal and Institutional Framework' will assist in directing, managing and monitoring all planning and development activities in Dubai. An appropriate urban management framework will be developed, identifying required resources, expertise and implementation 'tools'.

In order to complement the new Institutional Framework, a modern, flexible and responsive system of statutory regulations and other guidelines and instruments, capable of handling the complex and unique Dubai context, will be developed.

The Dubai Urban Development Framework will be without doubt, a significant opportunity for Dubai to determine and define its future and to maintain its position as one of the world's leading cities.