Abu Dhabi authorities discuss sustainability goals for Hudayriat Island

Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council (UPC) is holding a series of workshops to discuss a 'master plan' for Hudayriat Island.

The second of the five stakeholder workshops was held on August 16, and it discussed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), setting goals for energy reduction, as well as habitat creation, measures to alternative transit provisions, urban design principles, and educational and social inclusivity initiatives.

The 3,000-hectare island lying to the south and southwest of Abu Dhabi Island will reportedly be transformed into a mixed-use development over the next 20 years with an accessible 30km waterfront.

The workshop, attended by government officials, urban planners and developers, discussed the 'concept master plan', which is to be submitted by the end of 2017.

Topics discussed included sustainability, transportation, community facilities, as wells as beaches and water sports.

Abdullah Al Sahi, executive director of UPC’s planning and infrastructure sector, said, “Given the extraordinary site and lifespan of the project, which is expected to be developed over the next two decades, it is important to think beyond business as usual.

“The UPC is encouraging stakeholders to push the boundaries of creative possibilities that go beyond the established norms, while keeping the future generations in mind.”

The island will also include an ‘Emirati housing’ facility that will focus on energy reduction, principles of urban design, as well as educational and social inclusivity initiatives, the release said.

The first stakeholder workshop was held on May 22.

Hudayriat Island will be an attraction for local and regional residents as well as tourists and visitors alike. It will offer many unique opportunities to promote Emirati culture and history, encourage healthy lifestyles and preserve local ecologies, the release said.