Abu Dhabi reveals long term urban plan

Abu Dhabi reveals long term urban plan
By Samir Salama Bureau Chief and Ahmed A. ElewaStaff Reporter Published: September 19, 2007, 15:28

Abu Dhabi: A Dh600 billion master development plan for Abu Dhabi for the next quarter of a century was announced by the emirate's Urban Development Council yesterday.

The Plan Abu Dhabi 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan sets out a strategic approach to develop the emirate's most dynamic economic sectors and envisages a growth of the UAE capital's populations to over three million by that year.

General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said the plan provides a strong and comprehensive foundation for the development of Abu Dhabi, in a strategic and coordinated way.


"It will ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy and be inspired by ongoing access to the desert, sea and natural assets that are integral to our national identity, while building a global capital with its own rich cultural heritage," Shaikh Mohammad said following the release of the plan.


"The execution of the plan has begun already eight months ago, and it started with the detailed study aiming at developing Abu Dhabi as one of the best international cities," commented Falah Al Ahbabi, who has been appointed general manager for UPC. The plan projects a population of three million people residing in Abu Dhabi by 2030, and sets the framework of the necessary infrastructure, housing, recreational, and business sectors to cater for such population.

The plan includes inter-city train network and metro lines, specifies land uses, building heights and transportation plans for Abu Dhabi, said Falah Al Ahbabi, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, authorised to oversee implementation of the plan.


Urban Planning Council set up
President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, a new law setting up the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC). As per law No. 23 for 2007, the UPC shall be an independent corporate entity enjoying financial and administrative independence and full legal status to operate.


The council is to be chaired by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Shaikh Khalifa also issued Decree No. 22 for 2007, setting up the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, a joint-stock company, and the Masdar Science and Technology Institute. The company's shares will be completely owned by Mubadala Development, WAM reported.