Creating a Unique City Identity for Abu Dhabi City

Abstract

This thesis investigates the concept of Abu Dhabi’s city identity and the key elements influencing its development by establishing a theoretical framework for analysis. Abu Dhabi's identity is critically assessed against this framework, focusing on its evolution across three distinct historical phases: the Inception Phase (1967-1975), characterized by everyday urbanism; the Dispersion Phase (1975-2007), marked by rapid expansion and modernism; and the Redemption Phase (2007-present), which seeks to restore historical continuity while embracing contemporary urbanism.

By adopting a multidisciplinary approach, the research utilizes qualitative content analysis, morphological mapping, and the Delphi technique to explore how urban planning, the built environment, and cultural heritage have shaped the city’s image. The findings reveal that perceptions of identity are closely tied to individual experiences and how people interpret the city's morphological aspects. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating culture and heritage into the city's identity, providing valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers to create a balanced and cohesive identity for Abu Dhabi.

Date of Award	6 Dec 2024
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Mutasem El Fadel (Supervisor)