More than 100 urban spaces have been revitalised by the Department of Municipalities and Transport.
With the slogan ‘Open air awaits you in Abu Dhabi’, the attractive pockets of new and improved urban spaces provide sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the Emirate throughout the year.
Among the biggest regenerated spaces are the (E-25) Park and Sports Centre in Al Nahyan, entrance area of the International School of Choueifat, in Mohammed bin Khalifa Street, near Mushrif Park, Zayed University.
Situated between streets, parking and buildings, the spaces are openly accessible to the public and designed for everyday use. They feature a wider range of leisure facilities, as well as misting systems, ‘green walls’, lightweight concrete pavement slabs and native plants and trees, all of which help cool the area.
Some spaces also feature uniquely stylish canopies that are designed to improve the Universal Thermal Comfort Index (UTCI) from May to October, by maximising shade from the morning and afternoon sun. The canopies also roll up at night to allow cooling of the area in the evenings.
Each space aims to improve quality of life, health and wellbeing of communities in surrounding areas, by providing more open and inclusive areas to explore, interact and relax, during different times of the day and for most parts of the year.
Latifa Al Hallami, Acting Director of Urban Growth, at Department of Municipalities and Transport, said: “At the DMT, we are redefining the use of urban spaces in Abu Dhabi, as multifunctional shared areas that build upon social integration, and stimulate a sense of belonging for people of all ages.
“The regeneration of urban spaces its ongoing enhancements, supporting health, wellbeing and biodiversity, while contributing to a more comfortable, liveable and sustainable Emirate.
“Each new feature of the revitalised urban spaces will have a symbiotic relationship with the surrounding area, ensuring they remain an integral part of infrastructure by delivering high-quality urban spaces for communities across Abu Dhabi.”
The public enhancement have included citywide public art projects, creative urban spaces and streets, active sports grounds, resting pods, colourful playgrounds and (climate cooling plazas).