Abu Dhabi pushes to become world capital

Abu Dhabi plans to boost its standing as a major world capital through the creation of a second centre within the city that will be the most important expression of government in the UAE.

Outlined in the recently published urban structure framework ‘Plan Abu Dhabi 2030’, the government said the new Capital District will be designed as the seat of the emirate and national governments, with departmental offices and embassies, as well as national health and educational institutions.

The government said it also wants to showcase the emirate's achievements through the construction of an iconic airport building, highways designed to showcase the emirate’s skyline and grand procession routes throughout the capital.

The government proposes that Lulu Island, the man-man island off the emirate’s coast, should become a primary site for unfolding the story of the emirate’s history and achievements, as every trip to downtown Abu Dhabi ends with a view of it.

Abu Dhabi’s international airport, which is already slated for expansion, has also been proposed as a site for a new iconic building that will display the emirate’s world-class status to international travellers on their arrival.

On the road, four approaches have been highlighted to emphasise the ecological composition of the emirate, as well as to offer commanding views of its skyline: Wetlands Parkway, the Mid-Island Parkway, the Mangrove Corniche, and the western approach.

A network of grand processions down monumental boulevards have also been proposed for the use of parades, celebrations and events, including the Corniche, Al Saada Street, the Mangrove Corniche and the Capital Boulevard.

Other iconic precincts within the fabric of the city also highlighted for prominence include the Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, the ‘Palace Row’ on the western edge of the island, and the Grand Mosque.