Plan Al Ain 2030 unveiled

A development plan for Al Ain that is designed to safeguard the city's unique character and heritage was launched yesterday.

Plan Al Ain 2030 presents a picture of an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable future for the city. It outlines new ways to expand economic opportunities without sacrificing its agricultural character and proposes new elements to make it a dynamic knowledge hub in the modern global economy.

Policies and frameworks for land use, building densities and heights, transportation, infrastructure and protected environmental zones are all set out by the Urban Planning Council (UPC), which developed the plan.

"Our objective is to make a difference for Al Ain's future generations by designing structures that can enhance the sustainable social, cultural, environmental and economic aspects of the city," said UPC General Manager Falah Al Ahbabi.

"For us, heritage means a past with a vision. Al Ain is part of our overall 2030 vision for Abu Dhabi, a vision that is inspired by our history and crafted for future generations," he said.

Al Ain, known as the UAE's garden city, is a natural oasis characterised by lush vegetation and fertile urban farms. Agriculture has supported continuous settlement for thousands of years.

"Through a balance of conservation and development, Plan Al Ain 2030 will foster the city's authentic Arabic identity while supporting a continuously evolving modern culture," said Al Ahbabi.

The plan proposes special treatment for the city's oases to ensure they remain at the heart of the community. At the same time it supports Bedouin living based on Fareej – groups of dwellings situated around a shaded courtyard that allow extended Emirati families to live together in close proximity.

"We are safeguarding Al Ain's unique landscape by identifying protected open space areas and providing awareness and education on the local environment. The oases will receive special treatment to help them thrive within the fabric of our society. Our traditional Bedouin patterns of life will be upheld through the creation of Fareej, which allow extended families to live together."

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