Dubai targets 59 per cent urban growth by 2015

Abdullah Abdul Rahim, Director of Dubai Municipality's planning and survey department presented Dubai's Master Plan with an emphasis on urbanization and community planning.

Speaking to the delegates at the event, Abdul Rahim said: 'Observing Dubai's ultra modern skyline today and the plans for development, it is difficult to imagine that just 20 years ago there was a vast desert instead of today's modern city. Residential land use occupies the largest percentage of land in Dubai with 30.0 per cent, roads are 19.3 per cent, industrial occupy 14.2 per cent, government, institutions, sports/recreation institutions occupy about 12.8 per cent.'

In 1993, the developed area in Dubai constituted 149.6 square kilometers, and in 2005, it grew to 244 square kilometers, and in 2015, the urbanized area is expected to grow to 604.8 square kilometers, or a growth rate of 59 per cent as compared to 2005. The Municipality has therefore begun taking steps to insure that this brink growth does not affect environmental elements.

'Preservation of environmental and rural areas from urban expansion is an important factor in Dubai's overall Master Plan. Preventing unplanned growth outside urban areas and protecting the city's water supply in the aquifer zone and underground water reservoirs is essential,' he continued.

In terms of financial responsibility for the city's infrastructure, the Municipality bears about 66 percent including 33.5 percent for roads and leveling, while DEWA bears 29 percent and Eitsalat 5 percent of the total cost. The development cost for residential areas for one hector is about 750,000 Dirhams.

Adel Lootah, Executive Director of Dubai Property Group, said: 'Dubai Property Group members are leading real estate players and have a role to play in the development of Dubai's infrastructure. Our purpose here is to act as a mediator between the private and the public sector and to raise issues of concern and mutual benefit. On behalf of DPG members I would like to take this opportunity to commend the hard work and intensive planning that the Municipality is doing.'

Independent of favor or influence, DPG represents the combined interests of Dubai's real estate community. The Group's 91 members include some of the highest profile real estate players in Dubai, such as the Dubai Development Board, Cluttons chartered surveyors and property consultants, Arenco Real Estate, Union Properties PJSC, Better Homes LLC and facilities management firm Asteco Property Management LLC.

Apart from the on going monthly 'Awareness and Networking' events and as a part of its services to improve and grow member benefits and increase their business potential, DPG provides advertising opportunities through its website, newsletters and exclusive agreements with UAE based media, aimed at helping members reach larger and more diverse audiences be they business related or the general public. The Group also regularly puts together training and educational packages and seminars.