DM announces development plans

The plans were part of several modern projects, approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Industry and Chairman of Dubai Municipality, and included several residential, industrial, tourism and investment projects as well as a business centre in Jebel Ali.

This was announced in a press conference at Dubai Municipality by Eng. Hussein Nasser Lootah, Assistant Director General for Planning and Building Affairs, and Eng. Abdullah AbdulRahim, Director of Planning Department at Dubai Municipality.

Mr. Loota said the Planning and Survey Department has carried out several planning studies for select locations under the framework of the Dubai Master Plan. These projects also form part of the urban development plans of the emirate and its future vision.

He added that the Master Plan for Dubai Emirate recommends the setting up of a business centre in the western part of the emirate, which is one of the populated areas. 'This centre will have a major role in attracting crucial services and activities to this vibrant area of the city with the objective of taking some burden off the central business districts of Deira and Bur Dubai, while at the same, guaranteeing that all necessary services are provided to businessmen and investors in the surrounding areas.'

In effect, this western part of the city has witnessed tremendous development over recent years with the introduction of several mega investment projects in line with the vision of the decision makers for the all-round development of the emirate.

Mr. Lootah explained that the proposed business centre would cover a total area of 925 hectors. 'Its designing would be undertaken taking into consideration nature of the surrounding areas. The land uses for this area have been defined as commercial, residential, offices, and central services that match the role of the project and uses of the surrounding lands in providing excellent business opportunities for the investors. It will also play a crucial role in serving the tourism and industrial sectors. The project is designed in such a way that it incorporates all basic amenities such as businesses, housing, shopping and entertainment. Necessary provisions have been given to smoothen the traffic flow, to set up bus stops, and establish connecting links between open areas, squares and pedestrian movement.'

Abdullah AbdulRahim said as part of the Municipality's commitment to providing investment opportunities in vibrant areas of the city and boosting trade, a full-fledged investment area has been planned in South Al Barsha at a total area of 120 hectors with 227 residential plots that can accommodate 42,000 people. 'The area's strategic location close to the Emirates Road and efficient distribution of land uses have been taken into consideration while designing the area. There will be all public amenities like markets, schools, mosques, public park etc. The road network will ensure smooth flow of traffic in and out of the area. Besides, service roads will be provided to ease traffic.'

He noted that the planning of this area has been approved as per a thorough study keeping pace with new trends in the urban development of the city. The study suggests compensation for owners of lands affected by development projects in different parts of the emirate.