July 2, 2009: Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) on Wednesday revealed its Corniche Public Beach Development Plan, UPC said in a press release.Abu Dhabi residents will soon enjoy an interactive beach front with new events and restaurants as part of the new plan, according to UPC, the agency responsible for the future of Abu Dhabi's urban environments and the management and implementation of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030. The plan incorporates cultural, environmental and aesthetic influences shaping Abu Dhabi's urban design framework will allow people to contribute in the development of the City and the overall vision of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030. The UPC in collaboration with the Executive Affairs Authority (EAA), Abu Dhabi Municipality (ADM), Department of Transport (DOT) and Abu Dhabi Police will enhance the Corniche beachfront and plazas, it said.

The planned improvements will ensure that the Corniche provides comprehensive recreation and leisure opportunities for the entire Abu Dhabi community. It will create a sense of place by providing a youth and family oriented experiences in Abu Dhabi with a beach boardwalk and facilities for cycling and sports such as beach football and volleyball, skateboarding as well as other leisure and entertainment activities while implementing cultural and environmental activities and promotions. The majority of the new outlets will be present for the first time in Abu Dhabi and will provide visitors new choices of distinct local and international flavors and the opportunity to dine outdoors and enjoy the unique Corniche beach amenities and views, just as they would at a luxury resort.

"The Development Plan encompassed the input of all stakeholders to establish the Abu Dhabi Corniche as a leading entertainment destination and a first choice for residents and visitors to our city all year round," General Manager of Abu Dhabi Urban planning Council, H.E Falah Al Ahbabi commented on the new project. The Development Plan will transform the Corniche into a highly interactive and safer environment for the community. The new design will provide easy access for pedestrians and parking solutions that work within the existing surroundings. The plan will enhance lighting, shading, pedestrian flow, and access points into site. It will ensure that all functional requirements services, utilities, road junctions are set to the world's best practices.

The Corniche Public Beach Development Plan is envisaged as a continuous enhancement and activation of the Corniche Public Beach site to stimulate increased community engagement and promote social sustainability, one of the key four pillars of Estidama, which means sustainability in Arabic, an Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) initiative that groups communities together, organisations, businesses and policy-makers to help the UAE capital achieve global sustainability leadership. As part of a three year development programme, work on the initial phase of the revitalization of the Abu Dhabi Corniche will be completed by October 2009.