Dubai to reshape urban development

Dubai to reshape urban development
Gulf News Report Published: August 26, 2007, 18:06

Dubai: Dubai's Urban Planning Committee on Saturday awarded a prestigious contract to a consortium headed by internationally acclaimed Urbis (Australia) to prepare the Dubai Urban Development Framework (DUDF), with support from environmental and engineering experts WSP Group.

The project, expected to be completed in 14 months, seeks to create an innovative, flexible and fully integrated development planning and management framework for Dubai to the year 2020 and beyond. Urbis won the contract out of four consortia which were shortlisted from a total of 39 companies in the race.

A key driver for the vision of Dubai is the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 (DSP). The DSP articulates the vision and strategy of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

It focuses on economic development, social development, security, justice and safety, infrastructure, land and environment and public sector excellence.

Ahmad Bin Bayat, Secretary General of Dubai Executive Council, said: "Dubai has been globally recognised as one of the most dynamic and fast growing economies. The scale and pace of this development are being fuelled by the launch of spectacular and innovative mega real estate projects and other investment opportunities, which have exceeded expectations."

"The DUDF is an ambitious plan and places particular emphasis on the need for innovative thinking, while leading to the creation of new and exciting approaches to Dubai's city planning. The Framework will also serve as the vehicle for translating DSP into an appropriate set of strategies, special plans, policies and guidelines."