Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council receives approval for three pivotal master plans

These master plans are slated to transform the UAE capital into the sustainable Arab capital and a major international hub.

The complete details of the three highly anticipated master plans, which include the Capital District Concept Plan, Khalifa B Master Plan and Shahama and Bahia Revitalisation Plan, will be unveiled at the upcoming 2009 edition of Cityscape Abu Dhabi, a major real estate and development exhibition.

On this occasion, H.E. Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), highlighted that the approval of the three master plans is a major step towards the realization of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 and expressed his gratitude to Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and appreciation of his support to Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. Al Hababi also emphasized that the expertise, commitment and world-class practice of UPC will ensure the successful implementation of the approved master plans so as to position Abu Dhabi among the top international capitals in terms of innovative and sustainable urban planning.

Once completed the 4,500 hectare Capital District Concept Plan, will serve as a second government and economic center in Abu Dhabi and would eventually be a sustainable, vibrant, compact, mixed-use city of 370,000 residents. The Capital District would comprise high density transit oriented communities, major universities, hospitals and knowledge-based employment sectors, as well as a lower density residential neighborhood. At the heart of the District will be local and national government infrastructure, federal buildings, embassies and international institutions. All these will be housed within a single precinct that would ultimately manifest Abu Dhabi's role as the Federal Capital City of the United Arab Emirates.

Initiated by the UPC in August 2008, the Khalifa B Master Plan consists of three main components. First, a master plan for the existing neighborhood that implements the UPC's vision of quality public spaces and community facilities. A second master plan focuses on creating a vibrant new mixed-use area between the existing neighborhood and the highway and the third component is the design guidelines for the development of a high quality neighborhood that integrates into existing neighborhood and caters to resident needs.

The UPC has also approved for the Revitalisation plan for the communities of Shahama and Bahia along the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway first unveiled in June last year. This approval means that the project driven by the UPC in partnership with Emirates Foundation will stimulate growth in existing areas of the district for up to 110,000 people till the year 2030.

The project will also address the lack of community facilities, parks, shopping and housing in the area. A new town centre with transport hub and full array of amenities will also be delivered as part of the project.

Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), which is the agency responsible for the future of Abu Dhabi's urban environment, is building the foundations of the Emirate's growth in a sustainable manner. This will give rise to a totally new concept in urban planning which will make it functional and enhance the quality of life for all Abu Dhabi residents by establishing a cohesive and stable environment.The Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 is a catalyst to the government's long-term plans of securing the emirate's social, cultural and economic growth and creating a 'Next Generation Planning' approach on modern urban planning principles.

The UPC is currently developing new street design standards in accordance with the guiding principles of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 which call for safer, more comfortable and aesthetic street environments to establish Abu Dhabi as a groundbreaking global mobility model underpinned by diversity in movement options, flexibility in destination access, efficiency in time saving and enhancement of livability.

Plan Abu Dhabi 2030's key strategic development themes provide a blueprint for the capital's long-term success centered around fostering a diversified economic development, enhancing efficient connectivity and intelligent transport links, ensuring environmental sustainability and preserving the emirate's rich unique culture.