The Environmental Atlas of Abu Dhabi Emirate

Pathways

Shaping a Sustainable Emirate Throughout history, there has been a reciprocal relationship between mankind and the environment. Abu Dhabi’s astounding growth over recent decades has been largely due to the wealth that stems from the development of its natural resources, specifically its oil and gas sector, but this is not the whole story. The Emirate’s development evolved out of many factors, including its unique culture and society. As Abu Dhabi moves into the future, it will increasingly adopt a holistic approach incorporating both culture and the environment to ensure the creation of a confident, secure society. The following sections highlight the processes behind the growth and significant landmark events during Abu Dhabi’s development. For example, changes in the population profile and cultural landscape have been significant and, while urbanisation has created new opportunities for growth and improved services, it has also imposed challenges and ‘costs’ that require good governance and prudent management. Planned upcoming government-wide policy agendas include a series of 2030 master plans that address urban planning, economy, transportation, sustainability

and the environment. Challenges in these areas include the impacts of climate change, shifting trade patterns, resource depletion and continuing massive population changes. In striving to keep growth sustainable, the Abu Dhabi government is investing in the delivery of high quality health and education, the fundamental building blocks of the social and technological infrastructure of the future. This will create a wealth of new opportunities and innovative pathways towards a sustainable, open and globally competitive economy. These future residents will inherit an ever-changing landscape, part natural and part man-made. Until recently, Abu Dhabi’s harsh environment demanded extraordinary commitment by previous generations just to survive. Today, technology means that this same environment can be used to enhance our standard of living. However, this, in turn, has involved the exploitation of the environment and natural resources, which is why the care of them requires special attention.

Photograph Artist’s Rendering of the Guggenheim Museum in the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island