New codes for Abu Dhabi coastal development

The Government of Abu Dhabi yesterday announced a set of new codes and guidelines applicable for any development on the entire coastline of the emirate.

The initiative, called Coastal Development Guidelines as part of Pan-Abu Dhabi 2030 – also called Vision 2030 – is being implemented by the emirate's Urban Planning Council (UPC).

"The goal for the coastal development guidelines is to improve the environmental performance of coastal developments by incorporating key environmental considerations at the conceptual stage," said Falah Al Ahbabi, UPC Director-General.

The guidelines, according to UPC, were developed in conjunction with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), which is responsible for the emirate's environmental protection.

The guidelines also include identifying and setting up protected areas and national parks to help further promote the emirate's tourism industry.

According to the guidelines stipulated in the document, coastal parks and ecological hotspots are exempt from activities such as dredging, reclamation or other physical activities that alter the environment.

"We want to make sure the coastal parks and ecological hotspots retain their recreational and environmental value for Abu Dhabi's residents, visitors and future generations. The UPC has created a number of guidelines that take into consideration the need to sustain our environmental assets and the desire of humans for recreation and interaction with nature," said Al Ahbabi.

According to UPC, the Coastal Development Guidelines are one of the first initiatives resulting from the earlier introduced natural and cultural heritage strategy, and are an integral aspect of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030's Environment Framework Plan.

"Only small-scale visitor facilities and related services can be deployed in these areas. Access to these areas is limited to ferries and small, non-motorised boats," one of the regulations in the guidelines said.

With the introduction of these codes, all developers in the emirates are required to take into consideration the coastal heritage and environmental considerations before planning any development, including infrastructure projects.

The newly introduced guidelines provide direction for development in the major coastal basins extending from the Al Dhabiya Island to the border with Dubai.

 

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