Forget Dubai, Abu Dhabi's Got The Plan

With an environmentally-conscious plan and ambitions to lure some of the world's most well-respected institutions, the emirate of Abu Dhabi is on a forward-thinking path and should be watched more closely than its extravagant counterpart, Dubai.

1 minute read

September 27, 2007, 6:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"While Dubai continues to catch the headlines, it is worth more than pausing to appreciate Abu Dhabi's 2030 plan. Its stated goals are interesting less for their housing and transportation projects - impressive though they may be - but more for the attention to its cultural and environmental goals."

"The capital of the UAE is truly thinking ecologically. Green belts, desert fingers to keep the dunes connected to the sea, protection of the country's mangrove forests and its birds and wildlife suggest an emirate that wants to balance its desire to be a commercial leader, with one that also respects the balance of nature."

"And it is not just environmentally where Abu Dhabi is quietly stealing a lead over its regional neighbours. The emirate is addressing a criticism long levelled at Gulf countries in its focus on becoming one of the cultural capitals of the world."

"Abu Dhabi has so far eschewed the ambitions for the tallest structures in favour of - for example - a Guggenheim Museum, the establishment of an NYU campus - one of the best universities in the world, and the construction of the Abu Dhabi Louvre museum - all on Saadiyat Island, recently tipped to become on of the world's top 10 destinations by the international travel industry."

Wednesday, September 26, 2007 in Arabian Business

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

White three-story brick single-room occupancy hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California.

‘Micro-Apartment’ Trend Underscores Housing Crisis

SROs are making a comeback under a new name as the housing supply remains strained and costs soar.

March 22, 2024 - Associated Press via Yahoo News

Aerial view of Milwaukee, Wisconsin skyline with freeway interchanges in foreground at night.

Milwaukee Residents Challenge Freeway Expansion

Residents are voicing opposition to a planned expansion of Interstate 94, arguing that the project would eliminate the limited green space in the neighborhood.

7 minutes ago - Spectrum News 1

Street Traffic in Manhattan

New York Congestion Pricing Approved by MTA Board

The program took another step forward as the board approved a proposed pricing scheme, but lawsuits still stand in the way of full implementation.

1 hour ago - Smart Cities Dive

White and yellow Metro Transit streetcar in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Video: Making Transit Better

How trackless trams and other innovations can make U.S. transit more efficient.

2 hours ago - CNBC Marathon

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.