The municipality has announced plans for redesigning the central business districts in Deira and Bur Dubai by incorporating several modern features.


Modern features
The move is part of the civic body's efforts to develop Dubai according to international standards and reinforce its position as a world-class city.

Abdullah Abdul Rahim, director of the planning and survey department at the municipality, said the development of the central business districts in Deira and Bur Dubai is extremely important because of the commercial and social significance they assume.

"Our plan is to restore both areas by incorporating their prominent architectural as well as social features so that they are perfectly in match with the urban development currently taking place in the city.

"Besides, this will boost its economic activity and promote its image as an important destination for businessmen, traders and shoppers - both from the country as well as abroad," he said.

The department will conduct a study to identify the architectural and demographic characteristics of the central business districts and draw up an urban development plan that applies all the possible features to improve the urban environment, Abdul Rahim said.


The central business district of Deira will undergo an infrastructural makeover.
"For restoring such features to these areas, we will adopt legislation for planning, building and monitoring activities in the area.

"Besides, efficiency of the road network will be increased and the open areas will be improved as part of the urban fabric of the area, thereby turning it into an ideal environment for work and business activities," he said.

The planning study will involve three phases with the first phase focusing on studying the situation covering such aspects as the urban environment and population. It will also involve gathering information about the urban characteristics and nature of commercial activities in the area.

The second phase will include analysing data collected during the first phase and identifying the main issues that need to be addressed and planning solutions that could be adopted to achieve the project's objectives.

The third phase will focus on suggesting the appropriate planning and design solutions for the issues related to the urban structure of the area, introducing legislation and planning programmes for overcoming the negative aspects and directing the growth process.

This will be done in close coordination with all competent government authorities in the emirate.

The main objective of the study is to introduce appropriate legislation for developing the area that is practical and can be implemented by the private sector in a bid to raise the efficiency of the central business districts.

The planning and survey department has prepared computer-generated images that show how the areas will look once the proposed legislation is in place.