A 1770 hectare site between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is set to get a green makeover.
After long consultations between residents, prominent community members, and the Abu Dhabi municipality, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) has unveiled the Shahama and Bahia Revitilization Master Plan. A 1770 hectare site between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which includes Al Shahama, Al Bahia, and Coastal Bahia, will receive a green upgrade that fits in with the capital’s Estidama sustainable development initiative.
After the collaborative discussions between the community and decision makers (hello civic engagement), five important priorities were incorporated into the Shahama and Bahia revitalization plan:
- Town centers that have access to transportation and retail hubs;
- A pedestrian-friendly urban plan;
- “Densify” the coastal community (in keeping with the most current thinking on sustainable urban development);
- A network of pathways and roads that link all of the transport options;
- And finally, an emphasis on sustainability – including the most efficient use of water and energy.
H.E. Falah Al Ahbabi, UPC General Manager notes how the new masterplan aligns with Estidama:
The community involvement exercise implemented by UPC for the formulation of this masterplan is in tune with our sustainability initiative, Estidama, which aims to inspire and increase citizen’s involvement by identifying the key motivations driving people to interact with the Abu Dhabi 2030’s sustainable vision to improve community, environmental, social, economic and cultural responsibility.
The new urban setting will include new health, retail, educational, entertainment, and social facilities, as well as a series of themed urban parks. Local Emiratis remember the day that the space between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, not so long ago, was long and empty. Those days are over, but we’re happy to see the sooty sprawl cleaned up.
:: WAN
More on Architecture and Urban Planning in the Emirates:
Stunning Resort in Abu Dhabi Desert Will Celebrate Bedouin Architecture
Abu Dhabi Will be More Livable than Dubai
The True Grit Behind Hot Building Schemes
Author: Tafline Laylin
As a tour leader who led “eco-friendly” camping trips throughout North America, Tafline soon realized that she was instead leaving behind a trail of gas fumes, plastic bottles and Pringles. In fact, wherever she traveled – whether it was Viet Nam or South Africa or England – it became clear how inefficiently the mandate to re-think our consumer culture is reaching the general public. Born in Iran, raised in South Africa and the United States, she currently splits her time between Africa and the Middle East. Tafline can be reached at tafline (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
