Abu Dhabi unveils new urban street design standards

ABU DHABI - The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) Saturday unveiled new design standards for safer, comfortable and aesthetic street environs across the emirate, WAM news agency reported.

The new standards are based on key design principles, including safety for all street users and the acknowledgement that all great street designs begin with pedestrians and ensure universal access and environmental sustainability.

The design manual will be showcased at an interactive display at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre April 18-21.

Our new urban street design manual aspires to establish Abu Dhabi as a model for global mobility underpinned by diversity in movement options, flexibility in destination access, efficiency in time saving and enhancement of livability,” said UPC general manager Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi.

With the introduction of the design manual, UPC aims to reduce the emirate’s reliance on personal motorised vehicles by implementing a network of public transit to include high-speed rail and rapid transit options such as trams and buses.

Furthermore, a system of new streets and redesigned streets will emphasise high quality urban design and cater to all modes of transport, making Abu Dhabi a better and safer place to walk, cycle, and take public transport.

The innovative street designs will provide genuine choice of movement by walking, cycling and public transport modes as well as in private motor vehicles.

Abu Dhabi residents and visitors will start witnessing the transformation as early as 2010 when a City Centre street will be reconstructed according to the design standards.

The newly unveiled manual will serve as an effective guide for designers that will help them create street designs that embody the principles of Vision 2030.