More than 80 stakeholder representatives participate in the discussion sessions held on spatial options developed in the project

Abu Dhabi, October 2nd 2013

Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) organised a second workshop on the Mina Zayed Master Plan Developments with the participation of more than 80 representatives from a number of stakeholder entities such as government agencies, developers and other related parties that joined in discussion on Spatial Options developed, ideas and suggestions presented with the aim of enhancing cooperation between the UPC and its strategic stakeholders.

The workshop included discussion sessions and presentations revolving around the on-going master planning process and the next steps for the two-phase approach to the master plan development of this vital area.

The first phase currently underway is due for completion by early 2014, and it focuses on establishing the baseline conditions of the site, identifying the opportunities and constraints and defining the development parameters that will frame the preparation of the master plan. The second phase encompasses development of the master plan through a process of options evaluation and engagement with key stakeholders.

The UPC allocated a dedicated session of the workshop to present the key directions of the master plan to be developed for the area located in the north east of Abu Dhabi Island in the perspective of the re-development of Mina Zayed by 2030. The master plan aims to gradually bring a mix of uses, such as housing, retail, commercial and cultural while preserving and enhancing many of the existing areas such as the souks, markets and selected city-serving port uses. The project will also create an extensive public realm network of parks and open spaces, connecting to the existing Corniche.

Amer Al Hammadi, UPC Executive Director Planning Policies & Infrastructure stated: "The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has an extensive maritime legacy that should be cultivated and nurtured to accommodate the growing needs of the Emirate. Hence, the Mina Zayed Master Plan Development is considered an ideal platform to ensure the best optimisation of resources available in conjunction with the on-going developments within the city."

Al Hammadi added: "Achieving the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 is a shared aspiration with all our stakeholders and that is exactly why we insist on continuously discussing every step of this project with them as it puts us on the right track to success."

The workshop sessions covered many important topics that included: increasing pedestrian movement by enhancing pedestrian areas, in addition to better integration of workplaces, homes and play areas within communities, and the development of public transport. Other discussed priorities included a delivery plan for critical infrastructure and an effective monitoring process to be put in place for a better follow-up on the sequencing and progress of the implementation phases. 

The workshop session resulted in a commitment by stakeholders to continue close coordination with the UPC Planning Policies Team to ensure the on-going update process will answer everyone's needs and expectations. Far more than just ensuring their buy-in to the future developments that will shape the future of Mina Zayed Masterplan, such a collaborative approach provided all stakeholders and UPC staff with a wider understanding of the current situation and how the different components of the project need to be structured and programmed.

This workshop provided the UPC urban planners with a great opportunity to present the strategic role played by urban planning policies as supporting tools for developing an appropriate planning framework for the successful conversion of Mina Zayed into a complete, mixed use community."  

Engineer Humaid Al Marzouqi, Planning Manager - Abu Dhabi Region Planning, reaffirmed the importance of stakeholder participation in such workshops and the support it provides the Urban Planning team: "It is our role as urban planners to interact directly and continuously with all our stakeholders, as they are the professionals in their areas and the core of our planning process".

The UPC concluded the workshop by expressing its gratitude and appreciation to all the participants and reassuring them that all their suggestions and ideas will be taken into consideration throughout the various phases of the project.

-Ends-

About the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council:
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council was created by Emiri Decree number 23 of the year 2007 and is the agency responsible for the future of Abu Dhabi's urban environments, and the expert authority behind the visionary Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan published September 2007.  Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council defines the shape of the Emirate, ensuring factors such as sustainability, infrastructure capacity, community planning and quality of life, by overseeing development across the city and the Emirate as a whole.  The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council ensures best practice in planning for both new and existing urban areas.

The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council's primary purpose is to deliver upon the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Ruler of Abu Dhabi for the continued fulfilment of the grand design envisaged by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the ongoing evolution of Abu Dhabi as a global capital city.  By drawing on urban planning expertise locally, throughout the GCC and around the world, the UPC strives to be a global authority on the future of urban planning and design.

For more information please contact:
Amal Mourad
Corporate Communications Manager
Direct:   +971 2 409 6255
Email:    Amal.Mourad@upc.gov.ae
Web:       www.upc.gov.ae

© Press Release 2013