Overview

Shahama and Bahia


Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Project type: Estate & Housing Renewal
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Client: Urban Planning Council of Abu Dhabi and The Emirates Foundation
Stage: Masterplan
Programme: 2008–2009

The existing communities of Shahama and Bahia are located on the E10 and E11 highways that link Abu Dhabi to Dubai, between the desert and the coastal area.

Existing roads with multiple traffic lanes dominate the low-density neighbourhoods and there is little public transport. Street orientation does not take advantage of the cooler sea breeze, and there is a lack of quality, shaded public realm so walking is unpopular. The result is an over reliance on cars.

Plans for the regeneration of the area are set out in Plan Abu Dhabi 2030. The proposals are centred on fostering a diverse economy, enhancing connectivity and transport links, ensuring environmental sustainability and preserving the Emirate’s rich culture. Shahama and Bahia are identified as a portal to the city of Abu Dhabi and the plan proposes to increase the population by 100,000 people.

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The plan has been prepared in close consultation with the local community ensuring their ideas and aspirations are met.
Urban Planning Council of Abu Dhabi

Project Delivery

  • One of the first community engagement processes in Abu Dhabi attended by both male and female local representatives that focused on neighbourhood issues.
  • A Vision and revitalisation strategy developed during a six day Charrette based on the results of the community engagement process.
  • A concept plan for the wider Shahama area, creating a series of new neighbourhoods based on the traditional concept of the fareej, with new local centres including shops, schools, mosques and other amenities.
  • Proposals for a new town centre as the focus of the wider district to provide employment, retail and other civic use opportunities, connected to the surrounding neighbourhoods by an improved public transport system.
  • A revitalisation plan focussed on infrastructure improvements within the existing communities: improved public spaces; reclamation and transformation of underutilised land; incorporation of pedestrian routes; provision of additional shading through planting and structures to create ‘cool streets’ that will encourage pedestrian movement.
Project type: Estate & Housing Renewal
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Client: Urban Planning Council of Abu Dhabi and The Emirates Foundation
Stage: Masterplan
Programme: 2008–2009
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Project Team
Joanna Allen
Joanna Allen
Partner
Marcus Adams
Marcus Adams
Managing Partner
Graeme Phillips
Graeme Phillips
Partner
Bill Sands
Bill Sands
Head of Visualisation
Collaborators
Joachim Eble Architektur
Tags
Transport, Sustainability, Community Planning, Charrette
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