'UniverCity Outreach Programme' Launched by Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council with first sessions at Zayed University Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, 22 December 2010 - Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) today launched a country wide university outreach programme that aims to engage the UAE's university student community with the Emirates' iconic Vision 2030. The unique outreach programme was launched today by the UPC with the organisation of the first session at Abu Dhabi's Zayed University.

The long term initiative titled 'UniverCity Outreach Programme' launched by the UPC has been developed with an objective to introduce to the UAE's Next Generation the key aspects of the Vision 2030 development initiative for our Emirate and present a glimpse of the modern and sustainable Arab Capital that is now being developed. During the outreach programme the UPC will also introduce to the students its strategic role towards the urban development of Abu Dhabi.

"Under the aegis of the Vision 2030 initiative, the UPC is developing strategic plans that have led to the development of masterplans which have been designed to shape the Emirate for our country's next generation, whose understanding and engagement of this monumental development process is critical for the realisation of this vision", said H.E Falah Al Ahbabi, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC).

"Individual engagement and discussion is the most effective mode of introducing the tenets of Vision 2030 program to the youth and I am confident that our 'UniverCity outreach programme' will enhance their understanding and approach towards our Emirates' development initiative", added Al Ahbabi. 

The 'UniverCity outreach program' was launched by the UPC at Zayed University Abu Dhabi, where the organizations' senior planners and executives presented the Vision 2030 development program, its impact on the Emirate's urban environment and the lifestyle, economic and community building opportunities that it presents for the next generation to the students of the university.

The first session of the UPC's outreach program witnessed strong participation from Zayed University students of various educational streams who were keen to gain insights on the Vision 2030 initiative and their prospective role towards the success of the programme.

Engagement with key sections of the communities in the Emirate has been a key component of UPC's process towards realising the Vision 2030 development objectives. Apart from organising 'charrette' programmes for consulting with the communities, the UPC has also been engaging with the next generation audience in Abu Dhabi by participating at key industry platforms including Tawdheef and Najah career events along with the organisation of urban development oriented competitions amongst key educational institutions in the country.

Apart from these, the UPC has also been promoting sustainable education opportunities for the students of the Emirate in association with other key Government entities in Abu Dhabi.

These engagements aim to inspire and increase citizens' involvement by identifying the key motivations that will drive people to debate and interact with Abu Dhabi's sustainable Vision 2030 initiative which is aimed at improving community, environmental, social, economic and cultural responsibility, as their inputs are incorporated into the final development plans.

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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 fulfillment 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:
Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council:
Fouad Kassem
Public Affairs and Media Relations Manager
Direct:   +971 2 409 6059
Mobile:  +971 50 632 4150
Email:   Fouad.Kassem@upc.gov.ae

© Press Release 2010