Charrette to create sustainable framework plan for Abu Dhabi's Western Region 'Al Gharbia'

It was jointly organized with Western Region Development Council (WRDC) and the Western Region Municipality and participants included regional, municipal and UPC officials, government agencies and a number of international experts in the fields of urban and environmental planning, sustainable infrastructure, urban design and architecture, and health services.

The charrette, a creative process used by design professionals to develop and urban and regional plan planning process, consisted of a series of workshop and professional planning sessions that utilized the most current demographic and economic studies. It represents the beginning of a six month planning program to create framework plans for Al Gharbia which will guide future growth in the region, define the roles of selected settlements, identify environmental and cultural protected areas, and create plans for transportation, infrastructure, health services and other activities essential to the success of the region.

Al Gharbia is a 60,000 square kilometer area containing the richest oil and gas reserves in the UAE. It possesses significant environmental and cultural resources, including the Liwa Oasis, Sir Baniyas ecological reserve, the world's largest sand dunes, rich coral reefs and long stretches of sandy beaches. Al Gharbia borders Saudi Arabia and Qatar and is comprised of seven main towns: Madinat Zayed, Mirfa, Liwa, Ghayathi, Sila'a, Ruwais and Dalma.

H.E Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, the UPC's General Manager, explained at the charrette session how Al Gharbia has a unique identity by retaining its highly traditional heritage values, culture and Bedouin origin.

Al Ahbabi said:

"Abu Dhabi 2030's urban planning model is a case study on how a nation can make the best strategic use of oil revenues and foreign direct investment to develop a diversified, competitive and knowledge-based economy which not only sustains cosmopolitan infrastructures but also retains a nation's unique cultural identity."

"With this objective, UPC has undertaken a long-term plan for the region (Plan Al Gharbia 2030) starting with the charrette which will now enable us to put together a Regional Structure Framework (RSF) Plan. A team of multi-disciplinary national experts from Abu Dhabi and around the world conducted site visits generating and framing recommendations to guide Al Gharbia's future development," he added.

Results of the charrette session will be presented and discussed with the communities early next year.

"The foresight to plan for infrastructure ahead of time prompts us to involve members of the community with urban planning experts as a consistent and necessary step to demonstrate the importance of citizens' collaboration in the implementation of the Plan and in the building of next generations' future. By promoting a multidimensional view of regional urban concepts, UPC is fulfilling its role as an agent of social and economic development," explained Al Ahbabi.

Al Ahbabi went on to elaborate that the Plan Al Gharbia 2030 is in line with Plan Abu Dhabi 2030's key strategic development themes and guiding principles which have provided a blueprint for the capital's long-term success while ensuring environmental sustainability and preserving the Emirate's rich unique culture This Plan is centered around fostering a diversified economic development, enhancing efficient and effective transportation links. Plan Al Gharbia 2030 projects a vision of a harmonious society that is diversified, and culturally rich.

HE Hmoud Humaid Al Mansori, General Manager of Western Region Municipality, praised the keen interest of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE and HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed AL Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces in developing the western region and setting an expansion road map for the region in all economic aspects that serves the citizens and residents.

Al Mansori explained that the planning sessions organized in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) and the Western Region Development Council (WRDC) have set the way towards a clear development plan for citizens, developers and investors and highlighted main future projects and their geographical distribution as per demographic needs.