Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 intends that only limited development occurs within these lagoons, and indicates that a high percentage of these areas be maintained as undeveloped, open space. These Coastal Development Guidelines represent the first step in advancing the Environmental Framework Policies outlines in Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.

The specific objectives of the Coastal Development Guidelines are to:

• Preserve natural and cultural heritage for future generations
• Provide opportunity for recreation, relaxation and enjoyment of Abu Dhabi’s unique coastal lagoon setting
• Maintain the ecological services provided by the lagoons, including shoreline stability, carbon absorption and water purification
• Help shape Abu Dhabi as a city of compact, mixed use communities with a unique sense of place( by preventing sprawl along the coast)
• Provide easy access and connectivity from the city and between the lagoons

The Coastal Development Guidelines apply to the largely undeveloped coastal lagoons that are situated adjacent to Abu Dhabi Island, extending from Al Dab’biyah Peninsula northwest to the Hudayriat Islands, and from Abu Dhabi Island northeast to Ra’s Hanyoura, and also including the Ra’s Ghanada lagoon northeast of Taweelah.

The Coastal Development Guidelines is one of the first initiatives resulting from the earlier introduced Natural and Cultural Heritage Strategy, and is an integral aspect of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030’s Environment Framework Plan. The newly introduced guidelines provide direction for development in the major coastal basins extending from the Al Dhabiya island to the boundary with Dubai Emirate – which are referred to as the Bul Syaeef, Inner Islands, Ras Gharab and Ras Ghanadah basins.

Within each area, there will be management strategies ranging from a fully preserved natural reserve, which protects the most important natural and cultural assets, to stewardship zones, which are urban in nature but that promote sustainable design and social inclusion.

According to the guidelines stipulated in the document, coastal parks and ecological hotspots are exempt from activities such as dredging, reclamation or other physical alteration activities of the environment. Only small scale visitor facilities and related services can be deployed in these areas. Access to these areas is limited to ferries and small, non-motorized boats.

The key objective of the Coastal Development Guidelines is not to isolate these areas from the public, but rather create a framework which will make them accessible and available to the people of Abu Dhabi whilst ensuring they are protected and preserved. For example, water sports and especially non-motorized boating are encouraged and areas suitable for camping and picnic facilities will be designated in appropriate locations to serve the population. Any docks, moorage or related infrastructure will also be very carefully designated and designed to avoid impacts to natural habitat.