Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates is growing at an incredible speed. Helped by the Abu Dhabi tourist board as well as Etihad Airways, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines.

Due to the speed at which it is growing, Abu Dhabi has implemented a plan to reach by 2030 which includes a well-developed transport network including flights to Abu Dhabi, better buses, trams, ferry and a metro network that stretches from Abu Dhabi airport in the East of the city round onto Abu Dhabi Island and up to
Saadiyat Island. The modern infrastructure will also provide a regional rail network that will connect toDubai, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi to other countries in the region.

As part of the planning, larger parking areas will be moved underground to accommodate more vehicles and allow parking in a cooler environment. The new designs, however, are focused on the pedestrian as all journeys involving travel on public transport will start with walking to the nearest stop or station. This will mean better pedestrian routes, more shading on sidewalks and better landscaping. Landscaping will take the form of better and greener public areas such as parks and squares, tree lined streets and boulevards will also help ‘greenify’ this developing city.

Furthermore, sustainability is key to the development of Abu Dhabi and together with the development of Masdar City, Abu Dhabi is faced with a series of challenges for population and commercial growth as well as environmental sustainability like environmental protection of local landscapes and animal species as well as water consumption reduction.

With so many people using personal vehicles in the UAE, the emphasis on public transport is a crucial one. As the city grows in size and population, so too will in the infrastructure need to be, hence the growth of Abu Dhabi’s transportation network. Tickets and passes will be integrated for multi-modal travelling and so if your journey involves various different types of transport, you won’t need to worry about buying additional tickets.

Getting to Abu Dhabi will also be easier for international visitors. Not only will there be the high-speed regional rail network linking Abu Dhabi to Dubai, Abu Dhabi airport is also about to start construction on the new Midfield Terminal Complex which will have a space dedicated to Etihad Airways.  The new terminal will be able to accommodate 65 aircraft and will be able to handle up to 8,500 passengers checking-in each hour for flights. Etihad Airways offers flights to Abu Dhabi from many of the world’s countries and is continuing to increase services and destinations.

The growth of Abu Dhabi is extraordinary but the government are working hard to make sure that the growth is as resident and visitor friendly as possible.