There are major plans in place to develop a 30km waterfront community on the 3,000 hectare Hudayriat Island, Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council (UPC) has said, speaking at a workshop with stakeholders earlier this week.
At the workshop, the UPC discussed approaches that would help turn Hudayriat Island into a vibrant and sustainable community. The masterplan for the project is being developed in line with the Abu Dhabi Plan, UPC added.
The island will host a diverse range of facilities, including those for recreational facilities, a public shore, a green mobility network and a rich natural environment.
Under this project, several plots will be allocated to UAE nationals, who will benefit from the Emirati Housing Programme, UPC added.
In a statement, it said that an accessible waterfront spanning 30km will form the heart of the mixed-use development. It is planned that it will take 10 minutes to walk from the waterfront to any point on the island.
“We will take an integrated approach to the planning and design of the island, while balancing social, cultural, environmental and economic factors within a robust stakeholder engagement process,” said Abdulla Al Sahi, Planning and Infrastructure executive director of the UPC.
“By utilising and enhancing the environmental features in this unique area of Abu Dhabi, this development will raise the standard of living, restore Emirati culture, promote healthy lifestyles and create a variety of coastal activities and attractions,” noted Al Sahi.
“We will ensure the master plan complies with the UPC’s full suite of planning frameworks and manuals so that every step is taken to lay the groundwork for safe and sustainable communities in the future,” he added.