ABU DHABI // A little over three weeks remain for the public to pitch ideas that could change the face of the emirate. The Imagine Abu Dhabi initiative has received more than 2,200 proposals on ways to develop the emirate and is looking for more suggestions from residents and visitors. To mark its Golden Jubilee, the Abu Dhabi government in mid-March launched the 50-day project to get members of the community to share their future vision of Abu Dhabi. Imagine Abu Dhabi opens new opportunities for social responsibility, said Dr Fahd Al Neyadi, director general of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council’s General Secretariat. “Partnership with the community will shape a brighter and better future for Abu Dhabi,” he said. Falah Al Ahbabi, director general of Abu Dhabi Urban Planning, said the initiative was an effective way to involve members of society in creating their “optimal urban environment”. “[The] initiative is an opportunity that opens the door for everyone to express their aspirations, and represents an innovative link between the Abu Dhabi government and the emirate’s society,” he said. Ten proposals will be chosen after being evaluated on their affect on the city’s economy, environment and security. Falah Al Ahbabi, director general of Abu Dhabi Urban Planning, said the initiative was an effective way to involve the members of the society of creating their “optimal urban environment”. “[The] initiative is an opportunity that opens the door for everyone to express their aspirations, and represents an innovative link between the Abu Dhabi government and the emirate’s society, which enables the residents, visitors and officers in both the public and the private sectors to express their ideas and share them easily,” he said. Ten proposals will be chosen after being evaluated on how they will affect the city’s economy, environment and security. The government will work with the winners to refine their ideas before they are presented to government officials and implemented. Most proposals received so far relate to education and infrastucture, targeting the capital or emirate as a whole, organisers said. However, ideas related to the economy, humanitarian work, social development, health, arts and culture, and security are also welcome. Mariam Al Rumaithi, director general of the Family Development Foundation, said the initiative helped foster a partnership between authorities and the community. She said it provided an important bridge between members of society and government. “Whether it’s building infrastructure projects, offering investment opportunities, launching social initiatives and campaigns, or even the development of current government services in the emirate, we welcome all ideas,” the project’s website says. Those wishing to take part can visit the <a href="www.ourabudhabi.ae/en/golden-jubilee/imagine-abu-dhabi.html">website</a>. tsubaihi@thenational.ae