The urban growth management is essential for the UAE capital Abu Dhabi which is moving up several levels in a rapid manner – and an urban knowledge economy is at the core of the future vision for the emirate as it shifts away from an oil-based economy, said a senior official of  Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).

Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 is just one expression of this – as it provides conceptual solutions to shape the growth of Abu Dhabi over the next quarter of a century, addressing the major urban issues of environment, land use, transportation, open space and image of the capital city, remarked Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, the executive director of strategic affairs at DMT and general co-ordinator of the World Urban Forum 10.

"Urban growth management has particular value in a new and developing nation such as the UAE - a shade under 50 years old. Its urban environment and in particular Abu Dhabi, is marked by being fresh and new," explained Al Ahmed.

"It is architects and city planners which have helped to guide a nation, advance its culture and stimulate development," stated the senior government official.

“Next February we are looking forward to the 10th World Urban Forum in Abu Dhabi, with its theme: “Cities of Opportunities: Connecting Culture and Innovation” and this will be the first time that an Arab country will host the world’s most important conference on cities and human settlements," he said.

"At the centre of our discussions will be urban growth management – a comprehensive subject that is at the very essence of the work of WUF10 organisers UN-Habitat," noted Al Ahmed.

"To put clarity around this, urban growth management has become a common term to outline strategies and tools to regulate urban land use in metropolitan areas. It is particularly used to counteract negative impacts of urban sprawl but also to frame future urban development," he added.

According to him, this subject should not be seen as one which is purely a technical exercise, but an approach that runs deep.

"Urban growth management goes beyond the architects and city planners and relates to how cities are governed, the way that regional government relates to the individual. It can inspire, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and encouraging a flowering of communities," observed Al Ahmed.

"Deeper still, this process is steering sub-national governance for development, for a process which can promote citizen engagement, foster a sense of civic responsibility and stimulate development. Ultimately, this betters society and can all ultimately improve state-society relations and advance peace-building and state-building goals. Therefore, Urban Growth Management is something truly elevated," he added.

According to him, Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 provides plans and policies that shape the emirate as the leading global 21st century Arab city and includes factors such as sustainability, infrastructure capacity, community planning and a high quality of life for all.

"The government has identified nine key pillars that form the Emirate’s social, political and economic future: a large empowered private sector; a sustainable knowledge-based economy; an optimal, transparent regulatory environment; a continuation of strong and diverse international relationships; the optimisation of the Emirate’s resources; premium education, healthcare and infrastructure assets; complete international and domestic security; maintaining Abu Dhabi’s values, culture and heritage; and a significant and ongoing contribution to the Federation of the UAE," he added.-TradeArabia News Service