Abu Dhabi’s DMT announces $2.2bn ‘For Abu Dhabi’ initiative
Works under ‘For Abu Dhabi’ will follow three themes; For Exploring, For Interacting, For Relaxing
A new initiative designed to enhance urban spaces and nature sites has been launched by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). The ‘For Abu Dhabi’ initiative aims to categorise Abu Dhabi as one of the most livable cities in the world.
According to a statement, the initiative is part of the DMT’s contribution to the government accelerator programme (Ghadan 21) – it is investing in the community to create a welcoming atmosphere and exciting opportunities that highlight the emirate as an inclusive home for residents, tourists and visitors, who are striving for unique experiences.
$2.2bn is to be invested across the three main regions of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, to implement 300 enhancements ranging from small interventions to the regeneration of large-scale public spaces, the statement from DMT said. Works under ‘For Abu Dhabi’ will follow three themes; For Exploring, For Interacting, and For Relaxing.
“We are excited to showcase Phase One of the initiative; as of the fourth quarter of 2019, DMT awarded consultancy services to local and international designers for the regeneration of Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street and Hamdan Street, and 20 parks to name a few of the projects that are progressing. In addition, DMT is in the process of procuring construction works due to start in the second quarter of 2020,” said Falah Al Ahbabi, chairman of DMT.
Some of the enhancements include city-wide public art projects, street regenerations, four signature parks, the regeneration of 16 community parks, waterfront activation, unlocking existing natural sites and the completion of the city-wide cycle network to promote active recreation for all demographics.
“Community members can experience and enjoy a variety of developments starting from the first quarter of 2020, when some of the smaller enhancements will be completed,” added Al Ahbabi.
He also said that in the next phases of ‘For Abu Dhabi’, community members from Al Ain and the Al Dhafra regions can expect to see a diverse set of community-focused enhancements. The investment will provide exemplary public spaces, parks and waterfronts to strategic locations, including Al Ain, Madinat Zayed, Mirfa, Al Sila and Delma, he concluded.
