Abu Dhabi to showcase future urban landscape

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) will offer a glimpse of the emirate's urban landscape in the next 30 years using a model structure which highlights real estate dynamics of the largest enclave within the United Arab Emirates.

UPC general manager His Excellency Falah Al Ahbabi said the model, the first by Abu Dhabi policymakers, would be unveiled at the upcoming four-day Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010 event from April 18 to 21. The event will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

"The showcased model structure will act as a fantastic visualisation tool and will help people really understand how the various pieces of the Capital 2030 puzzle seamlessly interact, relate and blend with each other to provide a truly unique living experience for future residents and visitors alike," Al Ahbabi said in a statement posted on Cityscape Abu Dhabi’s website.

Measuring 23 x 17 metres, the model, based on a scale of 1:2000, is a representation of the emirate's landscape from Corniche on Abu Dhabi’s main island to Shahama, Mussafah and Al Falah on the mainlaind.

It will also include the islands of Saadivat, Yas, Lulu, Reem and Sowwah, which have been earmarked as key development areas of Capital 2030. The model will be displayed at UPC’s Cityscape stand.

Designers of the model were able to include significant details of existing landmarks such as the Emirates Palace and the Grand Mosque together with some iconic projects under development such as Sowwah Square, Masdar and the tower on Lulu island.

Interactive digital totems will surround the model to provide further insights into the framework for the emirate.

Kiosks will also be set up to showcase UPC’s other planned intiatives including the Al Gharbia and Al Ain’s framework besides key development initiatives such as street design and infrastructure.

"Our assigned objective is to constantly strive to reach new heights of excellence by introducing new concepts, technologies and innovations, and always remaining respectful of our proud Arab culture.

"It has been a life-enhancing journey, a travel littered with soul-discovering experiences, a distance yet still far from the final destination. But our horizon is clear, our directions chartered and our compass, Vision 2030, firmly guides our steps," added Al Ahbabi.

The annual Cityscape Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s largest international business-to-business real estate investment and development conference.