Abu Dhabi: A massive development plan for Al Ain - the garden city of the UAE - is expected to transform the desert oasis into a vibrant tourism destination with improved public transport system including a tram network to connect various neighbourhoods.
More than 20,000 housing units will be constructed to accommodate more families as the government plans to double the population of the country's fourth largest city to one million by 2030, a top official said.
The Abu Dhabi Government earlier outlined an urban development vision for Abu Dhabi, Plan 2030.
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) yesterday unveiled its 2030 Masterplan for Al Ain which outlines the urban structure framework plan for the city.
"The master plan was approved by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council two months ago," Falah Al Ahbabi, general manager of UPC told a news conference here.
Plan Al Ain 2030 offers a range of solutions to regulate the quality and quantity of new development projects and improve public transport. includes policies and frameworks for land use, building densities, building heights, transportation, infrastructure, and protected environment zones.
"Our objective is to make a difference for Al Ain's future generations by designing structures that can enhance sustainable social, cultural, environmental and economic aspects of the city," Al Ahbabi added.
"We have already started implementing the plan. 4,000 Emirati houses are under construction... roads, bridges, tunnel projects are under implementation."
Al Ahbabi said another 16,000 units - houses and plots - will be available to Emiratis in phases over the next 20 years.
He added there would be a tram network in Al Ain in 5-7 years. The Al Ain zoo, a major attraction, will be expanded. The plan will be assessed every five years.
In phase I, the major structural element of the Land Use Plan will be outlined, including a redevelopment plan for the City's Central District, key transportation and transit improvement initiatives, and the advancement of Emirati housing projects.
In phase 2, the major structural components of the Gateway Transit Corridor will be planned, and development at key transit nodes will intensify.
By phase 3 in 2030, the Al Maqam, Asharej, and Al Muwaiji districts will join the Central District.
