Abu Dhabi Enlists the Help of Former Vancouver City Planner

Larry Beasley, Vancouver's former chief city planner, was hired to help develop Abu Dhabi's very ambitious Plan 2030.

1 minute read

March 14, 2011, 1:00 PM PDT

By Victor Negrete


The goal of Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 is to establish the city as a world leader in sustainable urban planning.

According to Jessica Hume of Regarding Place Magazine , "the plan, like most, looks perfect on paper." "Where it gets slightly more difficult to understand is when you compare Plan 2030 to the reality of life on the streets here," she writes.

To make the point that Abu Dhabi is a city built for cars and not pedestrians, Jessica Hume explains the difficulties of walking in the city as such:

"Abu Dhabi is an island, shaped like a uterus. I began my walk at the offices of the newspaper where I work; and, like a sperm, I attempted to make my way to the egg, which, also not unlike that of a sperm, is not an easy trip."

Thursday, March 10, 2011 in Regarding Place Magazine

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 7, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

A rendering of the proposed green space, which has a white, triangular structure that provides shade, and small waterfalls.

LA to transform part of water treatment facility into new park

By rebuilding some of the Los Angeles-Glendale Water Reclamation Plant’s infrastructure, the city will free up 18,000 square feet to create a new green space for the public.

6 hours ago - LA Urbanize

A colorful Via transit bus next to a brick building.

San Antonio approves $1.1 billion transit agenda

The agency has also begun construction of its Via Rapid Green line, which will service passengers from the San Antonio International Airport.

7 hours ago - San Antonio Business Journal

A woman sits on a bus stop bench and looks at her phone.

Guerilla urbanists’ DIY benches joined by sanctioned seats in Chicago

The group behind the original homemade benches said they will continue installing them across bench-less bus stops in Chicago.

October 12 - Block Club Chicago