Abu Dhabi publishes comprehensive Urban Plan for city's evolution

Details were also revealed of a newly established body to oversee the implementation of the plan and the further development of urban planning policy.

Under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Abu Dhabi an Urban Planning Council (UPC) has been created. The UPC will be Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Chairman of the Executive Council and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The Council's membership is designed to ensure that all government policy portfolios relevant to the comprehensive urban plan are represented. Membership of the Urban Planning Council is as follows:

H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council (Chairman)

H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority (Deputy Chairman)

H.E. Mohamed Al Bowardi, Secretary General of the Executive Council

H.E. Dr. Jou'an Salem Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Agriculture

H.E. Abdullah Rashid Al Otaiba, Chairman of the Department of Transport

H.E. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority

H.E. Nasser Al Sowaidi, Chairman of the Department of Planning and Economy

H.E. Majid Al Mansoori, Secretary General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi

The urban plan for Abu Dhabi has been created to deliver upon the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, for the continued fulfillment of the grand design envisaged by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the ongoing evolution of Abu Dhabi as a global capital city.

The publication follows a briefing of the heads of Abu Dhabi's leading real estate companies, attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Speaking after the release of the plan, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said:

'This urban plan provides a strong and comprehensive foundation for the development of the city of Abu Dhabi, in a strategic and coordinated way. It will ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy and be inspired by ongoing access to the desert, sea and natural assets that are integral to our national identity, while building a global capital with its own rich cultural heritage.'

The Plan Abu Dhabi 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan was developed by an international urban planning taskforce involving the world's best urban planning and community development experts, working in close consultation with the Government.

Over a period of more than twelve months, this taskforce was mandated with two key tasks: to create a comprehensive urban plan to guide the evolution of Abu Dhabi to the year 2030, and to create clear recommendations on the most effective regulatory and institutional framework to manage urban development in Abu Dhabi into the future.

Through ten individual policy statements, the plan specifies land uses, building heights and transportation plans for the entire metropolitan area of Abu Dhabi.

Under the plan, the city is projected to grow to over three million people by 2030. As such, the plan provides for large new areas of Emirati housing, inspired by the traditional family structures of the local community, and a diverse mix of affordable housing options for all the citizens and residents of Abu Dhabi.

The Plan Abu Dhabi 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan is based on the following principles, which will guide the development of the city for the next quarter of a century:

Abu Dhabi will be a contemporary expression of an Arab city, which has people living, doing, and thriving in healthy supportive proximity to each other.

Abu Dhabi will continue its practice of measured growth reflecting a sustainable economy, rather than an uncontrolled growth.

Abu Dhabi will respect, be scaled to, and shaped by the natural environment of sensitive coastal and desert ecologies.

Abu Dhabi will manifest its role and stature as a capital city.

Abu Dhabi's urban fabric and community infrastructure will enable the values, social arrangements, culture and mores of this Arab community.

The new Urban Planning Council has been established to oversee the implementation of the plan, and ensure it is updated over time to continue meeting the Emirate's needs.

As the factors driving the demand for urban development evolve over time, the plan will be adjusted accordingly.

The Urban Planning Council will also facilitate constructive dialogue between the public and private sectors involved in the real estate and property development sector in Abu Dhabi.

The private sector was also widely consulted in the development of the Plan Abu Dhabi 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan, and has been formally briefed on its contents.

Falah Al Ahbabi, who has been appointed General Manager of the Urban Planning Council stated that:

'Today's publication represents an unparalleled opportunity for the real estate sector to express their entrepreneurial and creative spirit within the coordinated framework of a strong and decisive plan for the city. It is essential that the public and private sectors work together to achieve the vision laid out by the Government in an environment that can be beneficial for everyone.'