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 14 VISION MAGAZINE - ISSUE ONE
ISSUE ONE - VISION MAGAZINE 15