I attended the Cityscape last month and minus the coincidental glance to Sheikh Mohammed like last year, the exhibit was indeed interesting. For an expat like me, I mumbled at some point that I should treasure these shots in reference to the exciting future of this emirate. That means that I should strive to have a healthy life in order to live longer and witness the results of the urban planning in two decades coming into full swing. Oh well, everyone aims that. Anyway, we visited first the booth of the agency which is responsible for the development of master plans for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (also referred as Abu Dhabi Plan 2030). They have updated the lifesize 3D model:
Ferrari World, the biggest indoor theme park in the world.
The furthest leaning mandmade tower to date. Otherwise known as the Capital Gate.
Capital District, the future seat of royal and government offices, embassies and the like. The planning for security must really be challenging.
With my old favorites:
I hope to get inside this spiral building (head office) of Aldar, the developer of Ferrari World
Performing Arts Center in Saadiyat Island. Inside it will be a music and concert hall, drama theatre and an opera house.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum, aimed to be the largest of the Guggenheims. The most interesting aspect to me is the idea that it is being built on the water at all sides.
As we went out of the booth, the last thing that struck me was the image of this young UAE national shown on the video. How lucky he is that the government is genuinely taking care of him. The concept of starting it right by urban planning is more than commendable. As for someone like me who hails from a beautiful yet developing country, which I regard highly despite of its limitations, I had other things running in my mind like the what ifs and how my very own survived and how we can better manage the risk of not having an urban planning, that if one had the resources — how much will be spent on the plan’s model and the execution of the plan itself.
We checked the other booths and here are other eyecatching images amongst the many which were all outstanding, especially if you saw them face to face.
One of the interesting mosques
A bigger replica of Capital Gate
Stadium
A beautiful piece from Hispano Decor
Sheikh Zayed bridge, named after the first president of the UAE.
Another mosque sample in a community
Model houses for UAE Nationals. Note the combination of traditional Arabic and modern architecture. Amongst the moving projects which are really noticeable are the housing programs for the locals. I appreciate the government’s approach of taking care of the homes first.
And hey… there was a campaign related to Cambodia in Cityscape. No other booths for the Philippines and the rest of those in Southeast Asia.
The government of Abu Dhabi has so many projects and with the things which are controllable and beyond their control, I would really be happy if a) Plan 2030 will materialize as intended, b) I’m still alive that time to see the developments via the internet or some more advance medium and c) if I’m still groovy and can re-visit Abu Dhabi before 2030 with my grandchildren so I can witness my photos coming into life.
witsandnuts 
0 thoughts on “Cityscape Abu Dhabi”
dong ho
what a city to behold! you know what it will be years from now. what im more amazed is they look at the whole city in miniature perspective and deals it with great road and structure planning.
LikeLike
sheng
Great planning from the Emirate, I wish the Philippines will take care of the homes first too, not taking care of the self interests, because, I think they initially want to take care of themselves first before others which is a big irony to the Constitution which remains as is: Service before self.
LikeLike
bursky
O_O if only planning was this extensive in Manila! gosh… imagine the foresight and great vision that went into planning all of this. gives me an idea of how Marcos was, i guess, in building his version of Manila. i love him for that but not his means getting there. 😀
LikeLike
witsandnuts
I’m a fan of the late president Marcos – of the genius and genuine (yes, there was!) side of him.
LikeLike
reena
Nakakainggit. Buti pa dyan. Dito kasi, it’s piecemeal planning and it’s very dependent on local government politics.
LikeLike
witsandnuts
Mahirap talaga pag hindi nasimulan nang tama. Politically motivated na (most of) the approvals.
LikeLike
kg
grabe! i think just making those models is already hardwork!
hay, sana sa pilipinas ganyan din…
LikeLike
My Travel Folio
So many interesting things happening in UAE. Wow! I wonder what will they put in Ferrari World?
I will ask hubby to look for a job there so we could live there. Hahaha!
LikeLike
witsandnuts
That’s a good idea! 🙂
By the way, most of the structures mentioned are already existing including the Ferrari World (I’m yet to visit). Here’s a link to the website to see what’s in store: http://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/.
LikeLike
angeli
ang galing no? parang sa sci-fi lang yan makikita but abu dhabi is making it a reality.
LikeLike
rob
.. that capital gate structure will be fascinating once built! i’m now in ajman wits (for a short stay due to work assignment), and i see a number of unfinished buildings here that looks abandoned, i read that things went wrong where projects were delayed or cancelled due to the financial crisis.
LikeLike
witsandnuts
The capital gate’s construction is finished. I will try to take a photo if we have the chance to drop by. 🙂
Ajman is one of the seven emirates in the UAE. Yes, there are unfinished constructions there and in Dubai, too, because of the meltdown. That’s why the government of Abu Dhabi was very careful with its urban planning.
LikeLike
Photo Cache
UAE is wise in gearing up for a future that does not include total dependence on petroleum. For this I have high praises.
LikeLike
chyng
wow, ang galing ng craftsmanship!
im a fan of architectural designs, pero di yan kinuha kong course nung college. sayang. hehe
LikeLike
Beverly
I believe Abu Dhabi would achieve their 2030 vision as they are taking it in stride. Looking at how much Dubai had ambitiously achieved over a short period (forget about how much in debt it is right now. I am amazed at all the developments even at the outskirts) alone is not impossible for Abu Dhabi to finance over a longer period.
Kasama kita nangangarap na makita ang Abu Dhabi sa 2030 🙂
LikeLike
Misalyn
Mapapa-wow! ka talaga. Sama rin akong mangarap na makita ang Abu Dhabi 2030 🙂
Yung leaning tower, may nabasa ako, hindi ko lang matandaan kung saan, bawal syang piktyuran kaya minsan napunta kami ng Abu Dhabi hindi ko na lang itinuloy kunan yun. Takot ako.
LikeLike
docgelo
i smell continuous spectacular progress in your world, jo!
andyan brother at pinsan ko sa abu dhabi, wish i can visit them someday.
wonder how beautiful ferrari world is.
LikeLike
The Nomadic Pinoy
How great it would be for you to return to Abu Dhabi in 2030 amd see all these plans come into fruition? I could only wish the same is true for Manila, or the Philippines in general.
LikeLike
bw
so much money in the UAE ! First Dubai, now Abu Dhabi. They’re showcasing to the world sophisticated architecture that beats everyone 🙂
LikeLike