Abu Dhabi: It is a foregone conclusion that the city of Abu Dhabi has developed at a tremendous pace since the formation of the UAE in 1971. What often remains unseen in the transformation of the city, however, is the role played by its municipality and town planners.
Created nearly a decade before the birth of the country, the city's municipal department has undergone many changes over the years.
Yet, it still retains its dedication towards developing the capital into a modern metropolis that remains rooted in its rich heritage.
"The rapid development witnessed by Abu Dhabi city is a testament to its ambitions of becoming a reputed metropolis. Under the continuous patronage of our wise leadership, the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has been an agent for many key projects geared towards achieving the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030," said Abdullah Al Shamsi, acting executive director of municipal infrastructure and assets at the municipality.
Long history
According to official records, a municipality for the capital city was first established in 1962 as the Department of Abu Dhabi Municipality and Town Planning.
Seven years later, in 1969, the first municipal board for the city of Abu Dhabi was appointed by royal decree.
The main responsibility of this board was to facilitate proper town planning for the development of the capital, including the development of road, sewerage, maintenance and lighting networks. In addition, the board was also tasked with developing an agriculture development plan for the emirate, and setting up markets in various areas.
As the capital and the emirate of Abu Dhabi continued to grow, administrative streamlining of the three independent municipalities in the emirate — the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, the Al Ain Municipality and the Western Region Municipality, became a need. So in 2005, the Department of Municipalities and Agriculture was formed to oversee municipal and agricultural activities in Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain.
Two years later, agricultural regulation and control was handed over to the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, and a law issued by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, created the Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA).
While the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has always worked to rapidly develop the infrastructure of the capital city, its efforts have only been heightened since the establishment of the current municipal administration system for the emirate.
"One of the most notable of our projects is the upgrade of Al Salam Street, which has already eased congestion in Abu Dhabi and will further improve traffic flow when completed next year," Al Shamsi told Gulf News.
Forums
Started in 2008, the project was aimed at doubling the previous capacity of the road to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions, while a similar recent initiative has also increased the capacity of Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (Old Airport Road).
Regular forums organised by the municipality also shed light on ways to jumpstart more efforts to reduce traffic fatalities.
A number of key landmarks have also been constructed at the entrance to the capital, including the iconic Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque that sees millions of visitors every year, as well as the Shaikh Zayed Bridge.
However, a number of initiatives still remain largely invisible, despite having significant impacts on residents' well-being. Among these are a seismic risk assessment system that will quantify and monitor the risk of earthquakes in the UAE, as well as a tidal observation system which will aid in protecting against coastal erosion.
"By using the latest scientific tools and equipment for these projects, we are working to protect the unique structures that are a part of the country's rich heritage, as well as safeguard the safety and security of the UAE's population," said Yousuf Al Marzouqi, director of spatial data at the municipality.
Community outreach
In addition, municipal authorities are also placing special emphasis on reaching out to the community in the capital.
"For the past few years, we have regularly conducted public meetings in which residents of a particular locality are invited to share their concerns and thoughts on development.
"As part of our efforts to instil a spirit of conservation in children, the Asemati initiative begun in 2010 also helps children take part in neighbourhood cleaning and decoration projects," said Dr Badria Al Daheri, director of community services.
"The municipality works extensively to improve residents' well-being and, through these outreach initiatives, we want to firmly embed ourselves in their lives," Dr Badria added, summing up the municipality's hopes.
Development
1962: Department of Abu Dhabi Municipality and Town Planning established
1969: First municipal board for the development of Abu Dhabi city appointed by royal decree
2005: Department of Municipalities and Agriculture formed to oversee independent municipalities in Abu Dhabi emirate
2007: Formation of Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) by presidential decree. DMA now oversees administration of Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain Municipality and Western Region Municipality.