Vision Magazine Online Issue 1

eco-system. It also discussed the incorporation of
community facilities and retail centres to serve the
region’s settlements.
The Emirati residents of the Al Ain Region continue
to maintain strong family bonds; however, the
settlements have become more culturally diverse due
to the rise in expatriates. As one of the key objectives,
the Al Ain Regional Structure Framework Plan will also
take into account the different needs of these new
residents.
Furthermore, the framework plan will ensure a ’critical
mass’ in some of the settlements to reduce the level
of outward migration.
“We need to really focus on increasing the quality of life
for all residents living and working in the settlements
of the Al Ain Region,” says Ahmed Al Kuwaiti, Planning
Professional at the UPC. “The attraction of bigger cities
such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain, particularly for
young and ambitious Emiratis, can often lead them
to pursuing careers outside of the region. So we
need to create economically productive, sustainable
communities that provide opportunities closer to home
without compromising the environment.”
In line with Estidama, the UPC’s programme of
sustainability and Abu Dhabi’s contribution to the global
discussion on the creation of more environmentallyfriendly
communities, cities and global enterprises,
the Al Ain Regional Structure Framework Plan will be
founded on key environmental, cultural, social and
economic sustainability principles.
Next Steps
Following a presentation of the plans and principles to H.E.
Falah Al Ahbabi, General Manager of the UPC, and Dr Matar
Al Nuaimi, General Manager of Al Ain Municipality, the
UPC and their consultants will spend a number of months
collaborating with the Eastern Region Development Council
(ERDC), Al Ain Municipality, Department of Transportation,
the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi
Authority for Culture and Heritage to create the Al Ain
Regional Structure Framework Plan.
Once the plan, which will sit alongside the existing Al Ain
City Urban Structure Framework Plan, is given approval, the
UPC will apply a comprehensive community involvement
programme in order to ensure a sustained involvement of
key local people in the entire planning process.
Community involvement activities will aim to inspire and
increase citizens’ involvement by encouraging them to
activate Abu Dhabi’s sustainable vision to improve community,
environmental, social and economic responsibility.
As H.E. Falah Al Hababi, General Manager of the UPC
summarises: “Each community in the Emirate is distinct in
its own vision. At the UPC, we understand and acknowledge
the distinct cultural and environmental ethos of each region
and hence, have always aimed at creating framework plans
that not only preserve these precious elements but also
create the authentic Arab capital of the world.”
Charrettes are the
most efficient way
of quickly gathering
knowledge and creating
a comprehensive plan
A First For The UPC
Four Emirati urban planning and design students were
invited to the charrettes to help support the consultants
and planners. The students took notes, provided local
knowledge and assisted in the drawing and colouring of
the settlement plans.
“The students did a fantastic job,” said Saif Ghubash, Senior
Planning Professional at the UPC. “It was a great opportunity
for the students to apply their course knowledge and have
exposure to the real life challenges that urban planners
face.”
Given the success of the students’ participation, the UPC
aims to provide this opportunity again in future charrette
sessions to inspire and support the next generation of
Emirati urban planners.
Saif Ghubash,
Senior Planning Professional,
Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council
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