Beachfront promenade for walkers, cyclists in new Abu Dhabi project

Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council’s (UPC)  has added value to the Al Wajeha Al Bahria mixed-use development, the first project within the Mirfa Master Plan, by including pedestrian promenade and large areas of public space.

Located on a site between Mirfa Beach and Mirfa City, the scheme is within Mirfa, one of the seven key settlements that feature in Plan Al Gharbia 2030 (Abu Dhabi’s Western Region).

The project is significant in meeting the growing housing and community needs of the Al Gharbia region, and is considered an important future landmark that will attract people to the area and pave the way for the appropriate development of the Mirfa coastline.

The UPC worked closely with the developer to identify how value could be added to the planning submission for the benefit of the community, before granting approval. As a result, the project will now feature a beachfront promenade for walkers and cyclists that connects Al Wajeha Al Bahria with other planned projects on the Mirfa coastline.

“Al Wajeha Al Bahria is a good example of how the UPC successfully collaborates with developers to ensure the needs of the community are met,” said Mohamed Al Khadar, Executive Director, Urban Development and Estidama Sector, UPC.

“The UPC’s Urban Development and Estidama Sector continuously works to add value to urban developments by liaising closely with the developer to enhance their plans. On Al Wajeha Al Bahria, a stronger link between the residential part of the development and the natural beachfront and landscaped areas has been created through shaded pathways – we are confident that this will accentuate the living experience for its residents.

“In line with community needs, the project will be a new attraction for Mirfa residents and local visitors to enjoy the amenities provided. Given its location adjacent to the future Mirfa Beach development, these residents will have easy access to one of Al Gharbia’s natural assets.” he said.

Furthermore, the UPC also worked with the Western Region Municipality to implement a road network in and around the Mirfa coastline area to serve Al Wajeha Al Bahria, which has paved the way for future development to take place.

To ensure all projects are in line with Vision 2030, the Urban Development and Estidama Sector assess each project in line with the individual framework plan for the region it is located in, as well as the UPC’s suite of policies and manuals to create attractive, integrated and sustainable urban developments.

The Al Wajeha Al Bahria project has successfully complied with the UPC’s suite of ‘Complete Sustainable Communities’ manuals and regulations, including the Abu Dhabi Urban Street Design Manual, the Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual, the Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Regulations, and the Abu Dhabi Utility Corridors Design Manual.

The UPC’s Estidama Pearl Rating System was also followed in the design phase to ensure the villas, buildings and the community itself meet the Emirate’s mandatory sustainability requirements for a 1 Pearl Estidama Rating.

Notable sustainability features include efficient waste management, the widespread provision of recycling bins, and the planting of shade-providing native plant species in landscaped areas.

The project highlights the level of support developers receive from the UPC. Numerous workshops and meetings were help to provide input into the development plans to ensure the highest quality outcome for the residents of Mirfa.

The announcement comes soon after the UPC disclosed details of the planned Mirfa Beach development – also within the overall Mirfa Master Plan – which will feature over 400 UAE National villas on a site adjacent to Al Wajeha Al Bahria.

The design of the Mirfa Beach villas, along with the detailed design for all other community facilities within the development, is in progress and construction is due to begin in the first half of 2017. The UPC is working with Abu Dhabi General Services Company (Musanada) and the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority to see the project through to completion.

The town of Mirfa has a population of about 29,000 people. It is a residential and tourist centre that was established in the 1970s under instruction from His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Other proposed projects there under Plan Al Gharbia 2030 include a civic centre, a maritime centre, mosques, schools, and other community facilities.

Al Gharbia constitutes nearly 60 per cent of the landmass of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and has a population of around 302,000.

Plan Al Gharbia 2030: Regional Structure Framework Plan was designed to provide a framework for the region to achieve managed and responsible growth, without sacrificing its cultural and historical significance for future generations. The plan highlights environmental respect, social health, cultural identity and economic development as key aims.

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