Abu Dhabi: A brand new master plan will see major developmental changes at the capital’s Shakhbout City suburb, making it an attractive home for nearly 80,000 future residents.
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), the emirate’s urban planning authority, announced in a statement today (November 9) that the upgrade will see the establishment of additional housing, as well as parks, mosques, schools and hospitals within the 1,854-hectare suburb.
Abdullah Al Sahi, acting executive director for planning and infrastructure at the UPC, said that Shakhbout City will become an example of the UPC’s vision to create sustainable, vibrant neighbourhoods.
Located 30 kilometres from the capital’s central business district, Shakhbout City is close to both Mohammad Bin Zayed City suburb and Abu Dhabi International Airport. It was formerly known as Khalifa City B, and already houses a number of residents.
But, more importantly, it is situated next to the planned new seat of federal government in Zayed City.
“It is strategically important because we envision that it will become a ‘feeder’ community for Zayed City, offering residents attractive employment and leisure opportunities,” Al Sahi explained.
To that end, the development master plan has now been formally handed over to the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City for implementation.
One of the first steps being undertaken is an evaluation of the existing infrastructure, including networks for telecommunications, sewage, drainage, irrigation and underground water. This assessment will help determine what more needs to be set up for the benefit of residents.
Upcoming development works will see an upgrade of the suburb’s commercial centre, and these works are expected to begin in 2016, the municipality has said.
A total of 323 housing plots will also be added for Emiratis. There will also be a district park within the community’s business centre, as well as designated plots for service centres, commercial buildings, and community amenities such as nurseries and cultural associations. These plots will be designated from 2017 onwards.
The municipality will also start upgrading streets and intersections in 2018 by adding traffic signals and landscaping public spaces. This part of the project is expected to take about three years.
Over the next five years, the municipality will also set up 29 public parks for the community in Shakhbout City. The first four of these will be constructed in 2016, with a further four being built the following year.
Last month, the UPC also announced development plans that will work to establish beachfront communities and town centres for settlements in Al Gharbia, in the emirate’s Western Region.
