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Towards a utopian society for Abu Dhabi communities

Abu Dhabi communities must have high-quality facilities and services, according to new standards unveiled by the urban planning council.

As per the new Community Facility Planning Standards, social, educational, cultural, recreational and healthcare facilities will be provided in new and existing communities across the Capital. —Supplied photos

Residents of Abu Dhabi will enjoy easy access to high-quality community facilities and services in the coming few years under new standards unveiled on Sunday by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC).

The new Abu Dhabi Community Facility Planning Standards (CFPS) sets out the specific social, educational, cultural, recreational and healthcare facilities that must be provided in new and existing communities across the emirate. Depending on the size, demographics and needs of the community, these might include police stations, sports centres, schools and hospitals, among others.

The document provides policies and guidance for government agencies; developers and planners as to trequired number; and type and location of community facilities in project proposals.

For instance, it stipulates that a community with between 6,000 and 10,000 residents must have access to a ‘Neighbourhood Centre’ consisting of a community centre, a police point, an early-learning centre and a small health clinic.

A ‘District Centre’ comprising a post office, a large health clinic, a library, a sports centre, municipal offices and a community support centre must be provided for larger developments of 30,000 to 40,000 residents. The document states that a ‘Sub-Regional Centre’ must be provided for every 80,000 residents. This would contain a community support centre, a cultural centre and a multi-purpose hall, in addition to all the amenities found in a Neighbourhood Centre and a District Centre.

Sustainable communities

Amer Al Hammadi, Executive Director, Planning and Infrastructure Sector, UPC, said: “The launch of our Abu Dhabi Community Facility Planning Standards is another important milestone for the UPC and for the future development of the emirate in line with Vision 2030.

“The Government recognises that successful, healthy and sustainable communities are well served by a full range of community facilities that are appropriate to residents’ needs and which are accessible to all. The standards set out how this will be achieved.

“The CFPS will ensure that community facilities are considered right from the start of the planning process so that everyone in Abu Dhabi has equal access to community facilities, which is a clear direction from our leadership. This direction has resulted in a truly collaborative process with all stakeholders involved.”

CFPS protocol

Any new development of at least 2,000 permanent residents will be expected to abide by the CFPS. The standards would be applied on a case-by-case basis to existing communities as and when they undergo renovation work, said Al Hammadi.

Under the guidelines, the provision of facilities such as schools, police and petrol stations will be calculated according to the demographic breakdown of the particular development proposal.

The new standards were drawn up after the UPC surveyed 11,000 households across the emirate to ask them about their use of community services and what specific facilities they would like to see in their areas.

The UPC also collaborated with 12 government agencies — the Department of Municipal Affairs, Abu Dhabi Education Council, Health Authority - Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority — to produce the CFPS.