Industrial planning issues to be tackled

Sharjah: The ninth Sharjah Urban Planning Symposium opens on Sunday to tackle the main problems associated with industrial urban planning, with the objective of bringing solutions to the challenges of the UAE's rapid urban development programme.

Out of the 90 research papers presented by academics and professionals, 30 will concentrate on Sharjah's transportation system and the whole concept of rapid development and its challenges, according to Dr Ali Parsa. Dr Parsa is Co-Chair of the Urban Symposium and Reader in Planning and Director of Research, Faculty of Engineering, Science and the Built Environment at London South Bank University.

"Property is an important sector of the economy in the UAE, and the symposium will talk about the properties market, how to double capital in urban development, and the advances in the property competition between countries," said Dr Obaid Bin Ahmad Al Tunaiji, Director-General of the Town Planning and Survey and Co-Chair of the symposium.

Ajman Municipality will present a study to develop the western areas, with the majority of UAE research focusing on developing the eastern emirates.

Sharjah officials from the Town Planning and Survey Department stressed old buildings have to be either demolished or amended to serve a variety of purposes, and keep up-to-date with the modern way of life.

Heritage sites should also be maintained and kept in favourable conditions, added ministry officials.

Sharjah has the largest heritage area in the UAE. It is run by the Directorate of Heritage and is part of the Department of Culture and Information of the Government of Sharjah.