City update: Al Ain

Al Ain is to receive long-term attention as it is developed in line with its 2030 plan.

It is not uncommon for people and businesses to set aggressive goals, but quite often these goals go unachieved. In Al Ain, however, there is one overarching objective that construction companies across the board are vigorously working towards, that is, Plan Al Ain 2030.

In April 2009 it was revealed that the plan will focus on five different initiatives including using available land intelligently, increasing density with the buildings and city centre, preserving surrounding agricultural areas, creating a surface tram system and protecting designated environmental zones.

“The first stage is concerned with the city of Al Ain itself,” said Al Ain Municipality urban planning director Talal Al Salamani. “The second is concerned with the urban planning framework incorporating all of the settlements, towns and villages within the eastern region of Abu Dhabi (of which Al Ain City is the capital).”

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There will also be projects that revolve around the ongoing improvement of the downtown area. “The projects will deliver the full circle of services including transit, urban regeneration, and improvement of existing infrastructure,” Salamani added.

In line with the goals to preserve and improve the environment, global design and engineering consultancy, Atkins, signed a contract with Al Ain Municipality last month to establish a new organisation, which aims to meet these objectives, as well as working towards better health and safety awareness on construction sites.

The Environment, Health & Safety department aims to create safer work places and healthy working environments, minimise pollution waste and deliver sustainable lifestyle and development.

“The application of the department’s management systems will raise awareness of environmental aspects that stem from construction activities, ultimately improving man’s situation within the environment without upsetting it,” said Atkins project director Abdullatif Merii.

In terms of using existing land to create better surroundings, many projects are planned to fit the bill. For example, in January, Halcrow was awarded the contract to provide design and supervision services for the improvement of traffic movement around schools in Al Ain.

Al Ain Municipality appointed the consultant to construct new roads, a wadi crossing, four new signalised junctions and provision services, such as storm water drainage.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Halcrow regional director for Abu Dhabi Sami Al Qazzaz said: “We are very excited to be working with the Al Ain Municipality and we look forward to developing a long and productive relationship with them.”

“This project will significantly improve traffic circulation in the area and we are committed to delivering a solution of the highest quality for our new client.”

As part of Plan Al Ain 2030, new developments are also in the pipeline including International Capital Trading’s (ICT) US $136 million (AED500 million) Al Ain Oasis.

The 100,000m2 site, opposite the oasis within the centre of Al Ain, will be a mixed-use development housing a hotel, and residential and office units to cater to inhabitants of the city.

It will also include retail shops and art galleries along with cafes and restaurants and public gathering places aimed at both tourists and locals. “We are discussing how it will sit within the plan with the Urban Planning Council of Abu Dhabi,” said ICT COO Haytham Haidar.

Abu Dhabi-based master developer Aldar Properties is overseeing the initial phases of construction under Plan 2030 including infrastructure and villa developments. The redevelopment for the city’s Central District is set to follow, along with the construction of transit initiatives and the advancement of Emirati housing projects.

And in 20 years time, the Al Maqam, Asharej, and Al Muwaiji districts is set join the Central District to house the majority of Al Ain residents and commerce. A second north-south axis consisting of Hili, Al Jimi, Al Mutaredh, and Sanaiya will also contain higher density accommodation.

By 2030, the city will have expanded both physically and financially, and its heritage and agricultural character will remain untouched, well, that’s the plan.