Master Planning and Urban Design
Abu Dhabi Capital City Centre Master Plan
United Arab Emirates
Development of a modern high density City Centre in the context of a hot and arid desert landscape presents many challenges. The SCB planning team led the master planning effort for Abu Dhabi’s Capital City Centre with a vision based on sound planning and urban design principles, sustainable criteria toward environmental quality and energy consumption, and the goal of providing the highest quality of life possible for all its citizens. Creating and sustaining a livable Arab modern city must be done in support of the various cultures and societal frameworks that are present in Abu Dhabi. In general, the places of commerce and trade in the City Centre are oriented towards the global needs of the modern business world, while the residential neighborhoods are designed around community centers with more traditional gathering places, including local mosques, cultural centers, libraries, local retail shops and recreational facilities.