Abu Dhabi : Abu Dhabi will relocate several types of shops and workshops gradually from the city to the outskirts of the island and Mussaffah.
The decision by Abu Dhabi Municipality will mainly affect the shops selling building materials, aluminium, glass, auto spare parts, accessories and related services, carpentry workshops and equipment repair, etc, according to the latest statement.
The decision, in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council and the Department of Economic Development, calls for relocating all outlets offering skilled works like carpentry from Abu Dhabi Island to Musaffah, and shifting vehicle-related works to the outskirts of the islands. The outlets have to complete the relocation in one year from the date of the next licence renewal.
A municipal spokesperson told Gulf News that the decision takes effect with this announcement but every shopowner will be given a chance to renew the licence once more.
"The workshops [on the island] will be allowed to convert them into showrooms, if they wish," he said.
The new regulations will be circulated among the commercial licenceholders.