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Approach Words: Diverse Economy, Inclusive City, Urban Livability
Public Policy Instruments: Physical Intervention, Planning
The Corniche Abu Dhabi is a waterfront promenade stretching down the coast, with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.1 It has a recreational and touristic public space with parks that blend modern and natural elements.2 Its vision is to revamp the Corniche as a “premier waterfront destination, blending leisure, recreational, and cultural experiences”.3 It aims to create a distinctive and vibrant tourist attraction,4 by enhancing its connection to the iconic beach, serving as a focal point for the city’s skyline and reinforcing its status as a major landmark.5
The corniche contributed to implementing the vision, through its master plan, which prioritized urban livability, inclusiveness, and economic diversity, incorporating strategic urban planning, zoning regulations, and infrastructure enhancements across various phases of planning and physical interventions.6 The project, following Abu Dhabi 2030 urban masterplan, aims to create accessible, green public spaces that serve all demographics and promote economic diversity.7 8 The master plan is realized through advanced planning techniques, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable development practices,9 certifying the Corniche a vibrant part of Abu Dhabi’s urban landscape.10
Title: A screenshot that shows the corniche strip on the map.
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Title: Waterfront Master Plan and Landscape Design of the Corniche.
Source: Click Here
Title: 3D aerial of the Corniche, facing Lulu Island.
Source: Click Here
Title: Aerial view of the corniche strip.
Source: Click Here
Title: A screenshot that shows the corniche strip on the map.
Source: Click Here
Title: Waterfront Master Plan and Landscape Design of the Corniche.
Source: Click Here
Title: 3D aerial of the Corniche, facing Lulu Island.
Source: Click Here
Title: Aerial view of the corniche strip.
Source: Click Here
The Corniche is an eight-kilometer stretch along Abu Dhabi’s northwest coast,11 opposite the Marina Mall and the Heritage Village. It runs from the Emirates Palace Hotel to the fish market, surrounded by famous buildings like Etihad Towers and Khalidiya Palace.12 It is easily accessible from various parts of the city, particularly close to the neighborhoods of Al Khalidiya, Al Bateen, and the Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah).13
It can be reached by taxi, cab, or Bus 34 to Corniche Street Shop as several bus routes serve the area. Cars can use the Corniche Abu Dhabi location plus code F8FR+93.i The free beach is reached from the intersection of Corniche Road and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street.14 15
This project features diverse public spaces and facilities for both local and tourist visitors.16 Corniche Beach, awarded Blue Flagii status, spans half of the Corniche length, offering sun loungers, umbrellas, and watersports like jet ski and boat rentals.17 The Corniche Breakwater hosts major attractions such as Marina Mall, with its bowling alley, ice rink, and designer brands, and Heritage Village, which recreates a pre-oil-era enclave.18 The Corniche also includes a cycle path with bike hire stations,19 Al Lulu Island for a city respite, various food and drink options, and children’s playgrounds and entertainment at the Family Park.20
The Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DUPM) validated the Master Development Plan for the Abu Dhabi Corniche,21 assigning Miral Asset Management as the main contractor to enhance public-private sector collaboration.22 The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) together with Martha Schwartz Partners (MSP) worked on restoring the Corniche as a city landmark and sustainable model.23 Led by Parsons International, LANDinc was part of the design;24 besides, the National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC) contributed to the Corniche’s development through extensive dredging and land reclamation activities.25
Abu Dhabi’s Corniche has undergone several stages of construction since the city’s early development in the 1960s.26 In the 1970s, the Corniche served as a small harbor before the construction of Port Zayed.27 Efforts to expand the Corniche began in the 1970s and 1980s,28 leading to its transformation into a municipal area in the late 1990s and early 2000s, featuring parks, walkways, and beaches to attract international tourists.29 Between 2001 and 2005, significant developments took place,30 31including the reclamation of 800,000 square meters of land, extensive infrastructure enhancements, and introducing various amenities.32 The late 2000s to early 2010s saw further beautification, sustainable initiatives, and mixed-use development including recreational facilities.33 In June 2007, a mixed-use development commenced with a 1-billion-dollar investment from International Capital Trading and leading banks.34 By late 2008, the first phase, costing around 29 million dollars and involving land reclamation and the construction of a 2-kilometer artificial beach and park areas, constructed by the Gulf Contractors Company, and commissioned by Abu Dhabi Municipality.35 The entire project was completed by 2010.36
Project Link
https://www.bayut.com/mybayut/corniche-abu-dhabi-guide/
Endnotes
References
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