The UPC inspires a culture of creativity among stakeholders in the 3,000-hectare island project, which will offer housing for the next generation of UAE Nationals.

ABU DHABI, 16 August 2017: Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) is encouraging government officials, urban planners and developers to ‘push the boundaries of what is possible’ during a series of workshops on the Hudayriat Island Master Plan.

The UPC held its second of five stakeholder workshops on Wednesday 16 August, which will help shape the concept master plan set to be submitted by the end of the year.

Key opportunities were discussed on topics including, sustainability, transportation, related amenities and community facilities, water-based recreational uses such as beaches and water sports, and providing a range of housing types.

Stakeholders also engaged in constructive discussions on proposed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) setting goals for everything from energy reduction and habitat creation measures to alternative transit provisions, urban design principles, as well as educational and social inclusivity initiatives. The KPIs will allow the project team to develop the master plan with measurable targets for success in mind.

In line with the Abu Dhabi Plan, the huge island lying to the south and southwest of Abu Dhabi Island will be transformed into a mixed-use development over the next 20 years with an accessible 30km waterfront.

At the heart of the project will be Emirati housing offering a unique opportunity to create low density and tranquil communities themed around culture, coastline living, pearl diving and nature.

Abdullah Al Sahi, Executive Director, of the UPC’s Planning and Infrastructure Sector, said: “Given the extraordinary site and lifespan of the project, which is expected to be developed over the next two decades, it is important to think beyond business as usual.

“The UPC is encouraging stakeholders to push the boundaries of creative possibilities that go beyond the established norms, while keeping the future generations in mind.”

The first stakeholder workshop was subsequently held on 22 May, introducing the project’s impressive scope, schedule and goals, which will include a mix of residential, commercial and leisure uses.

With over 30 kilometres of diverse, exquisite coastline, Hudayriat Island will be an attraction for local and regional residents as well as tourists and visitors alike. It will also offer many unique opportunities to promote Emirati culture and history, encourage healthy lifestyles and preserve local ecologies.

By carefully balancing social, cultural, environmental and economic considerations, building on previous plans over the last several decades and embracing the rapid technological transformation that is changing our everyday lives, this master plan has the potential to reinvigorate Abu Dhabi Urban Development model. This innovative master planning process will set the course of the city and Emirate’s growth and resiliency for years to come.

About the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council:
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) was created by law 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 framework plans for the Emirate: Plan Capital, Plan Al Ain, Plan Al Dhafra and Plan Maritime. Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, 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.

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© Press Release 2017