Green areas and rejuvenating older areas among key topics Emiratis in Dubai want FNC to tackle

Ibrahim Al Serkal, at Rashidiya Park 6, near his home, has concerns about his neighbourhood’s environment. Reem Mohammed / The National

DUBAI // Green areas, better connectivity and rejuvenation of older neighbourhoods are issues citizens are keen to raise with Federal National Council candidates.

In addition to parks and play areas, Emiratis living in Khawaneej, Al Twar, Al Mizhar, Muhaisnah and Rashidiya have called for sports areas, dedicated cycling and walking tracks.

“We moved from Sharjah to Dubai six months ago, so this place is new,” said Fatma Abdullah from her villa in the Oud Al Muteena suburb near Muhaisnah.

“Everyone stays inside their houses, unlike in Sharjah where people mix outside. If there were gardens, mothers would come out, children would play together.”

There are more than 150 kilometres of cycle paths in Dubai, including a 25km-long path at Jumeirah Road and a 115km path at Seih Assalam and Al Qudra Road.

The tracks on Dubai’s northern end include a 4.5km path within Mushrif Park and 3km in Khawaneej Park meaning athletes have to visit Al Qudra.

“For cyclists and runners the smaller tracks are not ideal for training,” said bank manager and cycling enthusiast Masooma Ali, who trains at Khawaneej Park.

› Ahead of the FNC election day on October 3, The National's reporters are travelling across the seven emirates to speak to Emiratis and find out the issues that affect them – and what they expect from members of a new Federal National Council. Read them here.

“We don’t have an option so we use Khawaneej park. A track could be made here parallel to the road with a safety partition to separate it from traffic. People have a lot of ideas but need to reach out to someone to share our ideas.”

A resident whose family has called Rashidiya home for more than 30 years asked for the revival of older areas to attract citizens back to places once dominated by Emiratis.

“We have several parks but most are not green, they are sandy. Making them green would make the area look better,” said Ibrahim Al Serkal, a banker.

“Emiratis have left Rashidiya and gone to Khawaneej, Warqa, all the new areas. Rashidiya once used to have one of the highest Emirati populations, but today we are the minority. That is one major concern I have.”

Families from other nationalities now crowd into rented villas, worrying citizens.

“It is still largely safe but when I was young we used to run around outside because people were from the same background. I have many friends who are foreigners but where I grew up everyone came from the same background,” Mr Al Alserkal said.

“I look at my nephews and see they only have friends through school not in the neighbourhood. Maybe if the whole area is Emirati again, they may have more freedom to play outside. Children need football grounds not just sandy play areas. If these are made green it will support the sport and you may get people for our national team.”

Residents asked for better bus networks or trams for better connectivity between the northern suburbs.

Others pointed to the health benefits of open areas.

“We have high obesity, diabetes rates so if children play outdoors it is healthy for our community,” said Noora Al Ansari, an Al Mizhar resident.

FNC candidate Ali Mohammed Al Amri said the residents had a strong case.

“These are all good issues, I can raise these with the RTA, the planning department and create pressure on local issues. But I’m also focused on health care and education to be addressed at the federal level.”