Aligned with the objectives of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, the regeneration of Shahama and Bahia seeks to transform these highway-oriented settlements into a connected, climate-responsive and socially cohesive urban district. Identified as a key portal to Abu Dhabi, the area is planned to accommodate an additional 100,000 residents while supporting a more diverse economy, improved mobility, environmental sustainability and the preservation of local cultural identity.

The project was underpinned by one of Abu Dhabi’s first and pioneering community engagement processes focused on neighbourhood-scale issues, directly involving local representatives. Insights from this process informed a six-day design charrette that established a shared vision and revitalisation strategy for the wider area.

Project Delivery

– One of the first community engagement processes in Abu Dhabi attended by local representatives that focussed 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 for 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.