Zooming In Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan
6.2 Zooming In: Capital District The Capital District is one of the major strategic initiatives of the “Plan Abu Dhabi 2030” Urban Structure Framework Plan. It is the answer to many questions: a vital component of an integrated traffic solution; a necessary element of the emerging capital city and its image; and a service center for Emirati neighborhoods on the mainland. The Capital District provides a large amount of office space and employment opportunities but is differentiated from the CBD in terms of its focus. While the CBD is the prime location of big business, commerce and finance, the Capital District concentrates the government, academic and knowledge based sectors. New universities provide a great potential for synergies with the high-tech sector, and new major research hospitals multiply the synergies in the medical sector. The government area punctuates the Capital City Framework of Abu Dhabi, giving the city an iconic district to showcase its institutions. Adjacent to the government quarter, the embassy precinct reinforces the importance of the Capital District through iconic architecture and diplomatic presence. By providing another focus of employment surrounded by residential neighborhoods, the Capital District radically alters the pattern of vehicle trips, easing pressure on the boulevards of Abu Dhabi Island. The Capital District is an ideal terminus for the metro lines, which will bring students to the university, patients to the hospital, and government employees to their offices. The retail density of the Capital District is primarily allocated to the Central Souq area, in close contact with the metro lines and high speed rail. The Central Souq is an opportunity to create a vibrant regional retail node in a typology more typical of the region’s heritage. Mirroring the CBD, residential density is greatest in the central area of 20-25 storey towers, sloping down steeply from there. Priority has been given to maximizing the amount of low density Emirati housing, so as to house Emiratis near the primary center of the economic sectors they dominate. As outlined in the Building Blocks section, low density residential areas are always in proximity to higher density ‘high streets’ in order to ensure easy access to products and services. The area’s design and street pattern are conceptual. This area requires a comprehensive plan and urban design scheme, especially to fully realize not only its functional requirements but also the symbolic and commemorative needs of the National and emirate governments. It also requires further consideration of its name, and ultimately, all or a portion of the area will likely be designated in law as the official “National Government District”.
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