Abu Dhabi’s urban development path contrasts sharply with that of its exuberant neighbour, Dubai.
Following the introduction and description of Abu Dhabi’s early modern history, Alamira Reem focusses on three distinct periods dating from the discovery of oil in 1960, and coinciding with periods in power of the three rulers since then: Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1960—1966), Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1966—2004) and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2004—). Based on archival research, key interviews and spatial mapping, she analyses the different approaches of each ruler to development; investigates the role of planning consultants, architects, developers, construction companies and government agencies; examines the emergence of comprehensive development plans and the policies underlying them; and assesses the effects of these many and varied influences on Abu Dhabi’s development, concluding that, while much still needs to be done, Abu Dhabi’s progress towards becoming a global, sustainable city provides lessons for cities elsewhere.
About the Author
Emirati architect and urban planning, design and development specialist Dr Alamira Reem Bani Hashim is currently Project Manager of the UAE Architecture Initiative, aiming to advance architectural and planning knowledge in the UAE.
About the Publisher
Founded in 1836, Routledge has published many of the greatest thinkers and scholars of the last 100 years, including Adorno, Einstein, Russell, Popper, Wittgenstein, Jung, Bohm, Hayek, McLuhan, Marcuse and Sartre. Today, Routledge is the world’s leading academic publisher in the humanities and social sciences, publishing thousands of books and journals each year and serving scholars, instructors and professional communities worldwide.
