Abu Dhabi unveils Dh5bn drive to improve quality of life

New parks and cycle paths will be created, transport links improved and efforts made to protect residents against the searing summer heat as part of an ambitious Dh5 billion drive to improve quality of life in Abu Dhabi.

Three hundred initiatives aimed at making the capital one of the most liveable cities in the world by 2021 are being rolled out by the Abu Dhabi government. The projects are being led by Abu Dhabi Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities under the Ghadan 21 banner – a Dh50 billion stimulus package announced last year to accelerate the emirate’s economic growth.

Abu Dhabi government’s Ghadan 21 investment programme is designed to bolster the capital’s competitiveness in four areas – business and investment; society; knowledge and innovation; and liveability.

The initiatives, 177 of which will be launched in Abu Dhabi city with the rest in Al Ain and Al Dhafrah, in the Western Region, are covered under the liveability section of the package, specifically designed to improve the quality of life of people in Abu Dhabi.

The projects are in the planning phase, with work on 20 scheduled to start this year.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities held an event to generate ideas last month.

“We invited innovators, inventors and thinkers, experts in different areas, to see how we could enhance the city,” said Mohammad Al Ahmed, executive director for strategic affairs at the department. “And then we gathered everything and came up with this very ambitious plan.”

The initiatives include plans to address the summer heat, such as better shading, more trees and even breeze machines in some areas.

In addition, 11 parks will be upgraded in Abu Dhabi city, with new playgrounds, shops, climbing walls, sports areas and other features.

Three special themed parks will be built, including Heritage Park on the Corniche, which will include sculptures, elevated pedestrian walkways and plazas.

“We are also doing a major project on the Corniche where we will create new activities and connect the parks,” Mr Al Ahmed said.

New cycle paths will also be created, as well as a 45-kilometre exercise track.

Plans to enhance transport in the city include a network of water taxi routes served by 50 taxis and connecting more than 10 areas and attractions.

“The cultural district is important, so it will be included

in the route of the water taxis,” Mr Al Ahmed said.

“But we are discussing where the stations will be and how they will look. We already have the initial station design, the routes and the type of boat we will use.”

Several of the city’s busiest roads will also be upgraded, including the Corniche and Airport Road, where plans will be put in place to improve walkability and traffic, and install sculptures.

Street art will also be introduced in parts of the city, such as along main roads.

“By harnessing technology and innovation, we are working to enhance the urban environment and reducing the environmental impact,” said Falah Al Ahbabi, chairman of the urban planning department.

“‘Transforming Our Abu Dhabi’ aims to make Abu Dhabi a more liveable city, focusing on key areas, such as transport, mobility and urban environment; active lifestyle; and the development of cultural programmes.”

Ghadan 21 will stimulate business and investment, as well as promoting economic development for the private sector and small businesses, and supporting industry projects for the renewable energy sector. Dh20bn of the Dh50bn budget will be invested in the economy this year.