The Abu Dhabi government has announced a new set of rules and guidelines applicable for any development on the emirates coastline.  The Coastal Development Guidelines initiative is part of Pan Abu Dhabi 2030, or Vision 2030, and is being implemented by the Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council (UPC).   

UPC Director-General Falah Al Ahbabi, said “The goal for the coastal development guidelines is to improve the environmental performance of coastal developments by incorporating key environmental considerations at the conceptual stage.”  The guidelines exempt coastal parks and ecological hotspots from dredging, reclamation, or other activates that change the environment.  The guidelines also identify protected areas and national parks to help promote the emirates tourism industry.