Dubai announces that it will be the site of a new $2.2-billion Universal theme park, while neighboring emirate Abu Dhabi announces a comprehensive planning effort called Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.
The Los Angeles Times offers a fascinating introduction to Dubai -- a "a Ventura County-size expanse of desert on the southern rim of the Persian Gulf... Increasingly, Dubai is not just next to the gulf - it's extending into it, with hundreds of man-made islands being built for high-end hotels, spas and luxury villas."
"Dubai was one of seven emirates - the others being Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain - to come together to form the country of the United Arab Emirates... Some estimate that one-fifth of the world's construction cranes are working in Dubai."
Then, from the Gulf News Report:
Following the success of emirate Dubai to the north, Abu Dhabi announced a major development initiative -- Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 -- "that is expected to transform the UAE's capital into a vibrant global metropolis in less than a quarter of a century... Projects already announced and those under development in Abu Dhabi are worth Dh1.47 trillion ($400 billion), according to estimates."
"While the specific outcomes of this initiative are scheduled for release in the middle if this year, Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 underscores a holistic approach to urban planning policy in the capital city, and a commitment that all individual developments will contribute to a shared vision for the city that respects and embraces its surrounding rare desert and sea ecology."
FULL STORY: Dubai building big name for itself
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)