Abu Dhabi: The government of Abu Dhabi is finalising a comprehensive strategic development plan to complement the Urban Planning Development up to the year 2030 announced last year.
The new plan includes other vital sectors in addition to the urban planning of developments, such as the industrial sector and financial services.
"We intend to announce this plan before the end of summer, and we are working closely with the Urban Planning Council, and other entities to finalise the matter," Mohammad Rashid Al Hamili, director of Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development (ADCED), said.
Nineteen members comprise ADCED's board of directors, five representing chambers of commerce, five national businessmen in Abu Dhabi, five from government entities such as Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and the department of planning and economy.
Three other members represent the 23 foreign business councils in the country for a one-year term. This year, Lebanon, France, and Iraq are on the board.
"The plan is to focus on the industrial sector, creating clusters of interdependent industries providing for added value to the UAE economy. Or else, the projects in question are rendered unproductive," Al Hamili explained.
To cater for the growing need in the capital for hotel capacity to accommodate participants in mega events, the council is undertaking to streamline them and raise the number of rooms available.
By Ahmed A. Elewa
© Gulf News 2008
