ABU DHABI 17 April 2019: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM) said it is working to make Abu Dhabi one of the most liveable cities in the world by 2021
DPM is showcasing new urban development projects under the banner of ‘Transforming Our Abu Dhabi’ at Cityscape Abu Dhabi, which was inaugurated yesterday by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Abu Dhabi Government has pledged a total investment of Dh50 billion in four key pillars: Business and Investment; Society; Knowledge & Innovation; and Liveability. DPM has been tasked with focusing on the liveability pillar, which is the driver for the “Transforming Our Abu Dhabi” initiative.
Falah Al Ahbabi, DPM Chairman said: ““Today we are unveiling part of the pioneering vision of our government for the development of our city. Abu Dhabi has been at the forefront of experimenting with sustainable neighbourhood development for more than a decade. By harnessing technology and innovation, we are working to enhance urban environment and reducing environmental impact. ‘Transforming Our Abu Dhabi’ aims to make Abu Dhabi a more liveable city, focusing on key areas: Transport, mobility and urban environment, active lifestyle and the development and cultural programs and projects.”
Transport, Mobility and Urban Environment
To enhance transport, mobility and wider urban environment, the DPM is commissioning projects that include a network of new cycle paths throughout the city and Maritime Hub (water taxi networks) through a network of over 50 taxis connecting more than 10 areas and attractions in the city. Furthermore, the DPM is redeveloping many of the city’s most important arterial roads such as Airport road and the Corniche with a comprehensive ‘Street Facelift Program’ that will see improved traffic conditions, pedestrian experiences and climate remediation efforts. These programs are designed to also increase walkability in the city and reduce reliance on automobiles.
Active Lifestyle & Development
DPM is regenerating 11 of the existing parks in the city and developing three themed parks as well as new ‘pocket’ or ‘verge parks’ and plazas in some of the busiest areas of the city in 2019. In addition, the DPM is creating 45km of exercise trails, rest pods as well as significant development of the Corniche Beachfront and Al Bateen waterfronts that will improve accessibility.
A major part of the ‘Transforming Our Abu Dhabi’ implementation process involves getting feedback and input from communities in order to measure impact. People make choices about cities they want to visit or live in due to a mix of location, quality of life and amenities that, together, make up its sense of place. Also crucial to these developments is the ability to track quality of life targets, so for each of these developments, the DPM has put in place a number of KPIs and targets measuring resident footfall, community satisfaction, tourist footfall, private sector activation, usage and reduction in car use.
Cultural Projects
A key component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is an enlarged scope for the integration of urban culture in future sustainable development strategies, through using innovative tools and approaches. Among those tools, the DPM is developing Street Art programmes in seven of the main auxiliary roads in the city with creative shaded streetscapes, augmented reality walking trails and the integration of public art as part of city colour.
On 9-13 February 2020, Abu Dhabi will host the 10th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF10) – the first time an Arab country will host the landmark forum. WUF10 will contribute to advance a broader strategy that introduces for the first time an element of cultural sustainability to the global development framework. As a nation that champions its cultural heritage and history, the United Arab Emirates can lead the way by initiating this new aspect of the Urban Development Scheme through integrative national policies and programs.
