Book Chapter

“Comparing Waterfront Land-Use Dynamics in Abu Dhabi and Dubai: A Quantitative Analysis and Correlation with the Developing Urban Environment”

A two-year Research Project, funded by the Research Office of Abu Dhabi University is officially concluded by its fruition as a book chapter at an esteemed publication.

Together with two talented ADU alumni, Diana Abdul Naser Enab and Rama Taha Al Nuaimi, we examined the waterfront profiles’ development for Abu Dhabi and Dubai: two neighboring cities with urban evolution similarities and key growth models/approach differences. The chapter’s objective is to analyze the quantitative and spatial properties of their sea-city interface through its urban history and attempt future projections. This analysis leads to a qualitative interpretation of the urban characteristics of the shoreline development and the dual-way impact between the sea and the urban fabric (including social, land-use, and morphological factors). The analysis’ outcome provides critique on the actuality of the strong relationship of Abu Dhabi and Dubai with the sea. Issues like the “open city”, accessibility, usage are examined. Furthermore, it attempts to entertain the popular comparison between the two cities in terms of urban growth models and attractiveness.

Book DOI: https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003204565