SUSTAINABLE URBAN SPACE
TBY talks to Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman of Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM), on coordinating joint-investment programs and strategic alliances with the private sector and integrating technology within developments and services.
BIOGRAPHY
Falah Al Ahbabi is Director General of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC). He is also Chairman of the Infrastructure Committee in the Executive Council; the Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones – ZonesCorp; the Al Reem Island Infrastructure Committee; and the Abu Dhabi Mosque Development Committee. He is also a board member of the Abu Dhabi General Services Company (Musanada); Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA); the Centre for Waste Management in Abu Dhabi; the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC); and Etihad Rail, as well as Committee Member, Infrastructure and Environmental Committee at the Executive Council. He has a degree in management from California State University.How does the newly established Investment Office at DPM seek to advance the strategic urban priorities of Abu Dhabi?
In close collaboration with the Department of Economic Development (DED), DPM recently established its own investment office to coordinate joint-investment programs and strategic alliances with the private sector. This decision helps reinforce and expand our international partners' network and offer attractive opportunities to key local players. The underlying strategy consists of securing an efficient and reliable framework to guarantee returns on investment, whether that comes through establishing commercially sustainable PPPs, maximizing government assets, or attracting international investments to the Abu Dhabi market. Investors will thus be supported through analyses of local-scale economic data to make timely and better-informed decisions when deploying capital in Abu Dhabi. Moreover, to meet the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Plan and ensure the highest level of delivery capability, DPM recently launched two tailored tools designed to attract and drive sustainable investments: the “partner with us" mobile application and the “Abu Dhabi's Investment Guide to Private Partnerships." Both platforms provide investors with greater transparency via our regulatory framework for PPPs.
What are the main challenges in developing a sustainable urban space capable of enriching individuals both socially and culturally, as well as protecting cultural assets?
In Abu Dhabi, our heritage and culture have helped guide us over the decades with the determination to fuse tradition with modernity in a distinctive way, while safeguarding our customs and heritage. The cultural heritage and present context enrich our Emirate with a unique character and counterbalances some of the negative aspects of globalization, such as homogenization. The Emirate's cultural assets stimulate innovations that spring from our unique geographical setting, cultural history, and identity. Preserving the status of cultural capital and diversity remains a crucial asset for Abu Dhabi, and it protects the resilience and interlinkages of social systems within the natural environment. DPM's role is to reinforce and raise awareness of Abu Dhabi's long-standing commitment to sustainable development principles. Our signature statement “Abu Dhabi's Commitment towards Sustainable Urban Development" illustrates a clear vision that encompasses and interlinks environmental, social, economic, and cultural aspects.
What role do sustainability and energy savings play in the current and future construction projects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi?
In 2008, our wise leadership recognized that the only way to firmly ingrain sustainability principles was by developing a system tailored to our regional challenges. One of the many ways Abu Dhabi has become more sustainable is via the Estidama Pearl Rating System (PRS) established in 2011. It is a set of homegrown sustainability rating components tailored to the Arabian Gulf's unique climate and culture. As the first regional initiative of its kind and scope, PRS is considered the best-practice benchmark for urban development in the MENA region. PRS has significantly improved standards within the built environment, utilizing principles for resource reduction, particularly in energy and water consumption. PRS attracted strong interest worldwide and will start to be applied in several countries in the region.
What are the major working points that require cooperation with both private stakeholders and the Department of Transport (DOT)?
DPM works closely with DOT on a wide range of issues, from the strategic long-term planning of the city and its transport networks to detail project level planning and designs. An interesting example is the development of the new metro, where DPM and DOT worked together to optimize land use and peripheral developments, while ensuring our planning regulations allow the best density to support the project and make it a success. Cooperation with the private sector has been key to the strategic development of Abu Dhabi, providing high-quality infrastructure for new businesses to operate and grow. With this in mind, DPM works closely with government entities such as DED to forecast future growth and integrate data within our development plans. DPM also liaises with developers to ensure their projects are aligned with market assumptions.
How do you seek to boost further integration across the less urbanized areas of the Emirate such as Al Dhafra and Al Ain?
Where there was rapid growth, there are now measured, meticulous, and sustainable processes to correspond to the Emirate's expansion. Thus, sustainable urban development continues to be a core foundation of the stability paradigm developed in Abu Dhabi. The successful emergence of Abu Dhabi over the last 40 years predominantly focused on the capital's urban development, though this is now spreading to the wider Emirate. The aim is to weave together the entire Emirate's urban fabric with Al Ain and Al Dhafra into well-connected neighborhoods. We treat all regions of Abu Dhabi, including Al Dhafra and Al Ain, with equal importance while considering their own specificities. We are also ensuring all rural areas are well connected to each other and to the wide range of municipal services available in larger towns. To mobilize this commitment, DPM created the Complete Sustainable Communities (CSC) initiative, a key component in our strategic drive toward sustainable urban development and realization of Abu Dhabi Plan. Cities are currently becoming instrumental economic hubs that contribute to our overall nation's growth and wealth. Therefore, each of our development projects is intrinsically linked to the DPM's strategic and comprehensive analysis of future transformative changes, conducted in close collaboration with each of the three municipalities. Through the UAE centennial 2071 Plan led by our government, we share a long-term vision which integrates factors such as the evolution of our Emirate's demography, its energy and space needs, the environment, and social composition. It is all about gearing our mindset toward sustainable responsibility as an opportunity prompted by societal challenges instead of corporate obligations.
How does Abu Dhabi seek to integrate technology within its developments and services?
The full cycle of transactions in Abu Dhabi, from planning and development to community and business services, are being fully integrated as part of the DPM's digital transformation movement. This initiative was accelerated with the merger of the three municipalities under the DPM umbrella and enables us to implement an effective strategy towards the development of digital services across the Emirate. With the municipalities, we have embarked on a digital transformation program designed to accelerate the delivery of smart service outcomes and provide tailored digital services to the community. A robust digital architecture has been designed to drive all of DPM's systems acquisition, planning, and developing programs. Eventually, we want Abu Dhabi to be recognized as one of the leading smart and digital cities worldwide.
SUSTAINABLE URBAN SPACE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Focus: Tackling Unlawful Cryptocurrency Use
Crypto Crime
The rapidity and anonymity of crypto-transactions make them attractive not only to risk-prone investors, but also to criminals. Finding an efficient solution that does not completely undermine or overturn the nature of digital currencies is proving to be extremely hard.
read articleGuest Speaker
Juan Carlos Varela, President, Republic of Panama
TBY talks to Juan Carlos Varela, President of the Republic of Panama, on expanding the country's diplomatic footprint, the importance of participating in Expo 2020, and both countries' respective leadership roles as regional entrepôts.
read articleInterview
Rashed A. Al Blooshi, Chief Executive, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
TBY talks to Rashed A. Al Blooshi, Chief Executive of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), on highlighting the opportunities available to companies on ADX, adopting best practices in the field, and further developing the market.
read articleFocus: ADNOC’s Partnership Model
Spheres of Influence
Following the announcement of an expanded partnership model and a more active approach to managing its businesses and portfolio of assets, a series of cooperation accords position the national oil company as a champion of commercial liberalism.
read articleInterview
hmed Omar Abdulla, CEO, Abu Dhabi Polymer Company Ltd (Borouge),
TBY talks to Ahmed Omar Abdulla, CEO of Abu Dhabi Polymer Company Ltd (Borouge), on the impact of its new Borouge 4 plant, specialized solutions for global challenges, and the need to continue to invest in innovation.
read articleInterview
Philippe Peccard, President Middle East Engineering & Investment Projects, Linde Group
TBY talks to Philippe Peccard, President Middle East Engineering & Investment Projects of Linde Group, on being a key partner of its regional partners, developing the downstream value chain, and further enhancing operations with technology.
read articleFocus: In-Country Value
Time to Commit
The announcement of the In-Country-Value program is a significant step for ADNOC and Abu Dhabi in growing the local private sector. Vertically, it will develop the energy industry through a trickle-down effect; horizontally, it will affect other sectors through a multiplier effect in the long-term.
read articleInterview
Ali Vezvaei, Executive President & CEO, Bilfinger Middle East
TBY talks to Ali Vezvaei, Executive President & CEO of Bilfinger Middle East, on its keys areas of focus in the UAE, trends in the hydrocarbons sector, and the application of energy efficiency technologies to new sectors.
read articleInterview
Samia Bouazza, Managing Director , Multiply Marketing Consultancy
TBY talks to Samia Bouazza, Managing Director of Multiply Marketing Consultancy, on satisfying sophisticated consumers with high purchasing power, targeting different categories of the population, and thinking globally while acting locally.
read articleInterview
Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)
TBY talks to Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), on the goals of the national space program, attracting youth to the program, and the significance of KhalifaSat.
read articleInterview
Abdulla Jassem bin Kalban, Managing Director & CEO , Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA)
TBY talks to Abdulla Jassem bin Kalban, Managing Director & CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), on its expansion upstream, strategies to grow the sector, and sustainability initiatives.
read articleInterview
Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman , Department of Health (DoH)
TBY talks to Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health (DoH), on facilitating investment for local and foreign investors and building and maintaining a sustainable workforce.
read articleFocus: Technical Training vs. Academic Teaching
Balanced Learnıng
Abu Dhabi's technical institutes are growing in popularity among young Emiratis; however, finding a balance with more traditional academic programs is paramount to ensure the development of a truly knowledge-based economy.
read articleInterview
Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister , Culture and Knowledge Development
TBY talks to Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, on the Creative Industries Contributions Index, bridging the AI-culture divide, and adopting a systems leadership approach moving forward.
read articleInterview
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman , Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT)
TBY talks to Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, on the role of innovation, the late Sheikh Zayed's cultural vision, and strengthening cultural engagement among youth.
read articleInterview
Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary , Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT)
TBY talks to Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, on becoming a beacon of cultural tourism, tailoring its approach to different markets, and penetrating the MICE segment.
read articleInterview
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO , Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC),
TBY talks to Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), on fast-tracking Abu Dhabi's economic diversification, the importance of the Year of Zayed, and technology's impact on the world of event planning.
read articleInterview
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister , Climate Change and Environment
TBY talks to Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, on the UAE's commitment to reducing its ecological footprint, transitioning to a climate-resilient green economy, and the importance of sustainable green finance.
read articleInterview
Neri Askland, Vice President , Middle East and UAE Country Manager of Statoil
TBY talks to Neri Askland, Vice President of Middle East and UAE Country Manager of Statoil, on its efforts to help reduce its carbon footprint, opportunities for R&D in the area, and its collaboration with Masdar.
read articleFocus: Nuclear Energy
The Nuclear Option
The UAE is the first country in the MENA region to develop nuclear power, with Abu Dhabi's Barakah nuclear power plant. The Emirate hopes to achieve energy security and embrace alternative sources of energy, ensuring full cooperation and support from the international community.
read articleInterview
Christer Viktorsson, Director General , Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)
TBY talks to Christer Viktorsson, Director General of Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), on the role of the institution in advancing the nuclear energy regulatory environment, the Barakah Power Plant, and the importance of an integrated network.
read articleInterview
Eng. Omar Husain Al Hashmi, Acting Managing Director , Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC),
TBY talks to Eng. Omar Husain Al Hashmi, Acting Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC), on its successes with STEP, helping Abu Dhabi to reduce its carbon footprint, and its successful Emiratization policies.
read articleInterview
Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General , Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA)
TBY talks to Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), on the Farmers Income Support Program, the UAE's agroecological climate, and introducing intelligent control systems.
read articleInterview
Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman, Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM)
TBY talks to Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman of Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM), on coordinating joint-investment programs and strategic alliances with the private sector and integrating technology within developments and services.
read articleInside Perspective
Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Undersecretary of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Economy
Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Undersecretary of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Economy, on efforts to enhance the UAE's intellectual property framework, creating a knowledge-based economy, and fostering a culture of innovation.
read articleInterview
Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Mubadala Investment Company
TBY talks to Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Mubadala Investment Company, on the company's diversification strategy, its technology investments, and its focus on innovation.
read articleFocus: Economic Stimulus Package
Desert Breeze
Abu Dhabi unveiled the new stimulus package, Ghadan 21, in effort to counter the post-oil crisis slowdown. While it might be too soon to call for the end of austerity measures, it definitely signifies the leadership's commitment to grow the Emirate's economy.
read articleInterview
Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Chairman, Statistics Centre- Abu Dhabi (SCAD)
TBY talks to Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Chairman of Statistics Centre-Abu Dhabi (SCAD), on its efforts to improve data collection and lower costs, innovative statistical development tools, and its Emiratization policies.
read articleInterview
Saeed Al Neyad, Director General, Abu Dhabi Monitoring and Control Centre (ADMCC)
TBY talks to Saeed Al Neyadi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Monitoring and Control Centre (ADMCC), on being a critical enabler for various key partner organizations, efforts to increase Abu Dhabi's competitiveness in tourism and commerce, and improving the quality of life for citizens and visitors.
read articleInterview
Nick Cochrane-Dyet, Chairman, British Business Group (BBG)
TBY talks to Nick Cochrane-Dyet, Chairman of British Business Group (BBG), on Abu Dhabi's forward-looking strategy, the need for British firms to continue to bring value to the Emirate, and areas of opportunity for the UK.
read article
