Shahama Bahia Revitalization Masterplan
Introduction
The vision of revitalizing Shahama and Bahia was developed with
a specific focus on the economic and physical existing
implementation realities that exist in this particular area. With
this purpose in mind, a fully integrated, multidisciplinary
analysis and design process was laid out. The main components of
the proposed plan are a robust public
space and traffic framework, a clearly outlined centers approach
and a consistentneighborhoods and communities revitalization
strategy. These elements will enhancethe existing communities and
develop them into an urban residential area with adistinct Emirati
identity. The master plan offers the capacity for a large number
ofnew Emirati households, which will further strengthen the new
identity of the area.
Masterplan area in the context of greater Abu
Dhabi
The Masterplan area is located to the North-East of central Abu
Dhabi, on the E10 Highway road from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. It
incorporates the communities of Coastal Bahia, Bahia, Old & New
Shahama. The area is located at a straight distance of just over 30
km and a driving distance of approximately 40 kilometers from Abu
Dhabi downtown and the Corniche. The masterplan area is located
close to the Abu Dhabi Airport and the YAS Island. It is located on
the fringe of the future city network, with a direct road link to
the Capital District development.
The master planning area is divided into two separate planning
area; Coastal Bahia located on the coast and New Bahia and Shahama
intersected by highways. The two locations are separated by a
farmland area where a large number of active farms are located.
The location of the area is unique in the context of Abu Dhabi
due to it's combinedproximity to the highway network and the coast.
The coastal area is included intothe Coastal Development Guidelines
area appointed by UPC as a Coastal StewardshipZone.
The overall planning area houses approximately 25,000
inhabitants according to dataprovided. The larger part of the area
is taken up by low density, Emirati housing, with a total of
approximately 2,300 plots.
The masterplan area was one of the first area of the Abu Dhabi
mainland developments that took place, most of the communities were
developed between 1980 and 1990 and are therefore aged between 20
and 30 years.
Shahama Bahia Existing Situation
The existing area of Shahama Bahia is a predominantly Emirati
Housing area. The masterplan area consists of a total of approx.
1,770 hectares, divided over 550 hectares in Coastal Bahia and
1,220 in Shahama and Old Bahia. Overall a total of approximately
2,300 individual housing plots are located on the site. In relation
to the amount of dwellings and inhabitants, the level of services
is relatively limited. In the area a significant number of plots
has been allocated on which no building or development activity has
yet taken place.
Principles for the master plan development
An number of principles have been formulated, that will guide
the draft masterplan and its development.
- Ensure minimal disturbance of existing plots;
- Ensure minimal disturbance in combination with good development
opportunities for unbuilt allocated plots;
- Ensure the enhancement of existing communities;
- Ensure economic feasibility;
- Ensure technical feasibility;
- Ensure sustainable development following the recommendations of
the SEA and where possible the Estidama Communities
guidelines;
- Allow for managed growth potential, in the immediate and
further future (ie. Possible extensions into the farmland
areas).
Shahama Bahia Revitalization Masterplan