ABU DHABI, 18th September, 2013 (WAM)--In its mandate to design urban structure foundations that will be the arbiter of Abu Dhabi?s long term success, the Abu Dhabi urban Planning Council (UPC) had always considered education in urban planning as the keystone for any major urban development strategy.

Having recogniseed that need, drove the UPC to proactive developing its own academic modules to catch up with the fast pace of development in urban planning disciplines.

In partnership with International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP), the assigned purpose of the Forum is to provide Emirati planners who are actively involved in the shaping and development of the Emirate?s settlements, with a sound grounding in the principles and practices of effective contemporary urbanism.

The programme is dedicated to young professionals who have had little or no previous training in Urban Planning and who require a broad introduction on the master planning process in the Emirate under the Vision 2030 guiding principles.

Participants from the three municipalities (Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain City and Al Gharbia City), the Fujairah Municipality and UPC?s key stakeholders heard firsthand how some of the world?s renowned urban planning professionals and academics have revolutionized the industry. Ten modules were addressed during this first session that took place from Sept. 15th to 26th (a second session is already scheduled to take place from Nov.10th to Nov.21st) covering a wide range of subjects going from the most advanced practices of city planning and policymaking to the optimization of livability, the compatibility of infrastructure development with the natural environment and the urban planning principles that underpin place-making, inner city rehabilitation or management of community building.

"In Urban Planning, education is a vital means for planners to meet upcoming challenges. In its academic role, UPC is to function as an innovative ground out of which will be designed adequate city environments with genuine values in order to enhance the life of its people," said Abdulla Al Sahi, UPC Executive Director, Corporate Services.

"Our Emirate has embarked upon a proactive urban planning agenda - Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 - in order to guide and shape upcoming public and private organizations to be consistent with a well articulated vision not only for the city but for rural settlements, natural and agricultural areas. The "Contemporary Urban Forum" essentially provided the most progressive academic views on specified topics as well as a practical professional perspective from the industry?s best practitioners," he added.

The programme offered a holistic view of the city and the key dimensions that are at play for its success. It also illustrated the typical civic agenda being pursued by cities who aspire for excellence providing awareness about UPC?s commitment by bringing together both the public and private sector to implement the plan.

Academics from several distinguished universities as well as professionals in direct practice were brought together by Isocarp and UPC to cover academic topics such as : "History of Cities and their Evolution", "Elements of a Successful City in Abu Dhabi?s Plans", "Urban Design of the City", "Introduction to Transportation and the City" and "Urban Economics and Land-use Integration".

Stressing on the importance for organizing this joint Forum with Isocarp experts, Al Sahi added, "This urbanism forum is a vital step towards preparing our next generation Emirati planners for developing Abu Dhabi as the sustainable Arab Capital under the Vision 2030 guiding principles. Education is creating the true momentum for progress in our country and UPC?s objective is to promote a new generation of urban planners who will be able to discern and understand their communities' needs".

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2013.