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Abu Dhabi Unveils Master 
Plan for Capital District

ABU DHABI - The capital district of Abu Dhabi will be developed into a contemporary Arab city as envisaged in the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 document.

The master plan for the project, worked out by the Urban Planning Council (UPC), was unveiled on Sunday by Jody Andrews, director of Capital District Development, at a press conference organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) to announce the setting up of the Second Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in London on October 19.

Developed over an 18-month period between late 2007 and early 2009, the master plan will serve as the foundation upon which all future decisions relating to land use, transportation and other urban planning components will be made. The plan, which emphasises the principles of sustainability, establishes quantifiable targets for population, land uses, transportation and pedestrian access. It covers the location and the number of mosques, parks, schools and utilities to be housed in the 
capital district.

At the heart of the capital district will be a Federal Precinct, which will serve as the national seat of the Government of UAE. At the city’s centre, a radial pattern of streets surrounds a central monumental space. From this point, a series of grand boulevards, representing the seven emirates, connect with surrounding districts.

The primary boulevards and gateways to the city monuments and public spaces will reinforce the city’s ceremonial and symbolic function. The creation of distinct districts and national institutions connected by grand boulevards and walkable streets and monumental spaces will symbolise national government, city lights and emirati culture.

Central to the capital district master plan is the commitment to create a sense of identity and community. The master plan aims to preserve the tradition, heritage and way of life for emiratis, while being flexible enough to accommodate the needs of the emirate’s diverse populations. Each neighbourhood will be well-served by a wide range of community services and amenities.

The capital district will also become a centre of learning and excellence, with new universities, medical campus and bio-medical research facilities offering great potential for synergies with the private sector.

ramavarman@khaleejtimes.ae