Comprehensive Plan

Central District, Al Ain

Studio In Planning For Developing Countries

City and Regional Planning Department
 Acknowledgments
The students who participated in the creation of this plan include Kwabena Agyeman, Catherine Feerick, Pallavi Jha, Michael
Stosky, Wolfgang Teran, and Chuyuan (Viktor) Zhong. We would like to express our gratitude to the many individuals and
organizations who provided us with direction throughout the course of this project. They have supplied us with information on
issues relevant to planning in international settings, and without their assistance this plan would not have been possible.
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council provided us with exhaustive data on our region of study, as well as a template from
which to build our specific land use recommendations.
The administrator and members of the “Save Al Ain” Facebook group helped us to better understand the public sentiment and
goals of the residents of Al Ain.
Yumin Li and Steve Kolwicz of POD Design discussed the many issues that needed to be considered in their structural design
work in China.
Robert Geiner of Grina Technologies afforded the class a view into the economic options available to nations seeking to
develop their infrastructure.
Dr. Mohan K. Wali assisted the course with his wide-ranging knowledge of environmental sustainability and the impact of
development on delicate ecosystems such as desert oases.
Jamie Greene of ACP Vision+Planning took on the responsibilities of teaching this course. He engaged the above experts
and provided us with direction throughout the planning process. The final plan owes its existence to his oversight and
coordination.
Finally, this course was offered to the students through the City and Regional Planning program at The Ohio State University.
We would like to express our gratitude to the program and university for encouraging channels of discussion and practice in
international development. The address for the program is listed below:
City and Regional Planning
Knowlton School of Architecture
275 West Woodruff Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210-1138

Aknowledgement
 Content

Executive Summary 1-3

Values 4-7

Demographics and Economics 8-10

Cultural Resources 11-17

Built Environment 18-23

Natural Environment 24-29

Transportation 30-36

Appendix A: References 37-40

Appendix B: Maps, Tables, and Graphs 41-42

Maps 43
 Executive Summary
Introduction
The city of Al Ain began as a desert oasis along major trade routes, carefully cultivated through the faraj system of irrigation.
For thousands of years Al Ain has supported permanent settlement, including the ancestors of the current ruling family of the
United Arab Emirates. Successful, year-round habitation of Al Ain resulted from the delicate interplay of environmental and
economic factors. Its identity evolved from the social patterns of life and cultural innovations of its residents. The importance
of the natural conditions that originally gave rise to Al Ain can still be seen in the honorary titles it carries: “City of Oases” and
“Garden City.”

Al Ain is widely observed as the cultural center of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,
as well as the encompassing nation of the United Arab Emirates. The city
is located in a vast stretch of desert on the border between Oman and Abu
Dhabi, in the central region of a peninsula bordered to the north by the Strait
of Hormuz, to the west by the Persian Gulf, and to the East by the Gulf of

1
Oman. The focus of this study is the Central District, which formed around
the defining oasis of Al Ain. The 4.6 square mile area of the Central District

Executive Summary-----Chapter
1/Executive Summary
had a population of 93,000 residents in 2007, which is expected to grow to 180,000 by the year 2030. Non-Emirati nationals
outnumbered Emiratis in the Central District by a ratio of 8 to 1 at the time of the survey.
This plan for the Central District of Al Ain was compiled in a Developing Countries studio course at The Ohio State University
in Columbus, Ohio. Participants included undergraduate and graduate students from diverse educational and cultural
backgrounds. The class created a framework for development in the Central District of Al Ain through an analysis of many
factors, including values, demographics and economics, cultural resources, the built environment, the natural environment,
and transportation. The class also felt that utility infrastructure deserved study and analysis, but did not concentrate on
this area as a specific focus for this project. With a few noted exceptions, the students advanced development strategies
that followed the general land use guidelines indicated in the Plan Al Ain 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan, illustrated
below.

Work on the initiative that produced the Central District Plan for Al Ain included:
• Active reading and analysis of wide-ranging development plans from South America, East and Southeast Asia, Africa,
and the Middle East.
• Thorough understanding of parameters set forth in the Al Ain 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan, as well as in
Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.
• Consultation with scholars in various fields familiar with the types of issues encountered in planning for a city with
such unique features as Al Ain.
2/Executive Summary
 • Research undertaken on the current physical conditions of Al Ain. In terms of understanding the structure of the city,
this required an examination of urban form, architectural elements, and housing preferences. Evaluation of trans-
portation options involved an investigation of the current hierarchy of streets and the strengths and of their layout.
Research on contemporary issues and concerns unique to desert environments, but exacerbated by global climate
change, informed the students’ environmental perspective.
• An understanding of the residents themselves. This included careful consideration of values, social and cultural as-
sets, and demographics. The importance of economic concerns in the area of interest was weighed alongside the
prosperity of the city as a whole and the need to protect the diverse assets of the Central District. All recommenda-
tions made through this plan took into account concerns and suggestions voiced by Al Ain residents through online
media.

Goals
Recommendations made in this plan are rooted in the desire to provide for development and prosperity within the Central
District of Al Ain without compromising the assets which formed the city and continue to make it unique. In line with this
aspiration, the following goals provided a framework for all subsequent objectives and strategies:
• Develop a sustainable economic plan for the Central District as it relates to the larger context of the City of Al Ain.
• Preserve existing cultural resources and set up institutional and social foundations that promote sustainable cultural
development in the future.
• Bring the Central District of Al Ain a built environment that celebrates the richness of its unforgettable past and tradi-
tional building concepts, integrating it with the diversity of present need.
• Consider every portion of the relationship between the natural environment and the pace of development from green-
house gasses to the stability of the land when considering new developmental strategies.
• Connect Al Ain efficiently and effectively with a multi modal transport system that is sensitive to the economic, envi-
ronmental, cultural, and social context.
Format
The plan for the Central District is divided into six chapters. Each discusses a topic relevant to planning concerns in the target
area, elaborating on key issues found through independent research. In most cases each chapter lists several objectives and
strategies designed to best accommodate each unique feature. The following chapters overlap topically to a certain degree,
but we have chosen to allow the repetition of information by topic, as many important elements of Al Ain affect multiple planning
topics. Beginning with a brief study of values in Al Ain, the plan will proceed to discuss demographics and economics, cultural
resources, the built environment, the natural environment, and transport.

3/Executive Summary
 Values
Overview
This chapter addresses the need of remote planners for knowledge of cultural priorities and values. This knowledge is
critical to a plan’s ultimate success. Not only is cultural understanding necessary from an ethical sense, but the people of Al
Ain feel particularly entitled to participation in the development of their community. Although they demonstrate respect and
deference toward their political leaders that borders almost on affection, the residents feel that public participation in the plan
is essential (Save Al Ain). In the spirit of Sheikh Zayed, who wrote that “The process of development…does not depend on
those in positions of responsibility, but…requires the concerted efforts of every citizen,” the National Consulting Council was
introduced to allow a channel for public opinion to enter into the development process (Save Al Ain).
The city of Al Ain is highly significant to residents of Abu Dhabi and the entire United Arab Emirates as “the Cradle of the
Federation” (DA&T). The population, though mostly expatriate migrants, has a higher proportion of Emirati residents than
elsewhere in the nation (Al Ain Men’s College). Archaeological records show signs of permanent settlement as far back as the
Third Century BCE, demonstrating the significance of the oasis along converging trade routes for thousands of years (DA&T).
The residents of Al Ain take great pride in their city’s cultural heritage, as the online forum “Save Al Ain” demonstrates. The
cultural heritage can be divided into several, interconnected elements: “urban agriculture,” the Bedouin ideal, religion, and the
importance of family. An additional area of cultural understanding relates to the position of migrants within the greater society,
and what burdens and benefits impact their daily lives.

Due to the nature of research associated with the values of Al Ain

residents as collected through this study, no recommendations
or objectives will be stated. Values and preferences were
collected in an attempt to guide the development of objectives
and strategies relating to the other areas of study: economics,
cultural resources, the built environment, the natural
environment, and transportation.
Key Findings
• The unique environment formed by the major Oases
is at the root of settlement in Al Ain.

• Agricultural production, particularly of the date palm, is viewed as the backbone of the economy.
• Citizens embrace their natural surroundings and agricultural heritage.
• The nomadic Bedouin lifestyle is esteemed and romanticized in Middle Eastern culture.
• The modern age has created a tension between respect for the past and desire for a prosperous future.
• Descent, honor, and bravery remain important virtues in modern Arab culture.
• The majority religion in Al Ain is Sunni Islam.
• Islam provides natural mechanisms for redistribution of wealth,
community-building, and public hygiene.
•

2
Privacy and family are the most important considerations in design-
ing Emirati housing.

Values---------------------Chapter
4/Values
 • Asian and Arab immigrants create significant new population groups within the city.
• Among migrant laborers, adequate lodgings and general poverty are persistent issues.
• The cultural openness of Al Ain provides a friendly environment for tourism in the Middle East.
Urban Agriculture
Environmental conditions in Al Ain shaped its past and will continue to dictate the course of its future. Multiple oases punctuate
the landscape, alongside the wadis at the base of the Abu Dhabi’s only mountain, Jebel Hafeet (ADUPC). Fed by the ancient
but trustworthy falaj irrigation system, the oases allowed for original settlements to develop and serve as a visual reminder to
Emiratis of their origins (ADUPC). The people of Al Ain show great respect for their “Garden City,” praising its greenness and
pushing to nominate Jebel Hafeet as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (Save Al Ain).

Agricultural production is still viewed as the backbone of the

economy (Al Ain Men’s College). Plan Al Ain 2030 provides for
the maintenance of farms and date-palm orchards within the
city, even in the central region, as a tribute and continuation of
this agricultural heritage (ADUPC). The setting of cultivation
inspires poetic descriptions of the city among its inhabitants,
one of whom described Al Ain eloquently as “the city filled
with palm trees and farmland, clean water” (Save Al Ain).
The citizens made several firm suggestions leveled toward
retaining the natural character of the city, so it does not become
“a second Dubai, nor an imitation Abu Dhabi” (Save Al Ain).

The Bedouin Ideal

Bedouin culture and ideals influence the lifestyles of residents
in Al Ain. Many Emiratis feel that the Bedouin ideal represents
a more authentic and pure Arab lifestyle. The term is applied
to diverse tribes practicing different lifestyles, but these groups
tend to share several characteristics. The term “Bedouin” is
roughly translated to mean “desert dweller,” and the lifestyle
most associated with this group is that of nomadic herders
(Cole). The Arab tradition of raising and racing camels as
status symbols derives from the importance of the animal to
traditional Bedouins (Cole). In fact, the Arabic root for “Camel”
(“jamel”) is also the root for beautiful (“jameel”). Bedouin
society rests upon the virtues of honor, descent, and bravery,
particularly in warfare (Cole). As a whole, the group places
great stock in their regimented system of patrilineal descent,
poetry, and familial rule (Abu-Lughod).
Conflict exists between respect for the Bedouin lifestyle and
modern Arab desires. The limitation of Bedouin influence
upon urban Arab culture is only beginning to be studied, as

5/Values
the two groups share a role of influence. Bedouin tribes historically employed tribal relations as the basic unit for allocating
property and jurisdiction (Cole). However, Arab states now delineate space through geographic boundaries, often with little
consideration of traditional methods for arbitration. Bedouins themselves often face a crisis of identity, as they seek the
modern urban lifestyle of the peasantry (fellahin) while praising the cultural superiority of their nomadic lifestyle (Cole). The
influence of tourism, both Arab and Western, has romanticized and exaggerated the poetic and primitive aspects of Bedouin
life, thus irrevocably altering traditional nomadic customs in their reality and in popular memory (Cole). Although Bedouin
values influence the ideals and worldview of the residents of Al Ain, any incorporation of this imagined past should be carefully
considered.
Religion
Religious beliefs influence a society’s desires and goals to a large extent. The vast majority of Emiratis and expatriate
residents of the United Arab Emirates is Sunni Muslim (CIA World Factbook). Islam is a monotheistic faith that centers around
a merciful and just God and shows great respect toward the Prophet Muhammad who first brought widespread monotheism
to the Arab people. The five major practices of Islam that differentiate it from other major monotheistic religions are known as
the “Pillars,” and include reciting the Shahada tain, which summarizes the religion into the worship of one God and recognizing
Muhammad as a messenger of that God’s wisdom; donating a fixed portion of one’s salary to charity (if possible); making the
hajj pilgrimage to Makka at least once (again, if at all possible); fasting during the month of Ramadan; and performing five
daily prayers.
Islam presents its adherents with many social and structural boons. Cleanliness and community are key features of Islamic
culture. Ablutions (ritual cleansings) are necessary before each series of prayers, five times a day, with more rigorous
cleansings prescribed for specific situations. Often segregated by gender, large groups of Muslims tend to pray and attend
Qu’ranic recitations together. Plan Al Ain 2030 recognizes the necessity for large, outdoor spaces adjacent to all mosques in
the city, and mentions a strong need to consider the Muslim heritage of Al Ain in planning its development (ADUPC). Strategic
placement of water must also be considered.
Family
The family is the essential unit of Emirati society, and must
be thoroughly considered in any development plan for the
city (ADUPC). The Arab concept of family is plural, with the
Bedouin essential unit of “Beit” or “Usra” roughly equivalent
to the concept of a nuclear family and the “A’ila,” or extended
family, which carries a much greater implication of intimacy
and interconnection than the American concept implies. When
children, valued highly in society, mature and marry, they
traditionally expand their new families patrilineally within the
greater family residence, or fareej (ADUPC). The position
of women in Emirati society varies from family to family,
though often an area of concern to consultants from Western
cultures due to traditional styles of dress and educational and
employment restrictions (Al Ain Men’s College).
A successful plan must consider the position of women
and family within Emirati society. The Bedouin concept of
“tahashsham” outlines a social system of deference, where
children must show respect to their elders, young men to
older men, and women to men of equal age (Abu-Lughod).
Other factors, such as fertility, marital status, and lineage, also
affect the social code. Many Westerners observe limitations
or infringements upon the rights of women through some
legal and religious traditions. A more internal view would see
the female role as the stewardess of the fundamental unit of

6/Values
 large segment of the population. The only recommendations
made for migrant workers included facility availability and
housing options (ADUPC).
The migrant population is segregated into Arab and non-
Arab elements. Those from Arab states typically make more
money and live in slightly less crowded conditions than their
Asian counterparts (K&A). Among non-Arabs, large groups
of women are also imported to assist the burgeoning clothing
industry, but women are kept separate from the males in their
own camps (K&A). Most migrants can only enter the country
through placing themselves into debt, hoping to make enough
money to pay it off and return home within three to five years’
time. Typically they stay on much longer for fear of returning to
their homeland a failure (K&A). To finance their move or other
enterprises, migrants often seek out a khafeel, or sponsor, to
society, the household, and thus deserving society’s protection assist them financially (K&A).
and respect. The issue is one of complexity, but as the plan
for Al Ain targets those who reside within it, the primary goal is Al Ain allows for the free expression of non-Muslim immigrants
to enhance the livability of the city for its residents within their to a fairly liberal degree. Suggested dress codes for men
own social parameters. and women restrict the showing of skin above the knee and
recommend against sleeveless shirts, though short-sleeve
The Migrant Issue shirts are acceptable (Al Ain Men’s College). Al Ain 2030 makes
The majority of residents in Al Ain are not Emirati. The oil reference to the expanding middle class migrant population
boom in the Gulf States brought great wealth to the people in its mention of the need for a variety of housing options
of the United Arab Emirates, but presented challenges in (ADUPC). However, during the fasting month of Ramadan,
terms of population, education, and infrastructure. To meet eating or drinking in public is forbidden, even among non-
these needs, the policy of supporting large masses of migrant Muslims (Al Ain Men’s College).
workers came into being (Khalaf and Alkobaisi). Though mostly Conclusion
Asian in descent, migrant Arabs from surrounding nations also
move to the cities of Abu Dhabi seeking employment in skilled In developing a plan for the Central District of Al Ain, the needs
of all elements of society must be considered. This includes
groups such as the youth, women, and migrants, whose
absence from the mainstream public forum could detract from
their contribution to the plan. To a large extent, the people
of Al Ain feel a profound connection to their city, and want to
be part of the process of its development. Through a close
examination of the culture of Al Ain – its natural, historic,
religious, and social influences – we hope to develop an
understanding of the residents’ values, priorities, and ideals.
Consideration of the entire society may help to alleviate social
stresses and lessen disparities between Emiratis and migrants.
Through a thorough study of the culture of Al Ain we attempt to
produce a plan that increases prosperity and quality of life for
all residents of the city.
and (mostly) unskilled labor (K&A). Overwhelmingly, the
migrants are single men who live in communities and camps
separate from the Emirati population. Although the labor of
these workers contributes to the growth and success of the
city, the original families of Al Ain maintain a large degree of
political power and occasionally entertain a negative view of
the expatriates (Save Al Ain). Plan Al Ain 2030 concentrates
mainly on the needs of the Emirati population, ignoring this
7/Values
 Demographics and Economics
Overview
This section focuses on the main demographic characteristics of the Al Ain Central District. It also focuses on the Central
District’s current economic characteristics and conditions, desired future conditions, and basic economic projections.

Most of the data for this analysis has been extracted from official United Arab Emirates sources such as Plan Al Ain 2030 and
the Al Ain planning entity website.
When performing economic analyses city, regional, and global factors must be taken into account. Due to the small size of
Al Ain’s Central District, the area’s economy will be influenced the most by city and regional factors. Although not directly
affected, the global economy will also play a small role in the economic growth of this area due to the type of industries located
in the Central District.
The demographic data obtained are mostly current as of 2006, and forecasts include populations of both Emirati Nationals
and non-Emirati Nationals. Currently, non-Emirati Nationals make up the majority of the population, and it is expected that the
future population growth will continue in this pattern.
• The Central District’s area is mainly composed of
commercial mixed use, residential, farmland, and the
Oasis.
• The total area of the Central District is 1,195 hectares
(2,953 acres).
• The residential area of the Central District is 456 hect-
ares (1,127 acres).
• The total residential units are 20,180.
• The total density of the Central District is 31.5 people
per acre.
The Al Ain Mall is one of the economic drivers in the Central
District
In the remainder of this section the following will be
discussed:
• Demographic key findings
• Economic key findings
• Economic analyses and projections
• Maps, tables, and charts (See Appendix B)
Key Findings Commercial building in Al Ain’s Central District

The following are key demographic findings for Al Ain’s

Central District.
• The Central District’s population as of 2007 was
93,000.

3
• The ratio of non-Emirati nationals to Emirati nationals
is 8 to 1.

Demographics & Economics-Ch

8/Demographics And Economics
The total number of housing units is 17.9 per acre. 200,000.
• The area of Al Ain Central District (4.6 square miles)
is comparable to the area of the City of Worthington • The number of tourists projected to visit Al Ain in 2020
(5.7 square miles) or Grandville (4.0 square miles), is 710,000, increasing to 1,071,000 in 2030.
but with a much larger population: 14,000 and 3,000
• As of 2007, Al Ain had 1.6 million square feet of of-
respectively as of the 2000 census.
fice space, 4.9 million square feet of retail space, 8.6
• Population in the Central District is expected to be million square feet of industrial space, and 796 hotel
180,000 by the year 2030. rooms.

• The average household size in the Central District is • As of 2003, 30% of the City’s population earned from
4.61 people. Dhs 6,000 to 10,000 ($1,600 to $2,700) and 33%
earned from Dhs 3,000 to 6,000 ($800 to $1,600).
The following are the key economic findings and trends for Al
Ain’s Central District: • The current economic drivers of the Central District
are retail, entertainment, tourism, and farming.
• The number of tourist that visited Al Ain in 2007 was

An increase in visitors could destroy the economic driver of tourism. If the number of visitors follows projected growth
estimates to over 1,000,000 by 2030, the natural habitat of the oasis could be destroyed. Sometimes governments
try to generate as much revenue as they can from tourism without taking into account the impact that visitors can
have on the ecology of the area. A very good example if this is the area of the Himalayas in India. The increase in
resources needed just to support new hotels and other tourism facilities has significantly increased pollution in rivers
and streams. Another bit contaminant is the waste created from the thousands of visitors. In the case of the oasis
another factor to consider would be protecting its value as a physical asset.

Tourists might want to take souvenirs and currently there is nothing to impede that from happening. The destruction of the
oasis could completely devastate the economy of the Central District.
The exponential increase in residents could also have negative effects on the economy of the Central District. Higher density
development could increase traffic congestion and might discourage tourists and Emiratis from visiting and living in the area.
The housing trend right now in the United Arab Emirates is towards larger plots of land. If the higher density concept is not em-
braced by the Emiratis then they will choose other parts of the city to live, making the Central District an area for non-Emiratis.
This would significantly decrease the authentic feel of the area and detract from its appeal as a tourist destination.

Mixed use buildings in Al Ain’s Central District The Central District houses many entertainment and cultural
facilities such as museums, mosques, and the soccer stadium.

9/Demographics And Economics

The current perspective on essentially unlimited resources could create an unsustainable fiscal environment in the Central
District. The United Arab Emirates presently has almost unlimited financial capacities. This indicates that even if plans for
areas like the Central District in Al Ain do not prove sustainable, long-term solutions, the government has the ability to proceed
with unsustainable plans. This could be detrimental for the area once revenue from oil disappears. The government will be
unable to fund deficits created through unsustainable projects and the local economy could collapse.
Recommendations
The overarching goal for economic success in the region is to develop a sustainable economic plan for the Central District as
it relates to the larger context of the City of Al Ain.
A. Create an economic base that won’t interfere with the natural environment.
1. Limit the number of visitors allowed into the oasis.
2. Limit the accommodations capacity for tourists in the Central District.
3. Conduct a study that will determine the number of visitors that the oasis can take without affecting its ecology.
B. Develop a diversified economy in the Central District.
1. Attract high tech and finance businesses to the Central District.
2. Promote cultural facilities as tourist attractions.
3. Create businesses that will attract students and staff from the university in the adjacent district.
C. Create infrastructure that will attract businesses.
1. Develop a network of public transportation systems that will attract investment into the Central District.
2. Develop spaces that will architecturally attract Emiratis.
3. Create centers that will support the social needs of the community.
D. Develop a fiscal strategy that will make the Central District self sustainable.
1. Create plenty of jobs for people who reside in the district.
2. Use tax strategies to generate enough income to cover expenses and generate a surplus.
3. Improve agricultural techniques so that agriculture becomes a revenue generator.
E. Establish a fund that will sponsor development once the oil revenue stops.
1. Allocate a percentage from the revenue of oil to be saved for future allocation and use by the local municipali-
ties.
2. Allocate to each area the revenues that the country gets from oil exploration.
3. Create a tourism tax that will help in implementing the fund.

10/Demographics And Economics

 Cultural Resources
Overview
This chapter summarizes the current situation of cultural resources in Al Ain and provides a series of recommendation
for historic preservation and future cultural development. Cultural resources, in general, provide a unique identity to the
community. In such a historic community as the Central District of Al Ain, the heritage it bears from the past plays a significant
role in every aspect of community life. It is part of what differentiates the local residents as a people and as a community. To
fully appreciate the historic district, we must consider its current status within the context of time and examine both its past and
future. As we recognize its richness by looking back in time, we are able to better understand its potential as we look forward
(Norman Tyler).
Al Ain, frequently known as “the Garden City”, has a history stretching back several millennia. It has been inhabited since the
Late Stone Age period. During the late Fourth and early Third Millennia BCE, the area enjoyed a thriving trade relationship with
the Mesopotamian civilization. It had a strategic position on the cross-roads of the Mesopotamian trade route which extended
to the Indus Valley (UNESCO World Heritage Center).
Today, the city enjoys a rich and varied cultural heritage. It integrates significant archaeological sites, historic buildings, and
ethnographic and historic collections into the cultural and natural landscape as well as espousing authentic Emirati cultural
values and traditions that have been practiced in Al Ain for centuries (UNESCO World Heritage Center).
Being proud of their history and culture, the authorities and local residents put forth much effort to preserve and promote their
heritage. The Abu Dhabi Authority of Culture and Heritage (ADACH) was set up to take on the responsibility of preservation
and promotion of local culture and heritage. Local residents in the Central District still live in a rather traditional way. The
cultural landscape remains in a fairly untouched condition. Many historical structures and buildings are still in use and generate
economic benefits to the community. In daily life, the residents voice their opinions about local development through the
internet, such as the “Save Al Ain” group on Facebook. Thanks to the residents’ and ADACH’s effort, the Al Ain cultural site is
now a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key Findings
In general, the cultural resources in Al Ain Central District have the following features:
• Distinguished vernacular features
• Incorporation with the natural environment
• Maintenance of traditional uses
• High value within the community
• Economic and ecological sustainability
• Pressure from the fast-growing population

Cultural Resources-----Chapter 4 11/Cultural Resources

12/Cultural Resources
Current Conditions
The Central District, crowned as the cradle of the federation because it contains the earliest permanent settlement in UAE, has
the highest concentration of cultural resources in Al Ain. The existing cultural resources can be divided into three categories:
the cultural landscape, cultural structures, and intangible heritages.
Cultural Landscape

This category includes elements of the natural landscape which boast cultural or historical significance. They are part of the
local ecosystem and usually have close relation to the agricultural activities. They have shaped the daily activities, lifestyle,
and values of the local residents for thousands of years. (ADUPC)
• Al Ain Oasis. No matter from which perspective, the
oasis is the most important component of the city.
Under the extreme living conditions of the desert,
the oasis makes it possible for human habitation
and cultural prosperity. The harmonious relationship
between the city and the oasis has survived until
today. The oasis remains an active part of the people’s
daily life, well integrated into the urban fabric of the
city (UNESCO World Heritage Center). The oasis is
important not only for its ecological value but mostly
for the cultural value, which is linked to a way of life
that has survived until today. The oasis is now a
major agriculture site in the district, with date trees
and many other crops. The oasis is walled for the
most part, but established view-corridors ensure the
visibility of the oasis and attract tourists (ADACH). • Al Ain Oasis

• Urban Agriculture. Al Ain’s iconic urban agriculture in the Central District is a unique landscape in the world. Agricultural
land takes up a considerable portion of the Central District area. These farms are privately owned and currently in
production. The date palm is the major crop. Well incorporated into the residential blocks, the farms express Al Ain’s
historic importance as an oasis. They are a key component of the city’s lifestyle and identity. Besides these uses, if
practiced in the traditional way, agriculture can protect areas of vital importance, such as the aquifer recharge zones
(ADUPC).

• Wadis. Wadi is the Arabic name referring to a dry riverbed that contains water during rainy season (Wikipedia). Similar
to the oasis, wadis are of great ecological and cultural significance. There are two main wadis in Al Ain. They radiate
through their cores and intersect in the middle of the south side of the oasis, along the south edge of the Central
District. The wadis (the parts on the south edge of the Central District) are currently public open space (ADUPC).

Cultural Structures
Cultural structures include historical structures that were built long ago, as well as recently constructed cultural buildings. They
constitute the dynamic built environment and unique skyline of Al Ain.
• Falaj. Falaj is the water management system used to provide reliable water supply to residents and for irrigation (Wiki-
pedia). The falaj system in Al Ain is believed to have been built 3000 years ago. It transported water from the mountains to the
plains. The importance of the falaj system is unprecedented in Al Ain in the sense that it led to the construction of permanent
settlement sites. The civilization of Al Ain formed essentially through the ingenuity of the falaj irrigation system (UNESCO
World Heritage Center). Amazingly, this ancient water management system is still in use today and plays an important role in

13/Cultural Resources
irrigation as it did in the past. In the Central District, falaj can
be found inside the oasis (ADUPC).
• Forts. There are two restored forts in the Central Dis-
trict, Al Murabba and the Eastern Fort. The Eastern Fort was
built in 1910. It used to accommodate royal family members,
but is now part of ADACH. The Al Murabba Fort was built in
1948 and was used as a watchtower and headquarters for
the royal guards. The fort once formed the focal point of the
community, providing a venue for wedding ceremonies, reli-
gious festivals and formal appointments. At times it was used
as a prison and a police station. Al Murabba Fort is now open
to the public and is free of charge. The forts are currently
undergoing conservation works (ADACH).
• Mosques. The mosque is the center of Muslims’ daily
life and creates a sense of belonging for the local residents.
They are venues for religious worship, festivals, and ceremo-
nies. They provide spaces for interactions among residents
in the community. Under the G+4 architectural regulation,
the minarets of mosques are the only exception according to
the bylaw. As a result, minarets are the most prominent com-
ponents of the city’s skyline, in sharp contrast to Abu Dhabi
and Dubai (ADACH). Currently, to make sure the number
of mosques meets the need of residents is a big challenge,
given the potential population growth.
• Museums. There are two museums in the Central
District, the Al Ain National Museum and the Sheikh Zayed
Palace Museum. They are the most prestigious museums
in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Al Ain National Museum is the
oldest museum in UAE and has two main sections, Ethno- • Falaj
graphic and Archaeological, with a separate section for the
falaj system. The Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum was origi-
nally a palace which was built in 1937. The palace was the
residence of Sheikh Zayed from 1937 to 1966. The museum
is a reflection of the royal life and a presentation of the Emi-
rati architecture (ADACH). The two museums play important
roles in the preservation and promotion of history, culture, art,
and architecture within the emirate.
• UAE University. The United Arab Emirate University
was established in 1976, the oldest government-sponsored
• Eastern Fort
higher education institution in UAE (Wikipedia). UAE University is one of the most celebrated universities in the Emirates
and the Arab world. It meets the educational and cultural needs of UAE society and serves as a leader in cultural devel-
opment in the country. It is located directly west of the Central District. Although it is not in the Central District, it plays an
important role in shaping cultural development in the district.
Intangible Heritages
The intangible heritages of Al Ain are embedded in every aspect of people’s lives, and are revelations of their identity and
create a sense of belonging.
• Fareej. The people of Al Ain live in strong, complex family units. The extended family is the foundation of social

14/Cultural Resources
• Al Ain National Museum • Live Stock Market

activity and mutual support. Children are at the center of life. The fareej is the basic unit of extended families living together
upon which the city is built (UNESCO World Heritage Center).
• Traditional Market Practices. There are two traditional markets in the Central District: the fish and vegetable market,
and the livestock market. They remain in traditional market organization patterns and reflect the traditional lifestyle of the
Emiratis (ADACH).
• Traditional Sports. Traditional sports in Al Ain include falconry, camel racing and saluki racing. The saluki is a kind of
desert hound with exceptional stamina and speed. These sports are manifestations of traditional nomadic forms of entertain-
ment. Most Emiratis were nomads as recently as a few decades ago. Although they have formed permanent settlements,
the sports remain a symbol of their cultural identity (ADACH).
• Traditional arts. Typical Arabic arts include calligraphy, poetry, handicrafts, music and dances (ADACH).
Its rich cultural resources make Al Ain a unique city in the UAE, distinguishing it from metropolises such as Abu Dhabi and
Dubai. They are the most precious assets that Al Ain possesses. Aware of that, the local residents take pride in their heritage
and aspire to preserve it. Their will and value form an indispensable drive for the preservation and promotion of traditional
culture. However, the aggressive development outlook threatens cultural heritage in the district. According to Plan Al Ain
2030, the population of the Central District will double by 2030. It will be a challenge to maintain urban agriculture land and
accommodate twice as many people. A projected 1,000,000 visitors per year in 2030 would pose an additional threat to the
oasis and the historic buildings. Strategies to balance development and preservation are essential to the preservation of
cultural resources.
Recommendations
The goal of cultural development is to preserve the existing cultural resources and to set up institutional and social foundations
that promote sustainable cultural development in the future. Based on this goal, specific recommendations are given as
follows:
A. Reinforce the current historic preservation institution.

15/Cultural Resources
 1. The Preliminary Cultural Review should be a mandatory process of Environment Impact Assessment for all
development in the Central District. Abu Dhabi Authority of Culture and Heritage should be the sole legitimate
agency in approving these reviews.

2. A historic preservation commission should be established under ADACH. The historic buildings, structures,
cultural landscape, and intangible heritages that need to be specially preserved would be designated by the
commission as historic heritages. These sites or resources will be preserved strictly by law.

3. Establish a permanent cooperative relationship among ADACH, local universities, and NGOs to carry out
research projects and increase public awareness of the importance of historical heritages.

4. Establish a channel for the public to anonymously voice their concerns, regardless of literacy or computer
access.

B. Preserve existing historic heritages and maintain their current conditions, including uses and appearances.

1. The conditions of cultural resources should be assessed on a regular basis. Any damage should be remedied
in short time.

2. Anyone who intentionally damages designated heritages should be assessed a penalty.

3. Provide tax incentives for property owners to retain traditional uses.

4. Provide tax incentives for rehabilitation and restoration investments.

5. ADACH should acquire historic heritages if they are either under serious threat, in need of major operations,
or abandoned.

C. Integrate all cultural resources in the district spatially and administratively to better preserve them and to make them
accessible to visitors.

1. Cultural resources that are designated by the historic preservation commission to be historic heritages, no
matter whether publicly or privately owned, would be subject to ADACH’s supervision over their accordance
to historic preservation laws.

2. Shaded corridors or greenways should be built to connect the scattered historic heritages and the focal
points in the community. The corridors and greenways should be pedestrian friendly or restricted solely to
pedestrian use if possible.

3. The route of the corridors and greenways should be designed as official sightseeing routes for visitors.

4. The route should steer clear of any ecologically sensitive site and any vulnerable heritage.

D. Balance tourism development with historic preservation.

1. Provide adequate small-scale retails and services for tourists.

2. Limit the access to Al Ain Oasis to specific spots.

3. Control the increase of hotel rooms in and around the Central District by phase. An upper limit needs to be
set.

E. Encourage the development of environment-friendly, cultural industries.

16/Cultural Resources
 1. Promote the traditional handicraft industry. Establish a complete industrial chain from artisan training, to
production, to sales or export.

2. Support the publishing industry. Focus on Arabic publication. A book fair can be held annually.

3. Advance Arabic arts. Establish an artist-critic-gallery-museum network to promote Arabic arts.

4. Create an urban setting that allows scholars, artists, writers and publishers to weave work, residence, and
socializing. Make Al Ain an attractive place for scholars and artists.

F. Provide more cultural facilities for the community.

1. A performing arts center should be built.

2. More small community libraries should be built.

3. Provide additional recreational facilities, such as movie theatres, Hookah cafes, etc.

4. Provide cultural facilities or components of facilities that are specially designed for women and children.

5. Provide tax incentives for individuals to set up private museums and other cultural facilities that promote
traditional culture.

G. Provide adequate facilities and space for religious use.

1. Plan for more mosques and open spaces for religious use, taking into consideration the potentially rapid
population growth.

2. Provide religious facilities that meet the needs of expatriates, including Hindus and Christians.

17/Cultural Resources
 Built Environment
Overview

The architecture of Abu Dhabi reflects the city’s culture and traditions. It defines the traditional lifestyles and customs of
residents with its vernacular style of architecture. The tribal communities used portable tents for shelter, particularly in winter.
In the months of summer, home meant a hut called an arish, made of palm fronds. With advancement in architecture, Abu
Dhabi witnessed houses built of stone guss that was a mixture of mud made into blocks. The roofs of these houses were made
with palm tree leaves that well served to abate the hot and humid conditions prevalent in Abu Dhabi. Early architectural forms
in Abu Dhabi stressed privacy and ventilation for the layouts of homes, still an area of great concern. The traditional fareej
system, which forms a central courtyard, is an important style exhibited by almost every Emirati household. The cooking section
within residences is separate, and there are different meeting rooms for men and women. Colorful floor rugs, beautiful wooden
lattice work and great wooden entrances were special features of architecture in Abu Dhabi in the past. The magnificence of
the early architecture of Abu Dhabi is best reflected in its heritage centers, ancient forts and mosques (Architecture in Abu
Dhabi).

Key Findings

Architectural elements: The sabat (a room bridging a street), Cul-de sac, arched buttress, high window placement, and a drain
water channel passing between fareej, and the internal fina, or courtyard, are some important details of traditional housing
structures in Al Ain. Windows are usually placed above eye level for obstructing intrusion into once privacy. The sill height
is typically 1.75 meters above the ground level (Figure1). Doors on opposite sides of the home are set back for the same
purpose, to completely avoid any interference or intrusion of privacy. Roofs of houses are often screened with high parapets to
prevent overlooking into private domain of neighbors (Figure2&3). The roofs
of shops need not have the same parapet, as they are not used for personal
access. Rain water is often discharged onto streets by channelling it through
the main door of a house opening into external area (Hakim, 1986). The
wind tower is a significant element in the traditional building practices of Abu
Dhabi, as it is in most Middle Eastern and Persian states, due to the very
hot summer months. A wind-tower is a natural cooling system that allows

5
hot, dense air to escape while trapping the cool air underneath using stack
effect. The fareej style, with its accompanying fina courtyard, is the basic

Built Environment-----Chapter
18/Built Environment
form used to cluster houses, and it forms a very important component in addressing the climate of this place. The courtyard
system also helps in harvesting rain water (Figure4). Separate cooking sections and meeting rooms for men and women are
practiced in the culture. Streets and lanes are proportionately narrow to bring more shade onto walkways by taking advantage
of building heights (Hakim, 1986). The idea of minimizing distance through building a walkable neighborhood has remained
an important concept in Al Ain’s city street design.

Traditional Courts Traditional Shaded walkways

Homes have access from fina courtyards, with buildings forming shaded streets with semi-open arches (Figure5). These
traditional, narrow streets in a residential neighborhood provide shade and act as a wind tunnel that cools the air. There are
small openings in the walls that allow access to courtyard houses (Hakim, 1986).

The Souk

There are over 18 shopping malls and centers in Abu Dhabi, of which three are in Al Ain. The most notable of these is Al Ain
Mall, with approximately 25 surrounding food outlets. A unique shopping option in Abu Dhabi is the souk (Traditional Market).
Traditional souks were a network of shaded alleyways where local craftsmen and artisans sold their work employing traditional
trading methods. Today, they are more like a collection of small shops, not quite so integrated as they once were. The souk
at Al Ain is of prime interest to visitors and has retained its charm for ages.

Souk, Abu Dhabi Traditional market, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

The street (shari) and through-street (tariq nafidh) are both open and continuous streets with a public right of way. Cul-de-
sac or “no-exit” streets, referred to as Derb Ghair Nafidh are not public and belong to co-owners from amongst the bordering
residents. Ownership issues sometimes result in controversy, as the maintenance of the Cul-de-sac is the responsibility of all
residents whose doors open upon them. However, the unique street characteristics brought about by the use of Cul-de-sac,

19/Built Environment
namely the introduction of nodal development around them, have some architectural significance.

Al-Fina: The fina, or internal courtyard of a house, is provided for daily use without allowing occupation of the space by
residents. Fina are used for sitting, playing, or any outdoor activity. In the past this space was also used for resting animals
like camels, horses or donkeys. The width of fina is recognized as a tool of measurement for certain criteria; for example
the contact of rain water with ground from gargoyles and spouts should occur within fina of the house from where rainfall
originates. The width of these finas ranges between four and six Shibbers (1-1.5 meters). Finas are shared between houses
that open into Cul-de-sac without causing harm from one man’s property to another. As per guidelines from local Kadis for
resolving conflicts among neighbors, one can exercise his own rights provided that he is not causing any harm to others.

Urban Organization in Cities: The inspiration for development in Arab-Islamic Cities is the traditional city of Tunis. The design
language of their system of arrangements includes the following:

1. The location of arrangements of urban elements within the overall scale that included Medina Central (urban
settlement) and its Rabad (suburbs)

2. Another type of development divides Medina Central into two parts: a) with relationship of streets to the land-use
pattern and related street coverage, and b) location of urban elements/ building types to the street system.

The hierarchy of the city is based mainly on administrative criteria. The next important requirements of these old cities were
the residence of the Governor and a Kadi who could exercise and implement his duties comfortably. In short, the city of Medina
comprises a Mesjid al-jami (Friday Mosque) serving its dependents living immediately outside it, the Governor’s area, a souk
20/Built Environment
that serves the need of people living inside and outside the city. Hammam (Public bath), kasbah (Citadel), rabads (suburbs),
and musalla (prayer ground) are other significant elements of an Arab urban fabric. Musalla is a large space accommodating
the adult male population of the town, and has a low wall provided with Mihrab to indicate direction of the Q’aba. A built-in
elevated place for the Khatib to deliver a sermon typically serves the prayer ground.

Analysis
The last quarter of the 20th century witnessed a rapid change in Abu Dhabi’s architectural form. Modern, glass-covered high-
rises replaced traditional houses built from mud-bricks and palm fronds. Modern designs built with the latest technologies
and world-class materials gained importance every day. Innumerable skyscrapers rose in the city with chic designs and
sleek glass frontals. The city landscape altered significantly as some of these modern structures were even declared as
architectural marvels (Architecture in Abu Dhabi). The increasingly scarcity of apartments in the booming city of Abu Dhabi led
to a severe housing crisis among low- and middle-income groups. About 36.1% of total income is spent on housing in these
expensive areas. Due to the heavy rents, residents are being pushed out of the market. The willingness of banks to finance
construction on very high density buildings in these areas can lead to overcrowding and a decline in the overall quality of life
(Samir Salama, 2009). Summarizing the present housing situation in Abu Dhabi, it is evident that there is a severe need for
affordable housing in these areas. There is a threat to the city if a hasty decision is made to fulfill the housing requirement.
Addressing housing needs through erecting high density high-rises will result in a loss of the city’s local architecture and
cultural charm. On a positive note, many heritage sites are trying to preserve the unique Arab-Islamic architecture within the
Emirate. These include the Emirates Palace as well as the newly constructed Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque.
Some potential traditional elements of design encasing architectural marvels in Al Ain are the traditional housing system, the
souk concept, the development of courtyard system with concept of fareej and fina, and the traditional method of responding

21/Built Environment
to climate with wind tunnels and rain water harvesting systems. The opportunity to shape the city of Al Ain should focus on how
to revive these traditional architectural elements in the city and bring back its lost authenticity, establishing more opportunities
through cultivating tourism. By preserving its history and culture the city will attract attention from visitors, thus strengthening
its economy.

Recommendations:

The goal is to bring the Central District of Al Ain a built environment that celebrates the richness of its unforgettable past and
traditional building concepts, while integrating it with the diversity of present need.

A. Make a built environment in response to the natural environment.

1. Identify heavy public spots that can be easily linked with the oasis.

2. Provide a larger open space in front of Mosques instead of parking lots, facilitating the purpose of Musallaan and
accommodating the adult male population of the town. Emphasize the low wall with the Mihrab, indicating the
direction of Quibla. A built-in elevated place for the Khatib to deliver sermon will better define the prayer ground.

B. Revive the rich culture and tradition through built environment.

1. Provide necessary built environment for preserving rich culture and tradition.

2. Provide well designed cultural centers based on traditional design concepts with modern amenities.

3. Develop existing markets with traditional concept of souk.

4. Provide more entertainment facilities around their traditional sports centers including falconry, camel racing and
saluki racing.

C. Develop the strong character of the built environment by applying traditional architectural concepts.

1. Design housing with low, medium and higher densities based on traditional fareej and fina concepts, creating
variety in building massing to address different market sectors as well.

2. Use some typical traditional architectural elements like the screening of doors and windows, arched corridors,
patterns of gargoyles and other traditional motifs balancing with current design requirement.

D. Provide a smooth and pleasant transition between public and private spaces.

1. Adjoin public spaces with a safe environment to pedestrians with well designed landscapes and shading, using
traditional architectural elements of design.

2. Enhance the hierarchy of primary and secondary streets merging with main streets, considering walkability and
quality of space.

3. Develop Cul-de-sacs belonging to a group of houses in such a way that people feel responsible for maintaining
it themselves without fighting. This may be accomplished by introducing some design features of religious or
cultural importance.

E. Develop clearly identifiable routes and destinations.

1. Develop layouts such that views, landmarks and focal points provide a sense of place and allow people to better

22/Built Environment
 associate with places.

2. Provide signage systems that are more creative and permanent even in long run, rather than naming streets only
with number system.

F. Enhance connectivity of spaces.

5. Provide a shaded walking bridge with traditional souks along both sides, linking the town square and mosque to
the oasis, enhancing the natural beauty, and providing an interconnected landscaped system. This can serve a
great deal during festivals by joining two traditional centers to the oasis.
6. Emphasize nodal developments on Cul-de-sac which is a very unique street characteristic.

7. Provide proper, easy access to Cultural centers from other significant locations.

G. Control access to the oasis.

1. Provide controlled gates to the oasis at few strategic points, further making these gates points of interest to
tourists.

2. Create a landscaped wall around the oasis to restrict uncontrolled movements.

3. Provide bike trails along these landscaped walls, to encourage natural surveillance.

H. Use sustainable methods for reducing energy consumption.

1. Use the bioclimatic architecture of traditional styles, providing cross ventilation, wind catchers, evaporative cooling
systems and shading features like arcades, making buildings consume less energy for cooling.

2. Design roofs with energy efficient materials and with the capacity to bear solar panels in a creative way.

3. Harvest rain water using traditional concept of fina. Gargoyles should be made attractive, pouring water into the
fina that further joins main collection.

I. Make the built environment attractive to tourists, amplifying economic growth.

1. Develop a place of tourist importance showcasing ancient style housing, with adobe construction near a cultural
center.

2. Link all places of historic importance to the oasis and provide these places with amenities that serve tourists’
needs.

3. Provide a convenient parking facility with multi-leveled garages in more congested areas, giving room for extra
parking space.

23/Built Environment
 Natural Environment
Overview

Al Ain is known for the fertile landscapes of its oasis and the farmland which stretches southeast to the Hafeet Mountain, rising
1,300 meters in elevation. Sand dunes of varying texture, tinged red with iron oxide, lie to the north and east of Al Ain. There
are numerous underground water springs in the area, which improved its attractiveness as an area of settlement. The ancient
falaj system of irrigation is still in use in some areas, distributing underground water by a network of tunnels, emerging into
open channels whose flow can be directed and regulated.

This natural environment needs be protected and be sustainable for the future. There must be a set of requirements that
considers every portion of the relationship between the natural environment and the pace of development, from greenhouse
gasses to the stability of the land, when considering new developmental strategies. The following states what findings have
been discovered for the area of Al Ain in the topic of the natural environment, and lists recommendations on how to control or
prevent the problems that are affecting the natural environment in this area.

Key Findings

• With scarce water and limited arable land, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is accustomed to dealing
with environmental stress since its early civilizations. However the environmental challenges in modern times have acceler-
ated, posing risks for the standards of living of future generations and raising the costs of mitigating negative environmental
impacts. Despite significant and steady awareness and improvements over the past decade, the region is threatened by
declining per capita water resources, loss of arable land, pollution-related health problems, deteriorating coastal zones, and
vulnerable marine resources (World Bank).

• The economic costs of environmental degradation are high. According to World Bank studies, they vary from 2.1
percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in Tunisia, to as high as 7.1 percent of GDP in Iran. This high cost of environmental
degradation spills into public finances, household budgets, and the competitiveness of the economy, negatively impacting
inter-generational equity. At the current rates of mining and degradation, many existing resources will not be available in the
future (World Bank).

• Environmental stresses will increase due to climate change. MENA is one of the regions most vulnerable to warming,
reduced precipitation and rise in sea levels. Water scarcity (the highest in the world) will increase, climate-sensitive agricul-
ture will be affected, urban coastal areas will become more vulnerable to flooding, and competition for scarcer resources could
escalate violence and political turmoil even beyond the region’s boundaries (World Bank).

• Degradation of arable land continues. Unsustainable agriculture

and pasture practices, due to weak property rights, couple with population
growth to threaten the more marginal lands with lower productivity and de-
sertification (World Bank).

Natural Environment---Chapter 6 24/Natural Environment

• Water resources will become increasingly scarcer. Annual renewable water resources per capita are expected to
fall from 1997 levels of 1,045 m3/yr to 740 m3/yr by 2015. Despite growing urban populations, an average of 88 percent of
MENA’s water resources are allocated to the agriculture sector, with only seven percent going toward domestic consumption.
As urban and industrial consumption increase with standards of living, less water will be available for irrigation. Water scarcity
is aggravated by increased degradation of water quality, which primarily affects the region’s poor (World Bank).

• Pollution-related health problems, particularly in urban and industrial centers, are another challenge. The causes
include open municipal waste dumps; the use of leaded gasoline in an aging and poorly maintained vehicle fleet; the inefficient
use of fossil fuels for power generation; and particulate and sulfur-oxide emissions from industry. Hazardous waste and Per-
sistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), such as those from obsolete pesticides, continue to pose a challenge in the region (World
Bank).

• Climate change will compound these effects. Water runoff in MENA is projected to rise from 20% to 30% in most of
MENA by 2050. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report estimates an increase
in temperature of up to two degrees in the next 15-20 years and of over four degrees by the end of the century. The increase
is higher for faster emission scenarios (World Bank).

• The social and economic projections for Al Ain demonstrate that the city is entering an unprecedented construction
revolution, which will be reflected in the size and quality of the buildings needed to accommodate these ambitious plans. De-
velopment requires taking into consideration all the necessary measures to ensure the safety of people and structures. The
top priority is therefore the understanding of geological and structural characteristics of the ground in Al Ain, and precisely
locating the cavities and falaj while demarcating zones which might endanger future construction projects (Department of
Municipal Affairs).

• Knowledge of various features of the top layer of soil

throughout the city is considered as the principle condition
to ensure successful development that avoids negative im-
pact on humans, structures and the natural environment. It
is known from the geological nature of Al Ain and the sub-
urbs that cavities of different sizes exist near the surface layer
throughout the city. In addition, historic and local observations
indicate the existence of a network of falaj in the area. These
cavities and falaj have led, in some circumstances, to prop-
erty damage, but no human losses have yet been suffered.
There are a number of examples of these facts around Al Ain,
including the site of the Shaikha Salama Mosque in the heart
of the city and the depression and cracking of road surface in
several locations (Kazmi 2008).

25/Natural Environment
 Knowledge of various features of the top layer of soil through-
out the city is considered as the principle condition to ensure
successful development that avoids negative impact on hu-
mans, structures and the natural environment. It is known from
the geological nature of Al Ain and the suburbs that cavities of
different sizes exist near the surface layer throughout the city.
In addition, historic and local observations indicate the exis-
tence of a network of falaj in the area. These cavities and falaj
have led, in some circumstances, to property damage, but no
human losses have yet been suffered. There are a number
of examples of these facts around Al Ain, including the site of
the Shaikha Salama Mosque in the heart of the city and the
depression and cracking of road surface in several locations
(Kazmi 2008).

In addition to injuring people and structures, the existence of

cavities and voids, even small ones, may lead to direct nega-
tive impact on the environment. To illustrate: after completion
of a construction project, cavities and other features might lead
to ground collapse, which consequently weakens the founda-
tion layers and causes damages in roads and sewerage infra-
structure. The cracking of sewer pipes in particular will lead to
the contamination of the under-groundwater (Kazmi 2008).

Analysis

• The Abu Dhabi Government has taken great measures to protect the Emirate’s environment. Extensive real-estate
and economic development taking place in Abu Dhabi Emirate has nonetheless had a negative impact on the surrounding
environment. This has given environmental issues a high priority and has led to an environmental renaissance. Many govern-
ment and non-government agencies were established or restructured to ensure that the local environment is protected and
conserved (Abu Dhabi Government).

• The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) was established in September 1991 as a voluntary organization devoted to
protecting the environment through education campaigns, action programs, and community involvement (Abu Dhabi Govern-
ment).

• Heroes of the UAE is a campaign developed jointly by The Emirates Wildlife Society, the Worldwide Fund for Nature
(EWS-WWF), and The Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi. The foundation is endorsed by the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry
of Environment & Water, MASDAR, and the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority. This campaign highlights the level of
energy consumption in the UAE and provides easy to follow tips and guidelines to the public on how to significantly reduce
consumption (Abu Dhabi Web Site).

26/Natural Environment
• In 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) was established to protect the natural wealth of the Emirate
of Abu Dhabi, and to promote sustainable development. The Agency coordinates with the UAE Ministry of Environment and
Water to set forth regulations and implement environmental laws. To ensure compliance and environmental protection, EAD
issues a number of permits, including:

1. Permits for new projects – new projects and activities must obtain a permit from EAD
before initiation. EAD reviews building plans and sites to evaluate the environmental
impact of the project. It also determines whether further studies need to be carried out
before the work begins. EAD may include additional conditions to be met before
construction begins.
2. Permits for fishing – both commercial and recreational.
3. Permits for the handling of hazardous and radioactive materials (Abu Dhabi
Government).

• The annual “Clean UP UAE” Campaign, organized in 1996 by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), has suc-
ceeded in bringing together the UAE community of organizations and individuals to clean up the nation and has increased
awareness of the need for waste reduction (Abu Dhabi Government).

• The projected population will increase dramatically, with less space to accommodate development or housing for the
city’s residents.

• With the lack of monitoring underground springs, craters will continue to impede development in the area and could
cause tragedies.

• An increase of carbon emissions will not only create more of a polluted environment, but also increase temperature
and decrease the amount of arable soil.

Recommendations

The goal of this plan is to consider every portion of the relationship between the natural environment and the pace of develop-
ment from greenhouse gasses to the stability of the land when considering new developmental strategies. Specific objectives
and strategies emanating from the goal and Al Ain’s Natural Environment aspirations include the following:

A. Raise the awareness of decision-makers and citizens in general about the degree (present and future) and conse-
quences of environmental degradation.

1. Embark on demand management and the reduction of consumption. Extend the re-use of water for potential human
consumption.

2. Promote efficient public transport systems.

3. Establish water technology programs starting at primary schools and continuing to University levels.

27/Natural Environment
4. Establish public awareness campaigns highlighting the environmental, social and economic aspects of energy and
water. Stress efficiency to drive down consumption linked to responsible citizenship.

5. Implement a forum for the active participation of appropriate institutions and utilities to allow an integrated approach
to sustainability, focusing on policy and decision makers as well as society at large.

B. Prevent and mitigate environment degradation through improved regulatory frameworks and enforcement activity.

1. Quantify and assess impacts of pollution (air, ground and water) on health from water desalination. Implement im-
mediate mitigation measures.

2. Implement appropriate guidelines that define the “ideal desalinated drinking water.”

3. Institute building codes to support the above and energy efficiency in buildings.

4. Establish common codes throughout the region in accordance with local weather conditions.

5. Reusable energy electricity will need to have a target to allow its implementation. Therefore, an electricity production
target of added (new) electrical power derived from reusable energy sources should be established as soon as possible.

6. Establish regional programs for environmental impact assessment in desalinated water and energy that could be
linked to global institutions.

C. Create positive incentives for good environment practices.

1. Establish mechanisms to award efficient cars and careful driving.

2. Establish institutional support for the research programs in environmental matters. Significant funding should be in
place for reusable energy and water research.

3. Embark on joint projects through the above funding stream with appropriate international organizations.

4. Seek to establish local competencies with a view to providing the bases for a centre of excellence and international
trade in solar technologies.

28/Natural Environment
D. Encourage research and development in industries that promote Estidama.

1. Strongly promote solar technologies and energy efficiency in the water desalination sector.

2. Investigate bromide and other metal constituents of desalinated water and their effect on the consumers.

3. Measure metal levels and dissolved solids. Establish the environmental impacts of producing such water.

4. Set up mechanisms to implement and enhance the use of RE in the built environment.

5. Develop regional and global collaboration to further promote sustainable development within the region.

29/Natural Environment
 Transportation
Overview

This section set out to review the existing transport infrastructure of Al Ain and assess its operational characteristics. Due to
time constraints and the need to do a detailed analysis, this section focuses on transport rather than the entire infrastructure
system. Al Ain’s transportation mix is skewed disproportionately toward accommodating the private car. The main roads have
six lanes (three in each direction) and most meet at roundabouts or signaled intersections. The road network of is set out as
grid system overlaid on superblocks leading to the creation of a very efficient and sizeable road network (See Figure 1).

The primary road network is connected to a local connec-

tor and distributor network of varying capacity and a local
road network that provides access to buildings and park-
ing areas. Within the downtown area are major boulevards
which are currently configured only for the convenience of
cars. A notable feature on these boulevards is roundabouts.
It is noteworthy that ninety percent of the intersection points
between the main roads are roundabouts and the others are
signalized intersections. However, some of the roundabouts
are proposed to be replaced with signalized intersections to
improve pedestrian safety. The Town Planning Department
(TPD) in Al Ain has assigned all the main roads with a unique
number, illustrated Figure.

A view of a primary road in Al Ain

7
Al Ain primary roads illustrating a grid network with numbers identifying the road segments

Transportation-----------Chapter
30/Transportation
Key Findings

Growth in population
Population growth entails a corresponding demand for infrastructure services. Al Ain is anticipated to increase in population
from 338,970 in 2005 (Census Data) to 1,000,000 in 2030 (Projected). Given these figures, it is becoming increasingly ap-
parent that the current transport system which focuses primarily on automobile travel will be insufficient to meet its transport
needs.

The total number of people who used public transportation in Al Ain increased from 3,530,500 in 1997 to 3,947,447 in 1999
(Al Ain Annual Statistical Report 2000). There has also been a proportionate increase in the number of vehicles in the private
and governmental sectors. For example, in Al Ain Municipality, the number of vehicles increased from 2,980 in 1997 to 3,174
in 1999 (Al Ain Annual Statistical Report 2000). To meet the increase in the total number of vehicles and volume of travelers,
the Department of Roads, Bridges, and Dams in Al Ain has improved its infrastructure quantitatively and qualitatively. For
example, the accumulated length of internal roads in Al Ain has been upgraded from 7640.50 km in 2003 to 9193.23 km in
2007 (Al Ain Annual Statistical Report 200). However with the anticipated increase in population by 2030 due to migration and
tourism, Al Ain has to rethink its transportation policy with respect to increasing capacity and maintaining efficiency.

High Consumption Society

Today’s lifestyle has come a long way from the sustainable practices of the ancient cultures that inhabited the land. It is a
modern country with all the conveniences that one could wish to have. Average daily registration rate in the UAE reached
600 vehicles last year, a 12% increase. This rate is twice as high compared to the population growth rate in the Emirates
(Department of Planning and Economy (DPE), Abu Dhabi). Beyond this, many fareej clusters have as many as six vehicles.
This lifestyle is only possible by drawing on natural resources at a faster pace than they are able to recover while at the same
time contributing to carbon emissions. Petroleum resources are abundantly available in the UAE at present, but even these
resources will dwindle away within the next century if extracted at the current pace.

Increase in Vehicular Air Pollution

The UAE has one of the highest per capita emission rates in the world - an average of 34.1 tons of CO2 per person (2007/2008
Human Development Report, UNDP).The oil and gas industry is the main source of air pollution in the Emirates, followed by
the transportation sector. The UAE has seen tremendous growth in road traffic during the last ten years, resulting in a signifi-
cant increase in vehicular air pollution. Climate change may affect the Emirates by increasing the sea level which might lead
to flooding and extreme weather conditions. Destruction of coral reef habitats has also been linked to climate change. Two
episodes of coral bleaching took place in 1996 and 1998, in which live coral cover in some reefs declined by more than three-
quarters. Efficient transport system based on low-emission technologies will reduce air pollution and promote health and well
being, as well as preserve the critical natural environment.

31/Transportation
Poor Connectivity and Integration of Transport System within the Urban Form
Land use patterns that are not integrated with the transportation system do not create a well blended mass of critical uses
that will support commerce, transit ridership and walkability. Al Ain’s primary roads are well connected, but the secondary and
tertiary roads leading to developments are not well integrated into the whole urban fabric. Moving forward, the city will find
tremendous potential to link land use with transportation, creating a larger, more integrated system of choices that promote
health, quality of life and regional competitiveness.

Adapting Transportation Needs to Align with Social Values and Cultural Heritage
While the need for transport investment is clear, there is recognition that the future transport system must be tailored to align
with Al Ain’s social and cultural context. The middle and upper classes rarely use public transport, which is mainly used by
expatriate laborers. The private automobile is the primary means of transport for Emirati families, with most having one or two
drivers who escort women and children around the city. Emirati and other Islamic women rarely use public transport because
they do not wish to travel with unfamiliar men in a transport situation. They require special, women-only facilities, including
carriages and waiting areas; these resources are not common. Similarly, boys and girls going to school are required to use
special carriages and transport modes because they have different school hours and are not allowed to mix (Department of
Transportation, 2008). It remains to be seen if Emiratis can be convinced to switch from the comfort of their private cars to
public transit.

Limited Public Transit

The Municipality of Al Ain has traditionally operated a limited bus service. The total number of people who used public trans-
portation in Al Ain increased from 3,530,500 in 1997 to 3,947,447 in 1999 (Al Ain Annual Statistical Report 2000). Generally,
bus ridership is very low and is mainly used by expatriate laborers. With hardly any transport service, taxis are a significant
element of the transportation system.

Growing Traffic Congestion

The increase in traffic and car ownership has been causing growing congestion at some critical roundabouts, which required
the construction of many overpasses. The main town artery (Road 135 - Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street) is the most con-
gested, owing to the fact that it is the main east-west expressway of the town. In 1986, the Master Plan identified seven critical
roundabouts where traffic congestion occurs on a daily basis (see Figure 4). This illustrates the fact that the original design
using roundabouts everywhere does not work anymore owing to the increase in vehicular traffic.

Low Pedestrian Flows

The existing transport system provides no aesthetic appeal by way of shadings or pedestrian access features to enhance
walkability and cycling. An analysis of the ratio between vehicular and pedestrian flows confirmed the dominance of the car
even in residential areas during the cool season (Hadjri, 2006). Pedestrian activity is low and restricted to shopping malls,
and occurs mostly in shaded areas around these malls. According to an analysis of the spatial structure of Al Ain by Karim
Hadjri, vehicular activity is higher than pedestrian activity, with the exception of the Al Sarooj neighborhood near the UAE
University. Local climate conditions, especially during from April to November, places a limit on acceptable walking distances
and discourages walking. Walking and cycling within the built up area is also uncomfortable due to lack of pedestrian access
features (e.g. broad sidewalks, comprehensive shading, improved crossings etc).

32/Transportation
Beyond this, the large superblocks that are not overlaid with a fine-grained grid of smaller streets to increase their permeability
to pedestrians does not encourage outdoor activities or pedestrian movement. Pedestrians might also be deterred by vehicu-
lar circulation due to the excessive speed and large number of cars driving within residential estates, as well as probably the
absence of separation between pedestrian walkways and streets (i.e. setbacks).
Inadequate Parking Spaces
Parking is becoming a problem within the central areas of Al Ain due to limited parking spaces and the significant growth in
private vehicles. Consequently, illegal and dangerous parking is frequent, having serious adverse impact on pedestrians and
on traffic movement through local streets. Currently there is no parking management plan to comprehensively address the
issue.

Anticipated Increase in Traffic Volume

There is lack of historic and existing traffic volume information in Al Ain. However judging by the rate of vehicle growth, traffic
volume is expected to grow exponentially in the future.

Poor Road Safety

The road traffic accident rates in the UAE are among the highest in the world, with pedestrian accidents at 40% (Department
of Transport, 2008).The level of accidents in the UAE is twice that of the United States and five times higher than the United
Kingdom (Department of Transport, 2008).

Al Ain road network and problematic roundabouts

33/Transportation
Analysis

A critical review of the key findings in conjunction with Plan Al Ain 2030’s aspirations identified the following focal areas with
respect to developing a thorough transport system for the central district:

Integrated Development
A transport system which is fully integrated with the urban fabric is a significant catalyst for regeneration, improving produc-
tivity, creating profit, etc. An integrated and efficient transport system will speed up connections between activities (such as
homes, jobs, raw materials, and manufactures), thus significantly contributing toward Plan 2030’s economic goals. Transpor-
tation planning initiatives must ensure that land use planning and development are fully integrated with the provision of multi-
modal transport networks that are linked to the larger urban structure.

Variety of Choices
Without providing a multi-modal transport system it will be difficult to reduce reliance on private cars and congestion will be
more severe, which will negatively impact regional economic competitiveness and increase automobile emissions. Providing
a variety of interconnected transport choices as alternatives to the automobile is the key. This layered, interconnected public
transport network should form a functional and efficient system.

Walkability
The hot climate has a very important influence on travel behavior. The key to encouraging travelling and cycling is to design
and retrofit the accessible public spaces in transport networks to prioritize and enhance the pedestrian realm (i.e. produce a
cool microclimate that encourages walking).

Environmental Sustainability
Al Ain would like to achieve a low carbon future and protect unique ecologically and culturally sensitive areas. Since automo-
bile emissions are a major contributor to UAE’s CO2 emissions, this will require significant expansion of the public transport
system to include a variety of model choices and the institution of transportation management plans.

Recommendations
The goal of this plan is to connect Al Ain efficiently and effectively with a multi modal transport system that is sensitive to the
economic, environmental, cultural and social context. Specific objectives and strategies emanating from the goal and Al Ain’s
transport aspirations include the following:

A. Reduce reliance on private automobiles and encourage alternative modes of transport.

1. Provide a variety of inter-connected transportation choices as alternatives to the private automobile (transit, buses,
bicycle and pedestrian pathways).

2. Emphasis should be placed on a Bus Rapid Transit System which connects all neighborhoods to service areas.

3. Design and configure transit so it will be attractive to a variety of people, including all levels of income earners,
women, children, etc. It must address cultural issues surrounding the need to segregate public transport users.

34/Transportation
4. Designate bus lanes and restrict parking at bus stops.

5. Create a congestion pricing scheme which will making driving prohibitive whilst subsidizing public transport users.

6. Institute a system to regulate taxis so that they can be effectively integrated with the multi modal service.

B. Ensure that land use planning and development are fully integrated within the multi modal transport networks.

1. Encourage mixed use development and create urban design standards that enhance integrated development, such
as short blocks, active streets, and wide and shaded sidewalks.

2. Develop a city-wide transportation plan in the medium term that will promote integrated development. The focal area
of the transportation plan should be the “Gateway Transit Corridor” and the CBD.

C. Enhance the pedestrian realm.

1. Design and retrofit the accessible public spaces in transportation networks to prioritize and enhance the pedestrian
realm (e.g. short blocks, wide and shaded sidewalks, medians, shaded seating at bus stops, active streets, connectivity with
parks and wadis).

2. Create areas in the city centre, such as the oasis, where pedestrians have priority over cars.

D. Improve Traffic Safety.

1. Traffic calming of residential areas within super blocks.

2. Introduction of traffic codes and enforcement of traffic violations.

3. Institution of an urban traffic management and control system.

E. Preserve the critical natural environment of Al Ain.

1. Incorporate low emission technologies into the vehicle fleets used for public transport.

2. Emission standards should be instituted for all vehicles and enforced.

3. Develop low carbon guidelines in areas such as infrastructure design, construction, and operations.

35/Transportation
F. Protect and enhance cultural heritage, landmarks, symbols, and monuments of Al Ain.

1. Avoid critical natural resource areas in the design of transport infrastructure, and strive to minimize and mitigate the
impact if these areas cannot be avoided.

2. Restore degraded natural resource areas on existing transport routes.

3. Restrict access areas and vehicle speeds to prevent damage to environmentally sensitive areas.

4. Maintain, enhance, and expand public access to open space.

5. Incorporate traditional Arabian architectural features into transport infrastructure.

6. Protect the aesthetic appeal of significant landmarks and monuments.

G. Develop parking strategies that are consistent with sustainability goals and policies which seek to improve public
transit and conditions for cycling and walking.

1. Institute parking standards for new developments.

2. Develop park-and-ride sites and restrict cars from the CBD as needed.

3. Efficiently enforce of traffic violations.

4. Develop a comprehensive parking management plan.

36/Transportation
 Appendix A
The following is a list of references employed by the students in the creation of this plan.
Works Cited

Abu Dhabi Authority of Culture and Heritage

[Link]

Abu Dhabi Government

[Link]

Abu Dhabi Department of Transport

[Link]

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority

[Link]

Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. “Plan Al Ain 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan.”

[Link]

Abu-Lughod, Lila. Veiled Sentiments: Honor and Poetry in a Bedouin Society. University of California Press: 2000.

Al Ain Department of Antiquities and Tourism (DA&T)

[Link]

Al Ain Department of Municipal Affairs

[Link]

Al Ain Men’s College

[Link]

37/Appendix A: References
Al Ain Town Planning Department, Al Ain Annual Statistical Report, 2000
[Link]

Al Nisr Publishing/ [Link]

[Link]

Aldar Properties
[Link]

Angell, Nicholas B and Gary R Feulner. “Arbitration of Disputes in the United Arab Emirates.” Arab Law Quarterly: 19-32.

Architecture in Abu Dhabi. (n.d.). Retrieved 05 18, 2009, from [Link]

[Link]: [Link]

CIA World Factbook. United Arab Emirates.

[Link]

Cole, Donald P. “Where Have the Bedouin Gone?” Anthropological Quarterly (2003), 76(2): 235-267.

Currid, Elizabeth. The Warhol Economy: How Fashion, Art, and Music Drive New York City. Princeton University Press 2007

Czastka, J. (1997). Traditional Architecture of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi: Archaeological Survey, ADIAS.

Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi

[Link]

Evans, Graeme. Cultural Planning: An Urban Renaissance? Routledge, 2001

Fitch, James Marston. Historic Preservation-Curatorial Management of the Built World. University Press of Virginia.
Charlottesville and London: 1998

38/Appendix A: References
Green Diary

[Link]

Hadjri, K. An Analysis of the Spatial Structure of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. 2006

Hakim, B. S. (1986). Arabic-Islamic Cities, Building and planning Principles. London And New York: Kegan Paul Interna-
tional Limited.

Kazmi, Aftab. Move to protect buildings from underground cavities. March 17, 2008

Kazmi, Aftab. Traffic comes to standstill as a section of road in Al Ain caves in. March 20, 2008

Khalaf, Sulayman and Saad Alkobaisi. “Migrants’ Strategies of Coping and Patterns of Accommodation in the Oil-Rich Gulf
Societies: Evidence from the UAE.” British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies (1999), 26(2): 271-298.

Samir Salama, B. C. (2009, 05 21). Affordable Flats In Abu Dhabi. Cost of Living Housing Property . Abu Dhabi.

“Save Al Ain.”

[Link]

Tyler, Norman. Historic Preservation-An Introduction to Its History, Principles, and Practice. W.W. Norton & Company. New
York and London: 2000

UNESCO World Heritage Center

[Link]

Wikipedia

[Link]

39/Appendix A: References
Wikitravel
[Link]

World Bank: Environment Sector Brief in North Africa and Middle East, September 2008

Zayed Center for Heritage and History

[Link]

40/Appendix A: References
 Appendix B
The following graphs, charts, and maps are provided to further explain material presented in the Demographics and
Economics section.
Graphs and Charts

41/Appendix B: Maps, Tables, and Graphs

Comparative Maps

42/Appendix B: Maps, Tables, and Graphs

Orientation maps UAE and Al Ain

43/Maps