ABU DHABI // Upcoming transport projects in the capital will create fewer disruptions than were caused by the Salam Street tunnel work, the Government has said.
Abu Dhabi is preparing to break ground in the next two to three years on a number of multibillion-dirham initiatives in its overhaul of the transport system, including a 340km tram network and up to 130km of Metro lines. The eventual goal is to encourage up to 40 per cent of commuters to use public transit during rush hour.
But unlike the Salam Street work, which has clogged roads in the central business district and reportedly caused trade to fall by a third for some businesses, the new projects will use less-invasive techniques.
On Salam Street, construction crews began building an eight-lane tunnel this year using a "cut-and-cover" technique, in which the tunnel is dug from surface level.
The Metro, scheduled to open in 2016, will also be mostly underground.
The tunnelling will use a boring machine and remove a large amount of earth at the ends of the tunnels, leaving the surface streets intact, said Dr Alan Perkins, the senior planning manager of transport, infrastructure and environment at the Urban Planning Council (UPC).
"The development of the stations will witness more activity, although many of these will be constructed as part of new developments in the Capital District, Masdar, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island," he said.
The city's tram service, set to open in 2014, will be at surface level, but the lines will mostly be built atop the central strip down dual carriageways. "Tram tracks will have some impact, such as closing of some traffic lanes, but should not involve the closing of whole sections of existing streets in the city, thereby having a minimal effect," he said.
The rail projects are part of a new emphasis by the Government on reducing dependence on the automobile, said Colin Hill, technical director of Otak International, a consultant for the UPC.
"The focus is not on moving cars as quickly as possible; it's about moving people as efficiently as possible," he said.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
2020 Oscars winners: in numbers
- Parasite – 4
- 1917– 3
- Ford v Ferrari – 2
- Joker – 2
- Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood – 2
- American Factory – 1
- Bombshell – 1
- Hair Love – 1
- Jojo Rabbit – 1
- Judy – 1
- Little Women – 1
- Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl) – 1
- Marriage Story – 1
- Rocketman – 1
- The Neighbors' Window – 1
- Toy Story 4 – 1
Why the Tourist Club?
Originally, The Club (which many people chose to call the “British Club”) was the only place where one could use the beach with changing rooms and a shower, and get refreshments.
In the early 1970s, the Government of Abu Dhabi wanted to give more people a place to get together on the beach, with some facilities for children. The place chosen was where the annual boat race was held, which Sheikh Zayed always attended and which brought crowds of locals and expatriates to the stretch of beach to the left of Le Méridien and the Marina.
It started with a round two-storey building, erected in about two weeks by Orient Contracting for Sheikh Zayed to use at one these races. Soon many facilities were planned and built, and members were invited to join.
Why it was called “Nadi Al Siyahi” is beyond me. But it is likely that one wanted to convey the idea that this was open to all comers. Because there was no danger of encountering alcohol on the premises, unlike at The Club, it was a place in particular for the many Arab expatriate civil servants to join. Initially the fees were very low and membership was offered free to many people, too.
Eventually there was a skating rink, bowling and many other amusements.
Frauke Heard-Bey is a historian and has lived in Abu Dhabi since 1968.
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The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
