New parks and cycle paths will be created, transport links improved and efforts made to safeguard residents against the searing summer heat as part of an ambitious Dh5 billion drive to improve quality of life in Abu Dhabi.
A total of 300 initiatives aimed at making the capital one of the most liveable cities in the world by 2021 are being rolled out by the Abu Dhabi government.
The series of projects are being spearheaded by Abu Dhabi Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities under the Ghadan 21 banner - a Dh50 billion stimulus package announced last year to accelerate the growth of the emirate's economy.
The Abu Dhabi government's Ghadan 21 investment programme is designed to bolster the capital's competitiveness in four areas — business and investment, society, knowledge and innovation, and liveability.
The 300 initiatives, 177 of which will be launched in Abu Dhabi city with the rest in Al Ain and Al Dhafrah, in the Western region, are covered under the liveability section of the package, which aims to improve the quality of life of people in Abu Dhabi.
The projects are currently in the planning phase, with work due to start on 20 this year.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM) held an event to help generate ideas last month.
“We invited innovators, inventors and thinkers, experts in different areas to see how we could enhance the city,” said Mohammad Al Khadr Al Ahmed, executive director for strategic affairs at DPM.
“And then we gathered everything and came up with this very ambitious plan.”
The initiatives include plans to address the emirate’s stifling summer heat, with initiatives such as better shading, more trees and even breeze machines in some areas.
In addition, 11 parks will be upgraded in Abu Dhabi city by installing new playgrounds, retail, climbing walls and sports areas, and other features. Three special themed parks will be built, including Heritage Park along the Corniche, which will include sculptures and elevated pedestrian walkways and plazas.
“We are also doing a major project on the Corniche where we will create new activities and connect the parks,” said Mr Al Ahmed.
In addition, new cycle paths will be created, along with a 45km-long continuous exercise trail track.
Plans to enhance transport in the city include a network of water taxi routes, which will be served by 50 taxis connecting more than 10 areas and attractions.
_______________
UAE megaprojects 2019
-
Dubai Creek Harbour: This perfectly fits the term 'mega-project', as it's almost twice the size of Downtown Dubai. Its flagship district is Creek island Dubai and will be home to 33,000 residents. The centrepiece however is The Tower, which is slated to be even taller than Burj Khalifa to become the world's tallest. Renderings courtesy Emaar -
Dubai Creek Harbour under construction. Dubai Media Office -
Burj Jumeirah: This one really is something special. The oval shaped tower will stretch to 550m once completed in the heart of Dubai. The defining feature is the fingerprint of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, which will adorn the base. -
The project is being developed by Dubai Holding and will include homes, office space and hotels. The first phase is due to be completed by 2023. Wam -
Sahel Al Emarat: The Emirates' very own Riviera was announced by developer Imkan last year. Located in Abu Dhabi’s Ghantoot nature reserve, close to the Dubai border, the first phase will feature 293 small, “ranch-like”, villas and is scheduled to be completed by 2021. The idea is for it to be a coastal retreat like The Hamptons in New York. Courtesy Maram El Hendy -
Dubai Harbour: This Meraas development, located beside Palm Jumeirah, will have a lighthouse, shops, restaurants, cafés, luxury residences and hotels. Meraas chairman Abdulla Al Habbai said it will build on Dubai's historic seafaring traditions. Pawan Singh / The National -
The marina will have 1,100 berths, including 180 for superyachts, plus an exclusive yacht club and a helipad. -
Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi is currently undeveloped, but a huge Dh5 billion project will see the construction of six villages and homes for up to 6,000 residents. The first parts of the development will be handed over by the first quarter of 2021 and the whole development finished by 2022. Pawan Singh / The National -
The World Islands: 300 luxurious islands modelled on the globe was conceived back in 2003 and was constructed by 2008 by Nakheel. Apart from the Lebanon island, little progress was made - but that appears to be changing. EPA -
In August 2018 developer Kleindienst Group announced the first country in its Heart of Europe project was ready to open a residence. The Sweden Beach Palace was priced at Dh100m and is joined by nine more palaces. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Saadiyat Island is already home to the fantastic Louvre and there's plans for plenty more in the cultural quarter. Saif Ghobash, undersecretary at the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, recently confirmed that major projects such as the Guggenheim and Zayed National Museum were still in progress. Courtesy Guggenheim -
Dubai Arena: Considered a game-changer for the UAE music scene it allowed music acts to come to the Emirates during the summer and perform indoors in the 17,000-seat air-conditioned stadium. Built by Dubai-based developer Meraas, it is located in the City Walk district. Courtesy Dubai Media Office / Meraas -
Museum of the Future in Dubai: This could be the place to give technophobes a nudge. It will feature a research centre with labs and classrooms, as well as a space for visitors to experience coming technology. Visitors will use wearable devices for interactive experiences. Courtesy Wam -
The Dh500m museum was originally scheduled to open in 2017 but was later postponed until 2020. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi: Construction of the $25 billion plant began in 2011. It connected to the UAE power grid for the first time in 2020. Arun Girija / AFP -
Etihad Rail: Created in 2009, the first phase was operational by 2016 and carried sulphur, a by-product of the oil refineries at Habshan in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, to the port at Ruwais for export. After a delay to phase two, it was confirmed late in 2018 that the network would be extended, stretching from the border of Saudi Arabia to Fujairah. Wam -
Stage two, when complete, will run for 605 kilometres from Ghuweifat to the Port of Fujairah and will take in Mussaffah in Abu Dhabi's industrial area and Jebel Ali and Khalifa ports. A contract for the first phase of stage two - Ruwais to Ghuweifat - was awarded in March. Courtesy Etihad Rail -
Hyperloop: Dubai to Abu Dhabi in less than 15 minutes? Yes please. Pictured is a station planned for Abu Dhabi by Hyperloop Transportation Technologies. What was once considered just part of sci-fi is now close to becoming a reality with the high-speed mode of transport which sees passengers propelled via a pod in a tube. -
Both Hyperloop TT and Virgin Hyperloop One are each planning to unveil versions of the technology in the UAE in time for Expo 2020. The proposed route would take in Al Ghadeer on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border which would be a boon for the growing community there. Roy Cooper / The National -
Yas Island: It's all systems go on the island known for its entertainment destinations. Master developer Miral has Dh6.2bn worth of projects under construction including the 18,000-seat indoor Yas Bay Arena. Pictured is the West Yas housing development. Hamad Al Mansouri for Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi -
Yas South will have a new pier, the arena and waterfront promenade with residential complexes and restaurants. It will also be the new home of media and entertainment free zone twofour54. There's plans to open a SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in 2022. -
Midfield Terminal: Commuters heading between Dubai and Abu Dhabi will have witnessed progress of the huge new development at Abu Dhabi International Airport during the past few years. It has been in the phase of testing. Pawan Singh / The National -
Midfield Terminal will span 742,000 square metres, and will have a capacity of 45 million passengers a year when completed. Courtesy KPF -
Dubai Metro: The red line is being extended by 15km to serve millions of visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai. It will run from Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station and 80 per cent of the rail track is currently complete. Courtesy RTA -
Expo 2020 site: It was the date in everyone's diary - October 20, 2020, but has now shifted to 2021 amid the pandemic. It will be the first time the world fair has been hosted in the Middle East and it is shaping up to be an extraordinary occasion. The project is spread over more than 4 sq km in Dubai South and construction has been continuing apace since the UAE won staging rights in 2013. MOFAAIC -
Expo 2020 will feature 190 countries and is expected to attract more than 25 million visitors during its six-month run. Eighty per cent of the Expo-built structures on site will be retained as part of District 2020, an integrated community that will be a new destination in Dubai. -
Reem Island: The skyline on this popular location for expatriate dwellers in the capital continues to evolve. Aside from the new residential towers, it now has a Burjeel hospital and its first Adnoc petrol station. Victor Besa / The National -
One of the main developments on the island is Reem Mall. When completed it will feature 450 stores and various family entertainment attractions including Snow Park Abu Dhabi. As many as 14 tower cranes have been on site alongside 4,000 workers ahead of its scheduled 2020 completion date. Courtesy Al Farwaniya Property Developments
_______________
“The cultural district is very important, so it will be included in the route of the water taxis,” said Mr Al Ahmed.
“But we are discussing where the stations will be and how they will look. We already have the initial station design, the routes and the type of boat we will use.”
A number of the city’s busiest roads will also be upgraded, including the Corniche and Airport Road, where plans will be put in place to increase walkability, improve traffic and install sculptures.
Street art will also be introduced in parts of the city, such as along main roads.
“By harnessing technology and innovation, we are working to enhance urban environment and reducing environmental impact,” said Falah Al Ahbabi, chairman of DPM.
“’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.”
Ghadan 21 aims to stimulate business and investment, as well as promote economic development for the private sector and small businesses and support industry projects for the renewable energy sector.
Dh20bn of the total Dh50bn budget will be ploughed into the economy this year.
