Abu Dhabi: Evolution, Challenges and Emerging Directions in City Planning and Development

Abstract

In the past four decades, Abu Dhabi has undergone a profound physical transformation affecting the forms of urban development and the methods of planning decision-making. During this urban evolution, attempts have been made to formulate new institutional arrangements, organized power configurations, and different governance models. In 2007, the city appointed the Urban Planning Council to control city planning. The council introduced Plan Capital 2030, inaugurating a regional framework to guide planning until 2030. Plan Capital 2030 provides guidelines, policies, design ideas, and best practices to regulate and promote more ecologically and socially sensitive forms of urbanism in Abu Dhabi. However, major limitations and challenges restricted effective implementation of the proposed plan, which eventually led to an update and revision. This research is a case study analysis of Abu Dhabi’s urban development structured into two sections. The first part describes the evolution of Abu Dhabi’s built landscape detailing its urbanization process and urban governance structure. The second part explores and assesses (1) the challenges and constraints to Plan Capital 2030 implementation, (2) the strengths and positive outcomes of the revised Capital plan and; (3) a possible policy frameworks and recommendations for a more effective implementation in the future. The study draws on original qualitative research including content and thematic analysis of several kinds of government and historic documents, and interviews with government officials, city planners and experts, planning consultants, and representatives from private city consultants. Findings reveal that the implemented practices were more of policies and guidelines than physical projects. Capital Plan 2030 was challenged by several factors that prevented a real and effective implementation. These challenges include: lack of a clear implementation monitoring plan; the global economic crisis of 2008; lack of stakeholders’ involvement and lack of coordination between Abu Dhabi’s public and private agencies; transformation in planning practices and priorities; and shift in power configurations controlling planning decision-making. For more effective implementation and more justified and transparent decision making, public and stakeholders’ engagement are substantial in the process of city planning. To this effect, the study proposes a participatory strategy in a non-democratic government system that aims to create a balance between sustainable economic development and satisfaction of the public’s needs through early engagement.

Date of Award	May 2015
Original language	American English
Supervisor	KHALED ALAWADI (Supervisor)