Abu Dhabi's real estate developers need to urgently involve transport officials in project planning

"Currently our estimates show that Abu Dhabi's population is approximately 600,000. However, the new real estate developments in the planning stage or those that are currently being implemented in the capital, are expected to add over 800,000 to the population in the next few years".

"The location and size of recently unveiled commercial real estate developments present urgent challenges to efficient management of passenger and freight transportation. Real estate developers need to urgently involve transport officials in project planning as working independently of each other may undermine the efforts of both parties" said Dr. Ibrahim El Sanhouri from DeLeuw Cather International. He was speaking at the Conference sessions being held at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre in parallel with the ROADEX 2006 Exhibition, the region's largest road industry exhibition and conference.

Elaborating on the expected population growth in the coming years in Abu Dhabi he said, "The Sadiyat island development and the Mina Port development area are expected to house a pollution of 150,000 each. Development of Al Reem island will add 300,000 whereas the Al Raha and Lulu island developments will lead to a population growth of at least 100,000 each. In addition there are other developments expected in the Central Business District (CBD) of the capital.

"It is critical that these developments do not lead to a situation where the transportation infrastructure is critically overloaded. "The population increase throws up significant traffic challenges including congestion management, parking, road safety among other issues"

"A comprehensive planning approach is required to address traffic issues. Integration of transportation policies which include various modes such as using waterways as well as road and rail networks was critical. Effective growth of transportation cannot be achieved without involving real estate developers"

said Dr. Sanhouri.

Dr. Sanhouri also added that there was low to non-existent use of car pools in Abu Dhabi as people preferred to drive themselves. The cheap taxi fares, limited number of public buses as well as the quality of bus services were other reasons why private car automobile usage is increasing in the capital. He pointed out that the use of private bus transportation was extensive in the case of school buses as well as workers traveling to building sites and industrial areas.

Presenting a perspective on behalf of the real estate developers in the capital, Dr. Adnan Sahili, Executive Director - Projects at Sorouh Real Estate said, "Significant analysis and investments have gone into planning an efficient transportation network at the Shams Abu Dhabi project on Reem island being developed by Sorouh Real Estate. By providing all elements of infrastructure such as places of worship, schools, health care facilities, police and emergency services at the island development itself, we are minismising the need for residents to travel back to Abu Dhabi's current central business district".

He also pointed out that there would be a provision for mass transit systems including a water-based one at the Shams Abu Dhabi project. Providing parking campuses for residents as well as restricting street parking only for visitors and emergency services, are also measures which are being studied, he said.

In addition to more than 30 international speakers, ROADEX 2006 has also attracted 180 exhibitors from 35 countries including 123 international exhibitors.